Overview
Data Decoded MCR is a two day in person event hosted in Manchester, bringing together data and AI professionals to explore practical, real world solutions rather than hype. The Manchester Central venue provides a hub for senior data leaders, engineers, architects and AI practitioners to share experiences, discuss implementation challenges and connect with peers who are actively delivering data and AI initiatives at scale. The event emphasizes practical outcomes, hands on sessions, and high quality conversations with decision makers and technical experts.
Dates and Location
The event takes place over two days in October in Manchester, United Kingdom. Attendees have access to keynote sessions, theatre talks, and a range of seminars and workshops designed to address current topics such as data governance, modern data platforms, data engineering, automation, analytics, and AI strategy. The venue is located in the heart of Manchester, close to restaurants, nightlife and a wide selection of hotels for attendees traveling from outside the city.
Agenda and Format
Data Decoded MCR features multiple theatres dedicated to leadership, AI and analytics, data governance, data architecture, and data engineering. The programme includes keynote talks on leadership and strategy, alongside technical sessions on scale, governance, and the practicalities of implementing data and AI projects. There are dedicated tracks focused on operational lessons, platform engineering, and the people aspects of data programs. Attendees will find a mix of seminars, sessions and community meetups designed to maximize peer learning and practical takeaways.
The event highlights include:
- Keynote Theatre: Leadership and Strategy, featuring insights from senior leaders on how to align data initiatives with business goals.
- AI, Analytics and Intelligence Theatre sessions covering AI governance, analytics practice and decision making.
- Data Architecture, Platforms and Infrastructure Theatre addressing modern data stacks, platform choices and integration.
- Data Engineering, Integration and Automation Theatre focusing on engineering practices, pipelines and automation.
- Community Meetups and smaller group workshops designed to facilitate deep dives and hands on learning.
Speakers and Audience
Data Decoded MCR targets data and AI professionals who are actively delivering or planning data projects. Attendees typically include data leaders, chief data officers, data engineers, data scientists, analytics professionals, and business leaders responsible for data driven initiatives. The programme invites practitioners who can share real world experiences, challenges and outcomes from their own organisations, enabling practical learning and new ideas that can be applied immediately.
Who Should Attend
- Data and AI Leadership owners responsible for strategy, governance and transformation.
- Technical and engineering teams building modern data and AI capabilities.
- Business and operational leaders leveraging data to improve performance and customer experience.
What to Expect
Expect practical content, real world case studies, and high quality conversations with peers and solution providers. The event emphasizes ROI, actionable ideas, and concrete steps attendees can take back to their organisations. With a focus on practical implementation rather than hype, Data Decoded MCR aims to help teams accelerate their data and AI agendas through collaboration and shared learning.
Venue and Practical Details
Manchester Central provides a conducive environment for networking and collaboration, with the surrounding city offering ample accommodation and dining options. The event is free to register, with opportunities to meet vendors, explore up to date technologies, and engage in sessions designed to drive real impact within attendee organisations.
FAQs
- Is the event online or in person? In person at Manchester Central, United Kingdom.
- What is the start date and end date? 13 October 2026 to 14 October 2026.
- Who should attend? Data and AI leaders, engineers, architects, analysts and business decision makers involved in data initiatives.
- Are there workshops or meetups? Yes, including seminars, workshops and community meetups across several theatres.
