On Thursday, November 28th, iNetwork returned to Manchester to host its 19th Annual Conference! We were joined by 159 delegates, with 120 being in person and 39 online! Our Annual Conference serves as our largest calendar event of the year, this year the special occasion brought together a diverse array of esteemed members and supporters to create a day filled with insightful learning and crucial networking.
The conference welcomed an impressive line-up of over 30 speakers across 13 sessions, all of which contained themes at the heart of our iNetwork core: Innovation & Transformation, InfoGov & Cyber Security, Procurement & Commissioning, and Data Standards. The opening keynote panel consisted of Alison McKenzie-Folan, Chief Executive of Wigan Council and the iNetwork Chair, Ted Twaalfhoven, Founder and CEO of our Headline Sponsor Engage Process, Emily Sullivan, Head of Product at the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government, and Robert Ling, Director of Resources and Organisational Change at Central Bedfordshire Council.
Chaired by Alison, the panel began by illustrating their personal experiences of leadership, emphasising the importance of simplicity in communication in order to navigate through the challenges and opportunities that arise through directional change. Our speakers then discussed the significance of innovating through change, which requires leaders creating an organisational culture which allows employees the time, permission, and support to innovate in order to deliver value to citizens and communities. The panel concluded on an optimistic note, reiterating to the audience the importance of reflecting and celebrating our accomplishments, no matter how big or small these may be.
Throughout the day featured a range of insightful discussions and thought-provoking presentations in three concurrent streams, offering both in-person and online attendees a wealth of choice; these presentations displayed case studies, personal learning, and expert insights which were displayed from our inspiring speakers.
The second keynote panel of the day provided an engaging session discussing: “What Would it Take for Real Digital Innovation in the Public Sector?” On this panel we were joined by Sarah Bullock, Deputy Chief Executive at Chorley Council and South Ribble Borough Council, Phil Swan, Director for Digital at the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Stephen Curtis, Digital Transformation Lead at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Rebekah Wilson, Programme Manager of Cyber, Digital, and Technology at the Local Government Association, and Alison Young, Associate Director of Local Public Services at TechUK.
The panel was chaired by the Deputy Chair of iNetwork Sarah Bullock, who led the conversation exploring digital innovation, enabled by improved use of data and technology in public service delivery. A prevalent theme which ran throughout was the importance of people and collaboration in fostering digital innovation, our speakers discussed the techniques used when applying technology to public service organisations, and how this affects organisational culture. The discussion concluded with projecting the landscape of the opportunities for digital innovation in the public sector, and how the use of technology and data can optimise pathways for customers and create efficiencies in regards to public service delivery.
In addition to the keynote panels, two additional panel sessions proposed a timely discussion on the topical themes of considering security and data for AI, and behavioural insights in the public sector. These sessions provided members with the opportunity to engage with subject-matter experts on emerging issues and challenges being faced by public sector organisations.
Following the final panel discussion, Shelley Heckman, Partnership Director of iNetwork, and Alison McKenzie-Folan delivered the final remarks and brought the conference to a close, thanking all of the speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and the iNetwork team. Most importantly, Shelley announced the prize-draw winner of the exhibitor sticker card, whereby delegates collected points from networking with our line-up of sponsors and exhibitors. Congratulations to Yazul, who took home a Hotel Chocolat hamper worth £120!
Between seminar sessions, our exhibition hall buzzed with activity as delegates had the opportunity to engage and network with like-minded professionals, including our sponsors and exhibitors. Multitudes of conversations were being exchanged from new faces connecting, familiar faces re-kindling, and the sharing of knowledge, ideas, and best practice!
If you missed the conference or would like to revisit any of the sessions, they are now available online via our events platform, Whova. We encourage you to revisit the insightful content showcased throughout the day as you have exclusive access for 3 months following the conference! If you didn’t register for the conference but are interested in accessing the content, please get in touch here: iNetwork@Tameside.gov.uk
Looking ahead, iNetwork is excited to be hosting our Innovation Awards Dinner and Ceremony 2024/25 on the 27th February at the Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel! We encourage all of our iNetwork member colleagues who are participating in any innovative projects to submit a nomination for one of the awards. Please see more information on submitting a nomination here: Awards Nomination 2024 | I network
In summary, iNetworks 19th Annual Conference proved to be a tremendous platform in bringing together a community of public sector professionals to share best practice, foster valuable connections, and leave feeling inspired with some actionable insights. Take a look at the full gallery of images, over on the Annual Conference website.
