THE UK'S PREMIER INVITATION-ONLY COMMUNITY MEETING FOR SENIOR DATA LEADERS
19 - 20 March 2025
| Hilton Syon Park London, UK
Agenda Day 1
8:00 am - 8:30 am
Registration & Coffee
8:30 am - 8:35 am
IQPC Welcome/ Opening Remarks
8:35 am - 8:45 am
Chairperson’s Opening Remarks
8:45 am - 8:50 am
Live Polls
8:50 am - 9:20 am
Presentation: CONFRONTING THE BRUTAL TRUTH - WHY YOUR AI STRATEGY IS GOING TO FAIL
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, AI strategies are quickly becoming the cornerstone of digital transformation. However, in the current rush to keep up with competitors, hypes and buzzwords, how many of these strategies will really succeed? How many will be written off as a huge waste of resource and money? Before you go any further, maybe it is time to think again.
- Get insights into some early failed strategies and how to avoid the same fate
- Explore the key pillars of successful AI strategies and some key factors that must proceed any attempts of big strategic overhauls
- Critically assess your current plans to see if you are really ready for the journey
9:20 am - 9:50 am
Presentation: BUILDING THE CUSTOMER DATA FLYWHEEL
In today's environment it is not enough to collect data and generate analytics - the most ambitious enterprises are assembling a "data flywheel", where data is turned into operational decisions, followed by action which in turn generates more data, feeding and accelerating the flywheel.
- Discover the concept of data flywheels, first popularized by Jensen Huang, before delving in specifically into customer-orientated flywheels.
- The session will propose a 'crawl-walk-run' approach to transform from prescriptive analytics through to predictive ML and finally to the AI agentic future.
- Real examples and use cases of how top enterprises are implementing these approaches today.
Sponsored by: Snowplow
9:55 am - 10:25 am
Think Tank: 360 LOYALTY: LEVERAGING CUSTOMER DATA INSIGHTS TO DRIVE CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT, OPTIMISE LOYALTY AND REMAIN COMPLIANT
Rebecca Ruane -
Head of Reader Revenue Insight,
The Guardian
With the proliferation of data touchpoints and advanced analytics capabilities through the help of Gen AI, businesses now have unprecedented opportunities to establish holistic personalised loyalty experiences for their customers. Leveraging customer data, like such, can drive long-term returns however can soon lead to precarious compliance territory.
- Explore how you can harness the full spectrum of customer data to drive deeper engagement and optimise loyalty programs for maximum impact.
- Assess the balance of steering clear of risky data compliance situations and maximising the usage of customer data to drive elevated customer personalisation.
10:30 am - 11:00 am
Industry Roundtable: Media & Entertainment
Meet in an informal roundtable with peers from your industry to discuss some of the hottest trends and industry-specific challenges.
11:05 am - 11:35 am
Think Tank: THE OBSERVABILITY ADVANTAGE - ELEVATING DATA QUALITY IN COMPLEX ECOSYSTEMS
In the age of AI and ML, data quality has become more critical than ever. As AI models consume vast amounts of data, it is imperative that your data inputs are of the highest quality to make the most of new AI tools. AI-powered observability tools are revolutionising the ability to monitor and maintain the health of your data from the moment it’s gathered to the point of analysis.
- Learn from peers how observability tools can bolster the health of your data throughout the data cycle, allowing you to maintain reliability and effectiveness.
- Discover how AI-powered observability tools can forecast potential data issues before they occur, allowing for proactive maintenance of data pipelines.
- Recognise how you can utilise end-to-end data lineage to trace data quality issues to their source and understand the downstream impact of data problems.
9:55 am - 10:25 am
One-to-one Business Meetings
10:30 am - 11:00 am
One-to-one Business Meetings
11:05 am - 11:35 am
One-to-one Business Meetings
11:40 am - 12:10 pm
Speed Networking: TALK DATA TO ME
Speed “Data-ing” - Meet new delegates and learn about their current data challenges and successes.
12:00 pm - 12:45 pm
Panel Discussion: FROM DATA NOVICE TO DATA EXPERT: ACCELERATING YOUR ORGANISATION ALONG THE DATA MATURITY CURVE
Carlos Soares -
Senior VP Data & AI,
Brenntag
Christian Cardone - Head of Market Data, Glencore
Asheeka Hyde - Director of Technology - Data & Analytics, SSP Group
Moving the company along the data maturity curve, fast and cost effectively, is a goal that unites CDOs across all industries. While every venture will be faced with its own set of legacy challenges, budget restraints, structural and cultural hurdles, hear the reasons for the successes and failures of others, can help fast track your journey.
- Get top tips from CDOs on what they found most successful in steering companies towards a more data mature setup.
- Find out how peers find the balance between needing to show impact quickly and make sure change is sustainable.
- Discover innovative ways to ensure C-level and financial buy-in for your plans.
- Frameworks to accurately assess your current position on the data maturity curve, with strategies to accelerate your organisation’s data capabilities.
12:45 pm - 1:45 pm
Data Gossip Corner
Eat lunch and discuss some of the most exciting and controversial data trends you’ve heard about recently by joining the dedicated data gossip corner.
12:45 pm - 1:45 pm
Networking Lunch
3:45 pm - 4:15 pm
Think Tank: AI READINESS - WHY WAITING FOR UK AI REGULATIONS IS NOT AN OPTION
Naureen Hussain -
Director of Data Estate,
Virgin Media O2
As the UK Government maintains its ‘wait and see’ approach to AI regulation, forward thinking organisations are seizing the opportunity to jump the gun and shape their own AI governance frameworks. In 2025, taking a proactive stance is more crucial than ever, with AI technologies rapidly evolving and becoming increasingly embedded in business operations. While the UK’s regulatory landscape remains fluid, global standards are emerging, led by the EU’s AI Act. Organisations that wait for UK-specific regulations risk falling behind international competitors and may face challenges when UK regulation catches up.
- Understand the global AI regulatory landscape and its implications for UK-based businesses.
- Learn how other Data Leaders are future-proofing their organisations’ AI regulatory framework to remain compliant and competitive.
- Discover strategies for building stakeholder trust in AI through transparent and ethical practices.
1:45 pm - 2:15 pm
One-to-one Business Meetings
2:20 pm - 2:25 pm
Live Polls
2:25 pm - 2:55 pm
Presentation: FROM SILOS TO SYNERGY - TRANSFORMING DATA MANAGEMENT WITH DATA MESH ARCHITECTURE
Data silos are the likely result, following a merger or acquisition. The constant evolution of your organisational structure can leave your data team grappling with ever-increasing data volumes and complexity, requiring an updated data management strategy, one which fosters collaboration and efficiency. For many, tailored Data Mesh architecture addresses this challenge. Discover how a Data Mesh Architecture is revolutionising data management, breaking down traditional silos that can result from organisational restructuring.
- Learn how a Data Mesh can effectively address common data management challenges, including siloed data.
- Discover the holistic benefits of Data Mesh architecture, transforming how your data is managed and shared across your organisation.
- Explore best practices for implementing federated governance in a data mesh environment
- Gain insight into the cultural and organisational changes required for successful data mesh adoption.
2:55 pm - 3:40 pm
Panel Discussion: RETHINKING THE MODERN DATA STACK - INTEGRATED PLATFORMS OR SPECIALIZED TOOLS?
Emmanuel Asimadi -
Head of Data & AI,
EasyJet
Harvi Johal - Head of Data, WildBrain
In 2025, the data modern data stack, once categorised by a collection of specialised, best-of-breed tools, is facing new challenges and opportunities. On one side, we see the rise of all-in-one platforms promising seamless integration and simplified management. On the other, specialised vendors continue to innovate, offering cutting-edge solutions for specific data needs. This evolution raises the question for data leaders: Should you opt for integrated platforms that offer end-to-end solutions, or continue building your stack with specialised tools?
- Understand the key benefits and drawbacks of deciding between integrated platforms and specialised tools to help you formulate your strategy throughout 2025.
- Diverse insights and experiences from a panel of peers as to why they have decided to take an integrated platform or a specialised tool approach, so you can stay ahead of the game.
- Discover the potential application of both vendor strategies in order to drive cost-savings and impact across your data stack.
3:45 pm - 4:15 pm
Think Tank: BEYOND VANITY METRICS - CRAFTING KPIS THAT ACTUALLY MATTER TO THE C-SUITE
Domenico Palmieri -
Associate Director, Global Ad Analytics,
Conde Nast
Given the disputed and variable responsibilities of a CDO and the growing pressure for ‘Data’ to merge into other business functions, proving your value and effectiveness is imperative to strategic success and gaining favour in the boardroom. Discuss best practices for establishing KPIs that are suitable to both your business objectives and data strategy, as well as how to set motivating and measurable KPIs to quantify your impact on the bottom line.
- Discuss best ways for your AI Strategy’s performance to be measured.
- Develop effective KPIs that are consistent with ROI metrics and overall business objectives.
- Understand the correct scope of your KPIs.
- Share positive examples of establishing effective KPIs within your organisation.
4:20 pm - 4:50 pm
Industry Roundtable: Public Sector
Meet in an informal roundtable with peers from your industry to discuss some of the hottest trends and industry-specific challenges.
4:55 pm - 5:25 pm
Think Tank: GREEN DATA REVOLUTION - HOW SHOULD A CDO INFLUENCE THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF DATA?
James Morgan -
Chief Data Officer,
The Crown Estate
As data volumes continue to grow exponentially, so does energy consumption associated with the storing, processing and transmitting of data. CDOs are uniquely positioned to drive sustainable data practices within their organisation’s data management and report on their green impact. Should CDOs lead the charge for environmental responsibility within their organisations? What measures can be taken by Senior Data Leaders to reduce the carbon footprint of data management?
- Debate with industry peers how to weigh up the business needs and environmental impact of data operations and how to get support for implementing change.
- Explore the metrics and frameworks used for measuring and reporting on the environmental impact of data operations and how to implement within your organisation.
- Share insights into initial projects and successes to help build a longer-term green plan.
3:45 pm - 4:15 pm
One-to-one Business Meetings
4:20 pm - 4:50 pm
One-to-one Business Meetings
4:55 pm - 5:25 pm
One-to-one Business Meetings
5:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Champaigne Roundtables: BEYOND THE BOTTOM LINE - HOLISTIC VALUE MEASUREMENT FOR DATA INITIATIVES
Felix Genatio -
Head of Data & Analytics (Aviation),
777 Partners
Charlotte Crabtree - Head of Data & AI Literacy, Ofgem
Simon Short - Chief Data Officer, IMI Norgren
Dane Buchanan - Global Chief Data & Analytics Officer, M&C Saatchi Performance
- Measuring the intangible benefits of innovative data initiatives
- Aligning short-term ROI with long-term data strategy value
- Metrics for measuring stakeholder confidence and trust in your data initiatives
- Managing pressure to show quick wins of data initiatives
