We will have two events one after the other at the same venue, and you’re welcome to attend either one or both. Please see their descriptions below:

2:00 PM – 3:15 PM – Inclusive Innovation through a Creative and Digital Lens

Inclusive environments, where diverse inputs are valued, often lead to enhanced creativity and out of the box thinking. This is crucial for businesses to remain competitive and innovate. This panel discussion aims to explore these themes in more depth and provide a greater understanding of how you and your organisation can challenge conventional thinking, encourage fresh ideas and consequently develop a stronger workplace culture.

Location: Room 102, Library of Birmingham, Centenary Square, B1 2ND

Chair: Dr Pam Waddell OBE, Director – Innovation Alliance West Midlands

Panel:

• Drew Currie, Director – Hibretone “Drew Currie“
• Tara Attfield-Tomes, Co – Founder – East Village Agency “tara attfield-tomes“
• Robin Gray, Co- Founder – Gray Jones Media “robin gray“
• Pamela Aculey, CEO – Mixd Reality “pamela aculey“

Who Should Attend:
Business leaders, managers, HR professionals, and anyone interested in fostering an inclusive, innovative workplace.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and transform your workplace into a hub for creativity and innovation!

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM – Unlocking Digital for Everyone

The WMCA is working with the seven Local Authorities and other strategic partners to build a region where everyone is digitally enabled.

To do so, the WMCA and partners will expand the “hub approach” to digital inclusion which will see data, device and digital skills provision delivered to residents in the same place. Combining the collective technical expertise from the regional tech sector with the innovative work happening on the ground in our localities on a regional scale will ensure everyone can benefit from a digital supply chain that will connect people to services and talent to opportunity.

As we convene for this panel at Tech Week, we invite tech companies and digital inclusion experts to collaborate in shaping a comprehensive strategy that addresses the multifaceted challenges of digital exclusion. By leveraging the expertise of our regional tech sector alongside grassroots initiatives, we can create a robust ecosystem where digital skills, devices, and connectivity converge. This collaborative effort will not only enhance individual capabilities but also stimulate local economies by connecting residents with essential services and job opportunities. Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age, paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous West Midlands.

This panel at Tech Week will begin the process of co-creating the connected digital pathway. So if you are a tech company or a digital inclusion expert, we want to hear from you.

Location: Room 102, Library of Birmingham, Centenary Square, B1 2ND

Panel:

• Catherine Russell, Head of Sustainable Business, Vodafone
• Pauline Roche, Community Lead, Digital NNS
• Raj S Mack, Head of Digital City and Innovation, Birmingham City Council
• Isobel Thomas, Head of Community Engagement and Experience, Good Things Foundation