The Three Chairs
This year our annual conference will bring together the three Chairs instrumental in our evolution for the first time.
Ursula Lidbetter was our first Chair, leading the organisation for a decade between 2010 and 2020. Pat Doody took up the reins from 2020-2023, and our current Chair Neal Juster has been at the helm since March 2023. The three Chairs will be sharing their experiences and reflecting upon their tenures with progress made since inception along with personal highlights.
Keynote – The Rebel Technologist
We are pleased to welcome Brett StClair as our keynote speaker at this year’s annual LEP Conference.
Innovator, entrepreneur, AI evangelist, global keynote speaker, guide and above all rebel technologist. Brett rebelled and learned at Google, rebuilt and perfected at Barclays, revolutionised and scaled AI by co-founding Teraflow.ai, and now uses his knowledge, experience and inspiration to revolutionise businesses with AI.
In his keynote, Brett unveils his theory on the critical role of rebel technologists in the AI era, and how they can propel innovation and growth at the crossroads of artificial intelligence, data, machine learning, and digital culture. Explore how to recognise and cultivate rebel technologists within your organisation and foster a culture that champions disruptive thinking and experimentation for good, elevating your innovation and competitive edge.
This Year’s Host
Nikki Cooke has a wealth of experience in health and care across private, public and third sectors. She is passionate about driving innovation to embrace new tech from all industries and supply chains.
Originally from New Zealand, Nikki has spent 25 years in the UK where she worked in commercial roles in the IT and communications sectors before joining the NHS in a commercial role. Nikki joined LIVES as the charity’s first Chief Executive in 2016 and more recently became Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP’s Health & Care Enterprise Board.
In her latest blog Nikki talks about the role of innovation in the sector as well as the challenges and opportunities of working in Greater Lincolnshire.
Demonstration Area
The theme this year is Innovation for Growth and we are showcasing advancements in robotics, automation, AI and digital technologies from various sectors in the Demonstration Arena.
The innovative Demonstration Arena will showcase the latest technology and innovation from Greater Lincolnshire businesses and academics.
With over 35 demonstrations including innovation zones presented by the University of Lincoln, Barclays Eagle Labs, Lincoln Science & Innovation Park and the Lincolnshire Health Tech Zone, we are shaping up to inspire delegates and encourage new partnerships.