About this Event
A free day in Manchester for IT leaders in North West businesses: what Microsoft announced at Ignite, and what’s worth acting on.
Microsoft Ignite takes place in San Francisco from 17 to 20 November. Two weeks later, Ignite the North brings what it means to Manchester.
This is a free, in-person day for senior IT leaders and decision makers in North West businesses. We’ll cut through the announcements and focus on what matters for mid-sized organisations: what to act on now, what to plan for, and what can wait.
The day
Doors open at 10:00 with coffee. Rob Fawcett opens with the keynote, followed by four practical breakout sessions. Mark Agnew closes the day, then drinks and networking start at 16:00. We finish at 17:00.
Opening keynote: Rob Fawcett, The Human CTO
Microsoft Ignite 2026, translated: what they said, and what it means for you on Monday
Rob is Founder and Principal Consultant at The Human CTO, an independent consultancy that helps organisations cut through hype and make practical technology decisions. Just two weeks after Microsoft Ignite, he’ll answer three questions every business leader is asking: What did Microsoft actually announce? What’s worth acting on now? What can wait?
Breakout sessions
Three are confirmed: Azure Local with Lisa Clark of Dell Technologies, and Azure Virtual Desktop and Azure Site Recovery with Thomas Cowen of Pax8. Microsoft Ignite lands just two weeks before our event, so we’re finalising the fourth once we’ve seen what’s announced.
Closing speaker: Mark Agnew, Find Your Polar Bear
Lying in his tent in the Arctic, Mark Agnew was woken by a deep, guttural growl. A polar bear was trying to get in. It happened during a 103-day expedition in which Mark and his teammates kayaked the Arctic’s Northwest Passage, setting two world firsts, and Mark was named European Adventurer of the Year. In his closing talk, he shares practical, hard-won lessons for thriving when the ground shifts beneath you, a message that matters for any business navigating fast-moving technology. Mark is a best-selling author, record-setting adventurer and professional keynote speaker.
Who it’s for
IT directors, heads of IT and senior technology decision makers in North West businesses. Places are limited to around 80, so we confirm each registration individually.
Hosted by Nviron. Supported by Pax8, Microsoft and Dell.
Event venue & nearby stays
x+why 100 Embankment, Cathedral Approach, Salford, United Kingdom
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.