​​​This September, Answer Digital had the pleasure of being part of the Leeds Digital Festival, which ran from the 16th to the 27th. As one of the UK’s biggest tech events, it was an incredible opportunity to celebrate innovation, collaboration, and the vibrant digital community. With over 200 events, it was a chance to explore exciting advancements in AI, digital transformation, and the importance of diversity in tech.​​​​

​​​We were thrilled to host and participate in three standout sessions during the festival:​​​​

1. Applied AI: A Journey from Inception to Innovation

​​​On September 17th, our Head of AI, Paul Wye, joined Parallax to dive into the world of AI in healthcare. This session took the audience on a journey through AI’s evolution, from its early days to its game-changing impact today. Paul showcased how we’ve been working with NHS trusts to integrate AI models that streamline clinical workflows and improve patient outcomes.​​

​​​The session sparked some great conversations around the future of AI, its ethical implications, and how we can harness its power to make healthcare more efficient and accessible. It was inspiring to see so many business leaders and AI enthusiasts engage in lively discussions about the potential of AI to transform industries.​​​​

2. The Answer is Women

​​​On September 19th, we hosted an event at our Union Mill office as part of the Women in Tech series. Titled “The Answer is Women,” this session put the spotlight on gender diversity in tech and the invisible barriers women still face in their careers. Hosted by our very own Tessa May, Sally Ellwood, Luisa Van Der End, and Danielle Delaney-Anderson, the event was all about sharing personal experiences and strategies for overcoming challenges like imposter syndrome and self-doubt.​​

​​​It was an evening full of laughter, community, and deep discussions. Over 50 attendees came together to talk about breaking through the ‘glass ceiling’ and how we can collectively push for more inclusivity in the industry. Reflecting on the event, our People and Culture Business Partner, Anna Munroe, said: “We were so excited to host this event as part of Leeds Digital Festival. The stories shared were powerful, and it was wonderful to hear our co-founder, Katie Parlett, share her journey, from founding tech businesses to starting a school for children with special needs.”​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

3. Unlocking the Power of Generative AI

​​​Our final event, held on September 25th at Union Mill, focused on the future of generative AI. Led by Paul Wye, Head of Engineering Alex Woodhead, and Head of Product (AI) Joe Batt, the session explored how Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and Google Gemini are reshaping industries far beyond content creation.​​

​​​Paul shared insights on how businesses can experiment with generative AI to find where it can have the most significant impact. The breakout sessions were a hit, with participants getting hands-on experience and diving into some fascinating discussions about LLM biases and their implications.​​

​​​Reflecting on the event, Paul said: “It was great to see how engaged everyone was. We explored the practicalities of setting up ‘playgrounds’ for testing GenAI and discussed how businesses can use it responsibly to drive real results.”​​

​​​The session left attendees buzzing with ideas on how to approach AI thoughtfully and strategically, balancing its potential with the need for ethical considerations.​​​​​​​​​​​​

Reflecting on Leeds Digital Festival 2024

​​​As we look back on Leeds Digital Festival 2024, we’re incredibly proud of the conversations we were part of—whether it was about using AI to make healthcare more efficient or fostering greater inclusivity in tech. These sessions reinforced our commitment to responsible innovation and diversity, and we’re excited to continue building on the ideas and connections sparked during the festival.​​

​​​We can’t wait to keep these conversations going and to continue shaping the future of digital transformation.​​