Future Shapers - The Silicon South Conference 2026

The conference for people shaping the future of technology, creativity and opportunity in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Future Shapers brings together founders, creatives, technologists, educators, students, business leaders and innovators to explore the ideas, technologies and skills that will define the next decade.

Hosted by Silicon South, this flagship event will feature inspiring keynote speakers, thought leaders, entrepreneurs and industry experts who are on the cusp of innovation and helping shape the future of their industries. Alongside national voices, some of the very best talent, businesses and future shapers from across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will take to the stage to share their experiences, insights and ambitions for the region.

Throughout the day, attendees will explore topics including AI and the future of work, entrepreneurship and innovation, future skills, digital creativity, diversity in tech and the opportunities emerging from a rapidly changing world.

Expect inspiring keynotes, practical learning sessions, thought-provoking discussions and valuable networking opportunities with the people helping shape the future of BCP.

Tickets include lunch and refreshments throughout the day.

Future Shapers is more than a conference. It is a celebration of ambition, innovation and community, bringing together those who are building what comes next.

Info: Meet delegates, speakers, sponsors and some of the people shaping BCP's technology, creative and business ecosystem.

Info: Setting out the vision for Future Shapers and Silicon South's ambition to unite the people and organisations shaping the future of BCP.

Info: This won’t be a keynote where you simply sit back and listen.

Futurist and author Henry Coutinho-Mason will turn the Future Shapers audience into active participants, capturing ideas, perspectives and predictions from across the room to build a picture of the future we collectively see for technology, work, careers and the BCP region.

Along the way, Henry will bring in the latest global trends, emerging innovations and shifts in human behaviour, exploring what’s changing, what’s coming next and what it could mean for businesses, leaders and people here in BCP.

Expect fresh thinking, audience participation and plenty of conversation as we explore not just what the future might look like, but the role we can all play in shaping it.

Info: AI is everywhere, but how do you move beyond the hype and actually put it to work inside a real organisation?

In this keynote, Mike will explore how AI and emerging technologies are being adopted in practice, drawing on real-world experiences from Vitality and the lessons being learned along the way.

From identifying where AI can genuinely make a difference to navigating implementation, people, culture and changing ways of working, Mike will share an inside perspective on turning technological possibility into meaningful business impact.

This is a practical look at AI in action: what’s working, what organisations are learning and what leaders should be thinking about now as they prepare their businesses and people for what comes next.

Info: A forward-looking conversation exploring what the creative agency of the next 5–10 years will look like. Jessica Bain and Nick Blenkarne join Lauren Cooper to discuss how AI, automation, evolving client expectations and new business models are reshaping agencies, and what these changes mean for creativity, talent, leadership and the people at the heart of the industry.

Info: An award-winning technology leader, TEDx speaker, angel investor and transformation coach with 24+ years of global experience. Padma spent 18+ years at Cognizant and has led global deals worth more than $150m.

Recognised among the Top 10 Diverse Leaders in UK Tech, TechWomen100 and Brainz 500 Global, she will explore how leaders can navigate AI-driven uncertainty and turn disruption into opportunity.

Info: Culture and employee experience experts who have worked with major organisations including LinkedIn, Hilton, PepsiCo, Dulux and Bupa.
Their work includes a TEDx Editors' Pick, and this session will challenge leaders to embrace AI and innovation without losing sight of the people and culture that determine organisational success.

Info: Can BCP Become One of the UK’s Most Exciting Creative, Innovation and Tech Ecosystems? A conversation between some of BCP's most accomplished technology, business and creative leaders.

Andrew Radcliffe co-founded Spyrosoft and helped build it into an international technology group with around 2,000 consultants and approaching £100m revenue.

Georgina Hurcombe MBE founded LoveLove Films and created Pop Paper City, distributed by Aardman to 170+ international territories.

Sarah Levett, MD of Salo Creative and Chartered Marketer, is a BIMA100 CEOs & Leaders category winner.

Hosted by Dan Ware, an experienced technology entrepreneur and business leader with a passion for strengthening the BCP ecosystem.

Together they will explore what BCP needs to do to become a nationally recognised centre for technology, creativity and innovation.

Info: An international keynote and TEDx speaker, published author, executive coach and Responsible AI leadership specialist with 20+ years' experience in technology and transformation.

A former Shell digital transformation leader, Faith has been recognised among the FT-listed UK Top 50 Leading Lights for Kindness & Leadership and is part of the AI Growth Alliance for Hampshire and Solent.

She will explore how leaders can embrace AI while keeping people, ethics, inclusion and trust at the centre of decision-making.

Info: A former Google software engineer, Jelte went on to found Dorset-based savvy navvy, the technology platform often described as the “Google Maps for boats”.

He has raised millions through crowdfunding, built an international user base and was named Scale-Up Entrepreneur of the Year at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

A powerful local success story demonstrating that globally ambitious technology companies can be built right here in BCP.

Info: Bringing together the day's ideas and looking at how businesses, individuals and organisations can help shape the future of BCP.

Event venue & nearby stays

Hilton Bournemouth, Terrace Road, Bournemouth, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.

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