A panel of globally renowned digital disruptors will kick off the IoD’s monthly Liverpool meet ups this October, showing the UK how the city region is punching well above its weight in this fast-paced sector. The city will play host to internationally acclaimed television, print, digital and event media expert, Laurie Benson (formerly of Bloomberg and CNN) as well as Liverpool’s own digital innovator and IoD director of the year winner, Ian Finch, Managing Director at The Mando Group.
The event, which will provide an exciting and unique opportunity to hear international digital leaders speak, will be the first of the IoD’s monthly meet ups. It is taking place at Tilney, Liverpool from 8.30-11am on 18 October 2017 and will be opened by David Holdsworth, Chair of the IoD Liverpool City Region and Chief Operating Officer at the Charity Commission. Delegates will hear from Ms Benson and Mr Finch about how the frontline of digital disruption is vast, constantly changing and while the media has led the way on digital transformation, it is now the turn of businesses.
With a career spanning 35 years in the US and EMEA, Ms Benson has spent her career at the centre of digital disruption. She will speak about how CNN went from being billed as the ‘Chicken Noodle Network’ to an international trailblazer of 24-hour news and why Bloomberg saw mobile communication as the future, as well as how her current role as CEO of Upnexxt Ltd keeps her abreast of the most recent technology platforms and changes in the consumer journey. With clients including young technology companies achieving growth and “unicorn” status, as well as legacy companies addressing new strategies and new business models in a digital world, she will also talk about new technologies, such as Chatbot and Artificial Intelligence.
The Mando Group’s Ian Finch, who is passionate about building a digital community and the next generation of talent here in the region, will speak to delegates about how transformation is not a choice, but a necessity, and even a great opportunity for businesses here in Liverpool. He will share how the Liverpool City Region is leading in digital and new technologies, and how local businesses can benefit from these developments if they simply “think bigger” and “want more”!.
The IoD’s NW regional director Claire Ebrey said: “This is an amazing opportunity for business leaders in the region to hear directly from two of the top digital innovators in the global economy. In addition to Ms Benson, Ian Finch is one of Liverpool’s leading experts in this fast moving sector, so this event really is unmissable for anyone who is into digital, disruption or the growth of Liverpool.”
The event will be followed by a Q&A session with the speakers, giving audience members the opportunity to delve into the key issues raised.
For more information about the event and to register your place please visit https://www.iod.com/events-community/events/event-details/eventdateid/7078
