South Coast Technology Leaders - Stop Chasing AI: Start Solving Problems

Get practical AI playbooks that deliver fast wins with live demos and no hype. The AI Playbook workshop at Barclays Eagle Lab Southampton guides SME leaders and teams through concrete, actionable steps to adopt AI responsibly and effectively. Taking place on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 9:30 AM at Network Eagle Lab - Southampton, this in-person session brings together Nick Carlile and the Olivia AI team, who’ve supported 59+ enterprises, with Damian Bemben, an expert in responsible AI. What you’ll learn: - Where AI drives the biggest impact across business functions (operations, marketing, finance, customer care, and beyond) - Quick wins you can implement immediately using accessible tools and workflows - Live AI demonstrations tailored to real industry challenges and opportunities - Bonus: a free AI tool worth £500+ for attendees - A focused segment: Using AI Responsibly — with Damian Bemben, covering guardrails, transparency, and practical tips for safe experimentation and responsible rollout What’s included: - Access to a free AI tool valued at £500+ - Practical frameworks, examples, and demo assets - Lite bites and refreshments - Networking with founders, business leaders, and tech specialists Who should attend: - SME leaders exploring AI for productivity and growth - Teams wanting practical examples, not just theory - Functions like operations, marketing, finance, and customer care looking for quick wins - Innovators who need a clear, responsible path to adoption Outcomes: - A prioritized action list you can start implementing from day one - Confidence to roll out AI responsibly and effectively, even with a non-technical background Registration and details: - Date/time: Wed 25 Mar 2026, 9:30 AM local time - Venue: Network Eagle Lab, Southampton - Tickets: via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-ai-playbook-fast-wins-real-demos-no-hype-duplicate-cancel-this-one-tickets-1982352905905 Spaces are limited—secure your spot today. Find more AI events in [Southampton](https://www.createwith.com/cities/southampton). Explore more [automation events](/directory/events?topic=automation).

Why attend this workshop? If you’re exploring how AI technologies intersect with law, policy and social equity, this is a rare, rigorous, cross-disciplinary space to interrogate the equality impacts of AI systems and to discuss practical frameworks for more inclusive governance. The one-day event at the University of Southampton brings together scholars and practitioners to examine where AI can reduce harm and where it may inadvertently reproduce or worsen social inequality, with a strong emphasis on rights-based, participatory approaches to AI design and regulation. What to expect: - A critical, research-informed program addressing algorithmic biases across contexts such as policing, healthcare, immigration welfare systems, and workplace governance by algorithmic management. - Deliberations on current and emerging legal and regulatory responses to AI harms, with an emphasis on inclusivity, accountability, and governance. - Cross-disciplinary discussions that connect technology, law, policy, and social justice, aiming to develop practical strategies for designing AI systems that respect rights and promote equality. Speakers and contributors: The event features notable researchers and practitioners including Vanessa Ho (Queen Mary University London), Monique Munarini (University of Pisa), Anastasia Karagianni (Vrije Universiteit Brussel), Tsachi Keren-Paz and Maria Tzanou (University of Sheffield), Holli Sargeant (St John’s College, Cambridge), and Raphaële Xenidis (Sciences Po Law School). These confirmed voices will anchor plenaries and give attendees a concrete sense of how academic insights translate into policy and practice. Call for Papers (CfP): The organisers invite abstract submissions up to 500 words to scclaw@soton.ac.uk. The CfP closes with a deadline of 5 January 2026, and acceptances are communicated by the end of January. This reflects a collaborative, scholarly approach, encouraging contributions from diverse disciplines. Logistics and funding: There is no attendance fee for the workshop. Limited travel and accommodation support may be available for participants who lack institutional funds. Interested contributors should email the conference organising committee for details on eligibility and travel arrangements. Organisers: Research Centre for Law and Technology and Stefan Cross Centre for Women, Equality and Law, University of Southampton. For more information, visit the event page at the official site and consider submitting an abst