Join us for DS18: AI: Intelligence at work, where we’ll be diving deep into the real-world impact of artificial intelligence on business, creativity, and society.
Expect expert speakers, lightning talks, hands-on insight, and the usual Digital Somerset energy – all topped off with the usual slice of pizza or two, great company, and powerful connections.
Pizzas & networking – 5:30 – 6:15pm
Introductions – 6:15 – 6:30pm
Talks start at 6.30pm
Main Speakers:
Chris Weavill : How to navigate a future built on AI.
This talk will cut through the AI hype to provide a clear, grounded overview of AI’s real-world applications and its prospects, offering a guide for everyone to confidently move forward in a new era of data and technology.
Christopher Weavill is an entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in Customer Feedback analytics and AI. Christopher has transformed Hertzian into a national award-winning startup and established its product, PlayerXP, as a trusted partner for global gaming companies like Warner Bros. As a speaker, Christopher educates businesses on how to effectively use AI to drive performance and gather valuable insights. He also shares his expertise as an Entrepreneur in Residence for Falmouth University and serves on the Cornwall Council Workforce Skills Board.
Scotty Quilter : Why AI is for Everybody (Not Just Techies)
Scott Quilter FBCS is Co-Founder and Chief AI & Innovation Officer at Techosaurus, an award-winning EdTech consultancy helping people and organisations unlock the value of AI and automation. With over 20 years’ experience in IT strategy, digital transformation, and emerging technologies, Scott is known for his jargon-free, hands-on delivery style that makes complex tech simple, practical, and actionable.
Lightening Speakers:
Rob Compton: AI in Education: Is studying languages, history and drama more useful than science for the workforce of the 2030s?
Rob has taught corporate responsibility, sustainability and coaching at Bayes Business School for 12 years alongside a career in educational consultancy, and helping charities to work with the business community. He’s delivered a number of talks in an academic and commercial context including at Cog X in September 2023 on AI and education. He now lives in Exeter and works as a freelance education consultant and visiting lecturer.
Matt Fleming
Matt Fleming is a journalist, content strategist, marketer and event coordinator based in Plymouth. Over the past few years, his passion has become AI and he, together with Christina Wilkins from Plymouth’s Brand Biscuit studio, organised the first-ever major AI event in the South West in April in Plymouth, “Life In AI 2025”, attended by more than 400 people and featuring businesses large and small, AI experts, students, academics and even AI-powered robots. Matt is organising “LifeIn AI 2026” right now for April 2026, however he is also, alongside Christina, setting up the South West AI Hub CIC to keep the entire region connected, innovating and collaborating in the ever-growing, ever-scary, ever-fascinating space of Artificial Intelligence.