Welcome to CTO Debrief: 30 September 2026, Manchester
Most tech conferences focus on the stack, from deep dives into AI architecture, scaling infrastructure or mitigating security risks. But what about the humans behind the tech? This is where the CTO Debrief comes in.
On Wednesday 30th of September, we are gathering the North’s senior tech leaders to focus exclusively on the human realities of running engineering operations in 2026 and beyond. The aim is to make leadership a little less lonely. Our agenda is designed to help you connect and share insights with peers. No vendor pitches. No corporate theatre. Just honest conversations with people who are navigating the same pressures as you.
Who is in the room?
Don’t let the name put you off. If your job title isn’t “CTO” but you hold a budget, steer technical strategy at a senior level, and manage people within a tech business, this day is built for you.
- Tech strategy: CTOs, CIOs, Chief AI/Data Officers, Directors of Technology.
- Engineering leadership: Directors of Engineering, Heads of Software Development, Heads of Engineering.
- Data & Delivery: Directors of Data Systems, IT Directors, AI Team Leads.
How is the CTO Debrief different?
We have intentionally structured the day to enable quality human interaction and dial down conference fatigue:
- Invite only: The event is open to in-house CTOs only to enable focused, relevant conversations.
- Facilitated roundtables: Afternoon sessions are strictly confidential and run under Chatham House rules, allowing for honest, zero-consequence strategic discussions.
- Leadership workshops: Hear from expert coaches on the topics of interest to you.
- Freeflow zones: Skip the structure when you need to. A dedicated lounge is open all afternoon for informal, unstructured catch-ups.
The agenda
11 am – Arrival and registration
11.30 am – Plenary panel discussion: the realities of people leadership in 2026
Chaired by Jen Forbes, Partner at Forbes
- Paul Clarkin, Director of Engineering at Barclays
- Jonathan Healey, Group Technology Director at IDHL
- Chris Grice, Head of Engineering at Street Group
- Jo Handler, Partner at Forbes
Note: Q&A is entirely anonymous via Slido. Ask the hard questions you can’t put your name to in public.
12.30 – Lunch provided and an opportunity to network with peers
13:45 – Facilitated roundtable discussions round 1 – choose from:
- Table 1: What should a technology function look like in AI – Native era?
- Table 2: Boardroom vs. Reality: What happens when the strategy agreed in the boardroom is not working on the ground?
- Table 3: Managing the disruptive genius
- Workshop 1: Putting humans in the lead of leaner tech teams when AI is the plan
14:15: Break and swap
14:55 – Facilitated roundtable discussions round 2 – choose from:
- Table 4: AI enabled software engineering teams
- Table 5: Performance management: How much emotional support should a leader be expected to provide before people management starts becoming therapy? Where is the line between supporting someone and avoiding a difficult performance conversation?
- Table 6: Managing change & performative positivity
- Workshop 2: Who owns the AI value story — and how do you tell it to a board that doesn’t buy ‘trust me’?
15:55 Break
16:00 Closing keynote – The four noble truths of leading by Ed Moss, Leadership coach
17:00 – Live comedy & drinks after party sponsored by Elevate
After a heavy day of strategic thinking, clear your head with an evening of live comedy. Hosted by award-winning comedian Ross Preston as MC, featuring Edinburgh Fringe alumnus Tom Short as headliner. Full bar provided, including non alcoholic drinks.
