Birmingham — Week of 22 Jun 2026

Hidden gem: the EPSRC-funded CRANE network brings academic and industry cyber security researchers to STEAMhouse for a full day on emerging threats. Niche, free, and genuinely high-signal.

A fast-paced and practical lunchtime session at the NatWest Accelerator for founders who want to pitch better. Work on communicating your business with clarity and impact — to customers, funders, and partners. 90 minutes, free.

Birmingham Tech Network's monthly evening drinks at the Slug & Lettuce, Brindley Place. Relaxed, open-door format — no pitches, no agenda. A reliable room for meeting the city's tech community over a drink.

Birmingham City University's one-day symposium on responsible AI — covering sustainability, bias, and inclusive design in AI systems. Hosted at the Curzon Building campus. Free to attend, academic rigour without the paywall.

BK Networks hosts its Entrepreneur Talks series at EY's Colmore Row offices — this session on finding and using your voice with purpose. An informal evening for founders and professionals thinking about communication, advocacy, and personal impact. Free entry, hosted in a corporate venue that draws a credible crowd.

The flagship pick for the week — two senior PMs from Holland & Barrett and OneAdvanced tackle why AI and app-first transformations fail in practice. A proper product room at Brindley Place.

Birmingham's original community makerspace opens its doors every Wednesday. Bring a project, try the equipment, or just come to meet the makers. Free and informal.

iCAN and PwC host an evening panel on AI and careers at One Chamberlain Square — a credible room at the intersection of fintech, insurtech, and inclusive professional development.

The OAW Consulting's Smart Founders Forum returns to Brindley Place for a half-day of founder-focused strategy sessions. Targeted at growth-stage founders and business owners. Paid ticket event.