South West of England Digital Conference 2026

A Day Designed to Make Digital Work for Your Business

Digital transformation isn’t just about tools it’s about people, skills, and opportunity.

The South West of England Digital Conference 2026 brings together SMEs, business leaders, educators, digital specialists, and students to close the region’s digital skills gap and connect industry with the next generation of talent.

This is not a technical conference.

You don’t need an IT team, an in-house developer, or a complex digital strategy to attend.
Everything is designed for non-tech SMEs who want practical solutions that improve productivity, resilience, and sustainable growth.

Why Attend?

Whether you’re running a business, developing talent, or planning your workforce strategy, this conference will help you:

• Understand the future of work — how AI, automation, and digital innovation are shaping jobs and skills

• Bridge the skills gap — explore talent pipelines and emerging workforce opportunities

• Access practical workshops on AI,  Digital Solutions and Talent & Skills 

• Take action — leave with clear next steps, confidence in your decisions, and practical knowledge you can apply immediately

This is hands-on, straight-talking, and action-focused — no jargon, no hype, no hard sell.

Who Should Attend?

This event is built for the South West’s digital ecosystem, including:

• SME founders, managers, and teams

• HR, L&D, and talent leaders

• Educators and trainers looking to connect with industry

• Students, graduates, and career-changers

• Policy-makers, local networks, and ecosystem partners

If you care about the future of business, skills, and opportunity in the South West, this is your room.

Keynotes & Panels

Interactive Workshop Tracks covering Roles & Opportunities , AI , Talent & Digital Skills  and Digital Solutions  

Digital Skills & Future of Work Zones

Hands-on demos, talent pipelines, and regional initiatives — all in one place.

Digital Lab Live

Fast-paced success stories showcasing practical, achievable digital transformation.

Networking That Matters

Meet businesses, educators, and partners facing the same challenges — and explore collaborations that last.

Regional Collaboration

This conference is rooted in the South West, shaped by the challenges, opportunities, and ambitions of our region.
Expect voices and case studies from Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset, Bristol, Wiltshire, and beyond, reflecting the reality of businesses, educators, and students here not generic London-centric solutions.

What You’ll Take Home

• Clarity over confusion

• Confidence over complexity

• Progress over perfection

• Practical actions to implement immediately

• New connections across business, education, and talent pipelines

• Access to support, resources, and regional networks

9:00 - 9:25  Business Networking

9:30 - 9:45  Conference Launch: Dan Pritchard, TSW

9:45 - 10:15 Digital Lab Live! Round One 

10:15-10:45 Panel Discussion 

10:45-11:00 Break 

Track 1: Talent & Digital Skills 

- 11:00 - 12:50 Workshops 

Track 2: AI for your Business

- 11:00 - 12:50 Workshops

Track 3: Digital Solutions sponsored by Optimising IT 

- 11:00 - 12:50 Workshops

12:50 - 1:30 Lunch 

- Marketplace Zone open

1.40 - 1.55 | Crossing the Great Divide: The Digital Opportunity in the land of SMEs - Helen Wylde-Archibald, CEO of Devon Chamber 

Afternoon Implementation Tracks 2:05 - 3:55

Track 1: Talent & Digital Skills

Track 2: AI for your Business

Track 3:  Digital Solutions sponsored by Optimising IT

3:55-4:15 Refreshment & Networking Break

4:15 - 4:45 Digital Lab Live! Round two 

4:45-4:50 Closing Remarks and Thanks, Dan Pritchard

4:50 - 5:30 Networking