Manchester — Week of 6 Jul 2026

A two-day symposium on creative AI and AI cultures across games, music and film, returning to SODA and Manchester School of Art. Keynotes from artist Janet Biggs, Ersin Han Ersin (Marshmallow Laser Feast), performance researcher Amy Spencer (University of Exeter) and technologist Adam Trella anchor a programme of papers, exhibited works and evening performances that champion and challenge the use of AI in creative practice. Discounted places for low-income, independent and student attendees.

A CPD-accredited interactive evening workshop (2.25 learning hours) taking professionals from beginner to intermediate on applying AI in their organisation. A short presentation demystifies how large language models actually work and why they hallucinate, followed by facilitated small-group breakout sessions where you map real business processes and design automation opportunities. Covers prompt construction, AI agents and autonomy, and a practical framework for deciding whether a process needs AI, automation, or neither. No technical background required; aimed at mid-to-senior professionals leading or advising on AI adoption. Food and refreshments served. Hosted by Azthena AI at BLOC, sponsored by Bruntwood SciTech.

An evening on practical AI and automation for architecture, engineering and construction, hosted by GRAITEC and Ideate Software at The Midland Hotel. Matthew Street (DSSR) shows how Revit data analytics can forecast project duration; James Gray (AUTOM8LABS) demos Oper8tor, an AI-agent platform purpose-built for AEC; and Steve Deadman (Ideate) covers the newest automation features. Complimentary food and drinks, with structured Q&A and networking.

ProductTank Manchester swaps its usual talks for a hands-on AI prototyping hackathon. In teams, you'll get 90 minutes to identify a user problem and build a working prototype with AI-powered tools — the challenge: a digital product to help people get more out of Manchester Day 2026. No coding experience needed. Run in partnership with Lovable (build credits provided) and sponsored by Amplitude. Bring a laptop. Free but limited.

The North's only dedicated recruitment event for cyber security professionals returns to Manchester Central. Meet 100+ exhibitors and hiring managers recruiting across the North of England and nationally, uncover unadvertised roles, and attend employer-led speaker sessions on careers, skills and recruitment. Sponsors include Amentum, CGI and Counter Terrorism Policing, with co-located Security Cleared, Police Resettlement and Veteran UK expos. Free visitor passes. A strong fit for anyone building a career in cyber security and the wider tech-security ecosystem.

A special summer edition of Venture Café's Thursday Gathering — the final Digital Thursday — exploring the technologies, ideas and people shaping the Intelligence Age. Supported by Future Worlds, the evening brings together researchers, founders, innovators and industry leaders to look at how AI is moving from the lab into the real world, celebrating the collaborations that built the region's digital ecosystem. Free and open to all. Powered by ARIA.

pro-manchester marks 40 years with a lunchtime birthday celebration at the Treehouse Hotel — a relaxed networking gathering for the membership and the wider Greater Manchester professional and tech community. A chance to connect with founders, operators and ecosystem players from across the region's business scene.