AI Conference 2025: What a Day!
Our AI Conference 2025 at The Fielder Centre was an absolute powerhouse of ideas, energy and future-focused thinking. From the moment delegates walked through the door, it was clear this wasn’t just another conference, it was Hertfordshire showing exactly what it’s capable of.
We kicked off with a fantastic welcome from our leadership team, including the Lord-Lieutenant Robert Voss CBE CStJ and CEO Donna Schultz, with Mary Sykes guiding us through the day brilliantly. Their message was clear: Hertfordshire is ready to lead the conversation on AI.
Our headline sponsors, Google, Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst and the University of Hertfordshire brought big insights and inspiring perspectives. CityFibre Digital Academy joined as our Associate Sponsor.
The keynote speakers kept the momentum going. Dr Robert Elliott Smith, Jamie Claret and Matthew Higgins each offered unique views on AI, from ethics to business transformation to practical adoption. Delegates left buzzing with ideas.
The breakout sessions were a real highlight. Led by Xpertex, ITbuilder, Carlsberg Britvic, Elaine Gold, Rob Finlay and High Commission of Canada (with Mazimizer X Avrion). Their sessions covered everything from creativity and productivity to CRM, cyber security, compliance, and building AI confidence. Attendees were able to dive deep into the areas most relevant to them, leaving with practical tools and inspiration to take back to their organisations.
Our exhibitor area added even more excitement, showcasing some of the most innovative organisations in Hertfordshire and beyond. Delegates explored Xpertex Ltd, IT Builder, Rocket Paye, The WOW! Awards, IllumiFi Advisory Ltd, Intermedia Intelligent Communications, Cloud7 Marketing & AI, Hertfordshire Growth Hub, Aura Calls, Elevate.io, Estu Global Ltd, and SATVA Softech - sparking conversations, demos and new connections throughout the day.
And of course, no conference is complete without great food! The Fielder Centre’s catering was outstanding, fresh, plentiful and perfectly timed to keep everyone fuelled and energised throughout the day. It really added to the experience and kept the conversations flowing between sessions.
The afternoon panel brought honesty, humour and plenty of real-world experience to the stage. Expert panellists shared what’s working, what’s challenging, and where AI is heading next, giving everyone practical insights they could take away immediately.
A huge thank you to Pearldrop for capturing the energy on video and to Caroline, along with the entire Herts Chamber team, for orchestrating such a seamless, high-energy event. The feedback has been incredible, and we couldn’t be prouder.
Hertfordshire’s innovation community is moving fast, thinking big, and pushing boundaries and this conference proved it. We can’t wait to continue the conversation and build on the momentum.