A flagship event for the region’s fast-developing technology sector, the Accelerating AI Conference will return to Milton Keynes this September as part of Milton Keynes Tech Week 2025. Backed by new partnerships and a growing base of local business support, the half-day conference aims to help SMEs understand, adopt and make practical use of artificial intelligence in real-world settings.

Scheduled for Thursday 25 September 2025, the conference will be held at The Ridgeway Centre, Milton Keynes. Now formally aligned with Milton Keynes Tech Week, the event is also being delivered for the first time in partnership with the South Midlands Growth Hub – a move organisers say will bring added value to attending businesses through tailored guidance on innovation, funding and AI adoption.

A Local Initiative, Built for SMEs

Now in its third edition, Accelerating AI has already established itself as a key fixture in the regional tech calendar. Following previous events hosted at MK:U and Aiimi – which drew more than 200 delegates – this latest edition is expected to welcome up to 150 business leaders from across Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire, and Northamptonshire.

Running from 8.30am to 2.00pm, the event is designed to arm SME leaders with practical insights and tools to adopt AI responsibly and effectively at a time when digital transformation is accelerating across all sectors.

Organised by local businesses for local businesses, the conference will feature keynote sessions, case studies and structured networking designed to demystify AI and move beyond the hype.

Confirmed Speakers Include:

Andy Paul, CEO of Fliweel.tech and Voyce AI
A recognised expert in conversational systems and automation, Andy brings over 14 years of experience in AI, with work spanning London and San Francisco. He will share insights on deploying AI and automation to drive meaningful business outcomes.
Matthew Rigby-White, Managing Director, Qoob
Matthew will discuss how AI is reshaping customer journeys, with a focus on marketing and brand identity – and how SMEs can implement AI tools without losing their human touch.
Lionel Naidoo, Managing Director, Dragon IS
Representing a Milton Keynes-based Microsoft partner, Lionel will explore how SMEs can leverage tools like Microsoft Copilot safely and effectively, offering practical examples of AI integration within day-to-day operations.
Further speakers will be announced via the new website: AcceleratingAI.co.uk

Bringing Regional Voices to the AI Conversation

The conference marks an important collaboration between local innovators and strategic regional support. The South Midlands Growth Hub, a government‑funded network covering Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire, will be on-site to offer 1‑to‑1 coaching, funding advice and tailored guidance for businesses looking to embrace AI.

The event is also supported by returning media partners Business MK and Business Times, and forms part of the wider Milton Keynes Tech Week, which runs from 22 to 26 September 2025.

Programme Highlights Include:

Generative AI in practice
Deploying AI agents across business functions
AI in marketing and decision-making
Funding and support available to local SMEs
Register Now
Tickets are available via Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/accelerating-ai-conference-2025-tickets-1489654068419
Or visit AcceleratingAI.co.uk for the full agenda and speaker announcements.