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
The keynote explores how emerging industry and technology trends, driven by AI, agentic systems, and intelligent automation, are reshaping innovation, accelerating disruption, and creating opportunities amid market volatility. Attendees will gain insights into how leading organisations, including Microsoft, leverage these forces to transform business models and drive growth.
Chris Mean Nick Hedderman Innovation and Evolve StageAgentic AI
Most organisations are experimenting with AI however, few are extracting real value. Columbus cover where Agentic AI is heading, what's blocking adoption, and how Columbus are helping customers move from interest to impact. Real use cases, honest blockers, and a practical next step.
Fredrick Ahlers Jack Binnall 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
TBC
Rob Watson Rosie StanoPanel Discussion: What Is The Future of Managed Services?
With the increase of AI-related technology and innovation, what does a future Managed Service model look like? This panel discussion, including customers and Columbus industry-experts, explores how continuous improvement and value-add innovation will be the focus in years to come, moving away from traditional Incident Management models.
Sally Howell CustomersLunch
Gourmet lunch with vegetarian and vegan options available
All AttendeesWhat on Earth Is PIM? From Chaos to Clarity - Unlocking Product Data for Real World Value, featuring Slimming World
Ever wondered how to unlock your product data? PIM might just be the answer.Discover how Product Information Management (PIM) cuts through scattered, inconsistent product data. This session shows how to turn data chaos into clarity, unlocking accuracy, efficiency and real‑world value, with insights from Slimming World on how PIM delivers consistent, trusted information, streamlines processes and strengthens customer experiences.
Tarn Brown Slimming WorldWinning in Motion: From Transformation to Rapid Adaptation
Why traditional transformation is no longer enough in a world of constant change. This session explores how leading organisations are shifting from heavy, episodic change programmes to a more continuous model of innovation, evolution and adaptation. It will introduce a practical way to sense change earlier, focus on what matters, test and learn faster, and turn innovation into real business value without overwhelming the organisation.Ideal for leaders looking to build a business that can keep moving, learning and winning in motion.
Ian KingstoneAI in Practice: How We Scaled Copilots, Agents, and Generative Innovation
How we systematically scaled AI adoption across our delivery practice. We'll share how these capabilities now drive AI-assisted development of customer tools and accelerators and how this journey has empowered us to create inspiring 'art of the possible' prototypes that spark new conversations and new value.
Steve Lyon Steve HigginsCustomer spotlight: Origin Enterprises
This session explores how Origin Enterprises transformed its operations through Microsoft Dynamics 365 and partnership with Columbus. It highlights overcoming complex, seasonal challenges, enabling real-time decision-making, automating processes, and building a scalable, data-driven foundation for innovation, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
Steve Weaver Derek Wilson Luke BaystonPanel discussion: From Insight to Action: Agentic AI and the Next Era of Intelligent Operations
As organisations evolve from data-driven to decision-driven, agentic AI is reshaping how work gets done. This panel explores how autonomous systems can enhance decision-making, accelerate execution, and unlock innovation—while balancing governance, risk, and human oversight in fast-moving, complex environments.
Akeneo Microsoft TBC Innovation and Evolve StageClosing Remarks
Wrap-up session summarizing key insights from the day's presentations. Henry and Chris will highlight major themes, actionable takeaways, and next steps for attendees to continue their innovation and transformation journeys.
Henry Anson Chris Mean Innovation and Evolve StageDriving Performance: Leadership, Innovation, and Resilience in Formula 1
This discussion explores Claire Williams' journey into Formula 1 leadership and the challenges of rebuilding team performance. It highlights leadership, resilience, innovation, and data-driven decision-making, alongside fostering culture, meeting relentless deadlines, and driving continuous improvement within regulatory and competitive constraints.
Claire Williams Jessica Gilmore Innovation and Evolve StageFeatured 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 and business transformation.
Nick Hedderman
Technology Strategist
Nick brings deep expertise in digital transformation and industry trends, helping organizations navigate the new era of technological advancement.
Frederik Ahlers
AI Specialist
Frederik 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.
Liz Leigh Bowler
Microsoft Representative
Liz brings Microsoft's perspective on emerging industry trends, AI innovation, and how leading organizations leverage technology to transform business models and drive growth.
James Willett
Panel Facilitator
James facilitates engaging panel discussions, bringing together industry experts and customers to explore the future of managed services and AI-driven innovation.
Steve Lyon
AI Implementation Lead
Steve leads AI adoption initiatives and shares practical insights on scaling Copilots, agents, and generative innovation across delivery practices and customer solutions.
Steve Higgins
AI Development Specialist
Steve specializes in AI-assisted development and creating innovative prototypes that demonstrate the art of the possible in AI applications and customer tools.
Steve Weaver
Origin Enterprises
Steve shares Origin Enterprises' transformation journey with Microsoft Dynamics 365, highlighting how they overcame complex operational challenges and built scalable, data-driven foundations.
Derek Wilson
Origin Enterprises
Derek provides insights into Origin Enterprises' operational transformation, focusing on real-time decision-making capabilities and process automation achievements.
Luke Bayston
Origin Enterprises
Luke discusses the technical aspects of Origin Enterprises' digital transformation, including system integration challenges and the benefits of their partnership with Columbus.
Claire Williams
Former Formula 1 Team Principal
Claire shares her leadership journey in Formula 1, discussing performance optimization, resilience, innovation, and data-driven decision-making in high-pressure competitive environments.
Jessica Gilmore
Event Lead & Interviewer
Jessica leads multiple sessions and conducts the exclusive interview with Claire Williams, bringing together insights on leadership, innovation, and business transformation.
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