Welcome to Innovate to Accelerate
Hosted by Columbus and Partners
Event Agenda
Join us for a day of innovation and customer engagement across two specialized tracks
Thursday, April 23 2026
Arrival
Refreshments & networking
All AttendeesWelcome & Opening Remarks
Event overview, event tracks and partner introductions
Henry Anson Innovation and Evolve StageColumbus Keynote
Industry Trends & the New Era of Digital Transformation
Chris Mean Nick Hedderman Innovation and Evolve StageMorning Coffee
Coffee and networking
All AttendeesCustomer Engagement Stage
Focus on customer experience, commerce, and engagement strategies
Innovation and Evolve Stage
Focus on technology innovation, operations, and transformation
Personal, purposeful, convenient: What customers expect and what you should do
Rob Watson Rosie StanoOptimising operations: Smart factories, Connected data and supply chain integration
Kevin BullLunch
Gourmet lunch with vegetarian and vegan options available
All AttendeesDriving customer value with data, featuring Slimming World
sponsored by Censhare
Tarn Brown Slimming WorldHow to manage change: from disruption to direction
Ian KingstoneFeatured Speakers
Henry Anson
Event Host
Henry will be opening the event with welcome remarks and introducing the various tracks and partner organizations.
Chris Mean
CEO Columbus Global
Chris is a visionary leader with over 20 years of experience in technology innovation.
Nick Hedderman
Technology Strategist
Nick brings deep expertise in digital transformation and industry trends, helping organizations navigate the new era of technological advancement.
Fredrick Ahlers
AI Specialist
Fredrick is an expert in agentic AI systems and their practical applications in business environments.
Jack Binnall
AI Technology Lead
Jack specializes in implementing AI solutions and understanding their impact on modern business operations.
Rob Watson
Customer Experience Expert
Rob focuses on understanding customer expectations and developing strategies for personalized, purposeful, and convenient customer experiences.
Rosie Stano
Customer Engagement Strategist
Rosie specializes in developing customer engagement strategies that drive meaningful connections and business results.
Sally Howell
Managed Services Director
Sally leads initiatives to maximize value from managed services, with extensive experience in service optimization and customer success.
Kevin Bull
Operations Technology Expert
Kevin specializes in smart factory implementations, connected data systems, and supply chain integration technologies.
Tarn Brown
Data Strategy Consultant
Tarn focuses on driving customer value through data analytics and insights, with proven success in retail and consumer sectors.
Ian Kingstone
Change Management Expert
Ian specializes in helping organizations navigate change, turning disruption into strategic direction and competitive advantage.
Submit Your Question
Have a question for our speakers or about the event? Submit it here and we'll do our best to address it during the Q&A sessions.
Event Information
Getting There
By Car
Silverstone Circuit is located just off the A43, between Towcester and Brackley. Ample parking is available on-site.
Address: Silverstone Circuit, Towcester, NN12 8TN, UK
By Train
The nearest train station is Milton Keynes Central (15 miles). Shuttle service will be provided from the station.
By Air
Birmingham Airport (45 miles) and London Luton Airport (40 miles) are the closest airports.
Accommodation
We have secured special rates at nearby hotels:
- Silverstone Hotel - On-site, 5-minute walk
- Whittlebury Hall - 2 miles, luxury spa hotel
- Towcester Mill Hotel - 6 miles, boutique hotel
- Holiday Inn Milton Keynes - 15 miles, budget-friendly
Use booking code SILVER2026 for discounted rates.
What to Bring
- Event confirmation email and ID
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing (layers recommended)
- Sunglasses and sun protection
- Personal medications
- Notebook and pen for sessions
- Business cards for networking
Important Notes
- Badge must be worn at all times
- Photography allowed except during closed sessions
- WiFi available throughout the venue
- Charging stations located in the Atrium
- First aid stations marked on venue map
- Dietary requirements catered for (pre-registered)
- Event app available for iOS and Android
Health & Safety
- Emergency exits clearly marked
- First aid available at all times
- Security personnel on-site 24/7
- Please report any incidents to staff immediately
- Assembly point: Main car park entrance
Weather & Dress Code
Day Sessions: Business casual. Comfortable for indoor and outdoor activities.
Evening Dinner: Smart casual to business formal.
Track Activities: Casual, closed-toe shoes required.
March weather in UK can be unpredictable. Check forecast and dress in layers.
Contact & Support
Phone
During Event - Emergency Contact
For urgent matters during the event, contact the event coordinator:
Mobile: +44 7700 900 000