AI Adoption Summit

A morning of insight and guidance for leaders shaping their AI strategy for 2026, featuring Emerge Digital, Microsoft, and Cybata.

About this Event


AI is evolving quickly, and many organisations are now looking for clarity on where to focus, how to build capability across their teams, and how to plan for the year ahead. This summit brings our clients together for a morning of insight, practical guidance, and expert discussion on what effective AI adoption looks like in 2026.

You are one of a group of leaders invited to join an exclusive half-day session at Kingsholm Stadium. Across a paced agenda, you will see how expert-led adoption turns AI from a promising idea into measurable business value.

What you will gain

Where AI is delivering value today
Tom Henson from Emerge Digital will outline where AI is delivering measurable value today, sharing sector-specific insights, practical examples of what is working, and the latest developments shaping the AI landscape.

Microsoft’s perspective on what is coming next
Microsoft and Giacom will share the evolving roadmap and the considerations leaders need to make informed, confident strategic decisions.

Building adoption that lasts
Mel Cheeseman will demonstrate how Emerge Digital’s human-led approach builds capability, confidence, and momentum across teams, helping organisations move beyond isolated experiments.

Why expert coaching matters
Mark Atkinson from Emerge Digital will draw on his professional rugby background to demonstrate why high-performing teams do not rely on trial and error, and why the same logic applies to organisational AI adoption.

Data protection in the age of AI
Chris Roberts from Cybata will run an interactive session on the data protection implications of AI, helping leaders recognise where risks sit and how to manage them.

Panel discussion
Hear from our speakers and Emerge Digital’s leadership on what strong technology partnership looks like and how to create value from day one.

Reflect on your organisation’s position

During registration we will ask four short questions designed to help you understand where expert support can create the greatest impact:

• How is AI emerging in your sector, and where do you see the biggest opportunities?
• What do you need from Microsoft and an adoption partner to make confident investment decisions?
• How ready is your team to embed AI tools into their day-to-day work?
• What would you like to explore about partnering with Emerge on your broader AI adoption journey?

Why attend

Many organisations have explored AI. Far fewer have translated that exploration into meaningful business outcomes. The leaders creating real momentum are those who choose a partner that brings structure, pace, and proven expertise.

Emerge Digital is the South West’s expert partner for human-centred AI adoption. This summit gives you a clear, honest view of what works, what to avoid, and how to build a long-term strategy that accelerates your organisation in 2026.

Places are limited. Please register to secure your place.

Agenda


🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Arrival & Networking

🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
The State of AI in 2026
Host: Tom Henson, Emerge Digital

Info: Tom Henson will outline where AI is delivering measurable value, highlight sector-specific gains, and bring you up to speed on the latest developments shaping the AI landscape.

🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Microsoft’s View of What Comes Next

Info: Microsoft will share upcoming features, strategic priorities, and the shifts that will matter for organisations planning their AI roadmap for 2026.

🕑: 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Break

🕑: 10:45 AM - 11:15 AM
Building Adoption That Lasts
Host: Mel Cheeseman, Emerge Digital

Info: See how a human-led approach builds confidence, capability, and momentum across teams, turning early interest in AI into sustained behavioural change.

🕑: 11:15 AM - 11:30 AM
Why Expert Coaching Accelerates Progress
Host: Mark Atkinson, Emerge Digital

Info: Former professional rugby player Mark Atkinson will explain why high-performing teams rely on structured coaching, and how the same principles speed up organisational AI adoption.

🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Data Protection in the Age of AI
Host: Chris Roberts, Cybata

Info: Chris Roberts from Cybata will run an interactive session that challenges assumptions and explores the key data protection considerations leaders must manage as AI capability grows.

🕑: 12:15 PM - 12:45 PM
Leadership Panel: Preparing for the Next Wave of AI

Info: Whilst you enjoy a light lunch, our speakers will discuss the practical steps organisations are taking to get ready for 2026, with clear guidance on where leaders should focus their attention.

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