When you bring together some of the North’s most senior tech leaders for a day of honest conversation, big ideas and fresh perspectives, there’s only one way to finish it: with a drink in hand and something genuinely funny.
That’s why we’re delighted to announce that award-winning comedian Ross Preston will be joining us as MC for the CTO Debrief, alongside Edinburgh Fringe alumnus Tom Short, who will headline the evening entertainment.
We’re also pleased to welcome Elevate as our official after-drinks sponsor, with Andrew Stout and Selina Deeney joining us to raise a toast and help round off the day.
Meet your MC: Ross Preston
Award-winning stand-up comedian and proud Mancunian Ross Preston has been keeping audiences laughing across the UK with his sharp observations, joyful madness and stories celebrating life’s wonderfully odd moments.
Ross somehow managed to win his first comedy award just six months after starting — make of that what you will — and has been causing a nuisance on stages ever since.
Known for his warm, energetic style and ability to find the humour in the things that make us all a little bit different, Ross will be keeping the CTO Debrief moving throughout the day, bringing plenty of personality to what promises to be a packed agenda.
Comedy Headliner: Tom Short
Closing the day will be award-winning stand-up comedian Tom Short, who brings more than a decade of professional performance experience to the CTO Debrief.
Tom has performed at venues and festivals across the UK, including multiple acclaimed runs at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. His work has also been recognised with a Keep It Fringe Award, while he has been a Leicester Square Sketch Off finalist and a North West Comedy Awards Best Alternative Act nominee.
After a day spent tackling the big conversations shaping technology and leadership, Tom will ensure delegates leave with something a little lighter to think about.
Raising a glass with Elevate
Of course, no CTO Debrief would be complete without the opportunity to continue the conversations once the formal agenda comes to a close.
We’re delighted that Elevate will be sponsoring the after-drinks, with Andrew Stout and Selina Deeney joining delegates for a toast before the evening entertainment gets underway.
The CTO Debrief is designed to create the kind of conversations that don’t always fit neatly into a conference agenda. With senior leaders brought together in a closed-door environment, the discussions can continue long after the final panel has finished.
And with Elevate helping us take the conversation into the evening, there will be plenty of opportunity to connect, reflect on the day — and hopefully have a laugh along the way.
Join the room
Designed as an invite-only, closed-door summit, the CTO Debrief brings together 150+ in-house CTOs, CIOs and VPs of Engineering at voco Manchester on 30 September.
With zero sales pitches, no exhibition halls and now a little comedy thrown into the mix, it promises to be a very different kind of leadership event.
Places are vetted and strictly limited to senior in-house tech leaders.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available — learn more here.
