DIB’s second annual Change Makers Live Conference, taking place on the 18th of April at the Spine Building, fittingly based in Liverpool’s Knowledge quarter, will be offering unique perspectives on everything from innovation and tech, to science, health, and entrepreneurialism.
We’re pleased to finally reveal our exciting agenda for the day, packed full of networking opportunities and unique insights from experts.
From 8am to 4:30 pm we’ll be bringing together some of the county’s Leading entrepreneurs, academics and thinkers, to join us to discuss the key issues that are affecting businesses with the aim of exploring innovative solutions to these challenges facing the UK economy and global economy in 2024.
Throughout the day our amazing selection of guest speakers including Chief Executive of Co-operatives UK Rose Marley, freelance journalist and political commentator Jo Phillips, Managing Director of Capital & Centric, Tim Heatley and Director of The House of Wisdom Silvana Cory-Wright, will be taking the floor to give a series of Keynote presentations on various topics affecting the business world.
The day will run as follows!
8:00AM – 9:15AM | REGISTRATION/NETWORKING/BREAKFAST
You’ll want to make sure to arrive nice and promptly because the day will be starting with a fantastic networking breakfast that will provide a great opportunity to network, get a coffee (or tea) and grab a bite to eat, and of course visit some of the brilliant exhibitors who have stands at the event this year including BDP, Liverpool BID Company, Connected Places Catapult, Wild Thang, City of Liverpool College, Printroom UK, DIB (Of course!), Mutual Credit and Base Communications.
9:15AM – 9:20AM | WELCOME
At 9.15 we’ll be hearing from DIB Chief Executive Frank McKenna, who’ll be welcoming us all to this years event and giving his two cents on what the day ahead might hold!
9:20AM – 9:50AM | The Future is Co-operation
In this talk Change Maker Rose Marley, chief executive Co-operatives UK, will be sharing her unique insights and experiences and giving her thoughts on the future of Community Engagement and how we can celebrate support and create initiatives which give back to the community. With a background in creative industries, technology, the gig economy and entrepreneurship, Rose is a passionate advocate for social enterprise and values-led businesses. She was named a Big Issue Changemaker in 2021 Before taking up her position at the Co-op, and was the COO of The Sharp Project and The Space Project in Manchester. She is also a Founding Director of SharpFutures CIC. In her early career, Rose worked with the Manchester legend Tony Wilson, experiencing the ‘MADchester phenomenon. Factory, and the Hacienda first hand.
9:50AM – 10:30AM | INNOVATIVE DESIGN & PLACEMAKING
In this talk Facilitated by Emily Robson, (Assistant Chief Executive at Knowledge Quarter Liverpool), Change Makers Ged Clouser (Principal Architect, BDP Design), Colin Sinclair (CEO, Sciontec) and Jessica Bowles (Director of Strategy, Bruntwood SciTech) will be discussing Social Value in Place Making. ‘placemaking’ has grown to mean more than just physical construction of buildings and structures but also to build these with social values of the area in mind. Placemaking, at its core, is about creating spaces that foster a sense of belonging, identity, and community among the people that are actually going to use them. They’ll be discussing how companies and new developments can contribute to social value in placemaking.
10:30AM – 11:00AM | COFFEE BREAK & NETWORKING
Another quick break, another opportunity to network! (and grab that all important coffee!)
11:00AM – 11:30AM | DIB INNOVATORS
This next talk features insights from Change Makers Jo Phillips (former advisor to Paddy Ashdown & Bob Geldof and Social commentator) Nathan McNamara (Chief Executive DB3 Group) and Jason Futers (Director Innovation & Growth, Lincoln City Football Club) who will be sharing their insights on the challenges facing the world of Arts, Sport and Culture.
11:30AM – 12:10PM | THE MISSION TO DEMOCRATISE KNOWLEDGE
In this talk Change Makers John Kelley-Quinn, Silvana Cory-Wright, and Sean Sweeney from the House of Wisdom Group, will be discussing the future of learning and the role of learning and continuous development in our lives and careers, particularly with recent challenges and changes such as the increase of AI making more people want to upskill and the increase in online flexible learning since the pandemic.
12:10PM – 12:50PM | HOW TO CATAPULT GROWTH
This talk, facilitated by Alex Cousins, (Business Director of Connected Places Catapult) will feature Change Makers Rachael Stevens, (Knowledge Quarter Liverpool), Natalie Reeves-Billing, (Author), and Ruth Wood, (Chief Executive, Mersey Maritime) who will be discussing Business Growth and the best methods to foster and drive growth in various sectors and industries in the region.
12:50PM – 2:00PM | LUNCH & NETWORKING
If there’s anyone you’d like to pick the brains of that you haven’t had a chance to yet, here’s your chance! Lunchtime will be an opportunity to network, enjoy some quality food and visit the exhibitors.
2:00PM – 2:30PM | THE DISRUPTIVE DEVELOPER
In this talk we’ll be hearing from Tim Heatley, Co-Founder, Capital & Centric a ‘disruptor’ property development company. In his career he has become something of a guru in the property industry, appearing on BBC documentary ‘Manctopia: Billion Pound Property Boom’ as well as an interior design series on Channel 4. He’ll be sharing some of his insights and experiences on current affairs in the property industry
2:30PM – 3:15PM | WE CAN’T ALL BE SCIENTISTS AND PROFESSORS!
In our final talk of the day, we’ll be hearing from Elaine Bowker (Principal, City of Liverpool College), Sophie Gilmore (Chief Executive, HybridTec), Emily Robson (Assistant Chief Executive, Knowledge Quarter Liverpool) and Steven Hesketh (The Hospitality Hero) who will be discussing how diversity in sectors and careers is key.
3:15PM | CONFERENCE CLOSES & DRINKS RECEPTION
Finally to wrap up what we hope will be a fascinating day of networking and insights, Join us for a drinks reception & networking at the Novotel Hotel.
To find out more about the event or book your place click HERE.
