An inspiring speaker line-up has been announced for Leeds Digital Job Fair 5.0 at the First Direct Arena on Thursday 24 October from 3.30-7.30pm.
They will add an extra dimension to what is set to be a memorable day when 50 exhibitors and an expected 2,000 job seekers descend on the city centre venue for the North’s biggest digital and tech recruitment event.
Sponsored by Leeds City Council, Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Bruntwood SciTech and Fruition IT, Leeds Digital Job Fair 5.0 is the event for employers to talk directly to prospective new talent, whether experienced tech professionals or those starting a new career.
Three speakers will take to the stage in the main auditorium.
Chris Witham, Digital Delivery Lead at NHS Leadership Academy, will talk about his personal experiences of mental ill-health and the importance of employees taking care of themselves and each other in the workplace – including how to recognise early warning signs.
James Hall, Director of Leeds-based Parallax, will guide attendees through the process of setting up a digital agency from scratch, including common technical and logistical challenges likely to be encountered along the way.
And Sky’s Sally Bridgewater, an associate software developer, will deliver a thought-provoking presentation into how two apparently unrelated subjects – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Scrum, the project planning system used by software companies – brought together in her home life with dramatic results.
Leeds Digital Job Fair 5.0 is being organised by Herd founder Amy De-Balsi who said that each speaker comes with a strong reputation for excellence.
She commented: “I am always excited in the run-up to the Leeds Digital Job Fair, but next month’s event will be more special than ever before.
“The city’s digital and tech sector is rooted in inspiration and a powerful desire to break down barriers by sharing knowledge with others.
“Our three guest speakers have been carefully chosen to reflect these values, with each bringing something a little different to the platform.”
Ms De-Balsi said that exhibitor slots are filling up quickly, but some do remain starting from just £200 for start-ups through to gold packages for major employers.
Recent sign-ups have included IT and business consultancy BJSS, Sky Betting & Gaming, the Department for Work and Pensions, Yorkshire Building Society, First Direct and the British Library.
She said: “We are thrilled at the varied range of well-known businesses and public sector organisations that we have been able to confirm so far, with several more to be announced soon.
“All will have vacancies available on the day as the Leeds City Region digital sector continues to flourish and expand.
“My advice to other employers who want to get involved is to grab your place while you can because we will sell out
“People of all ages keen to progress their careers in tech by coming along to the event are invited to register for free.”
