Can Bristol’s creativity, innovation and values shape AI for good? Join the conversation on how AI affects people, communities, and society.

AI is changing our world. But who gets to decide what that future looks like?

Bristol has a reputation for innovation, creativity, sustainability and doing things differently. Could those same qualities help shape how AI develops, not just locally, but globally?

Join AI West during Brazen, Bristol’s city-wide festival of technology, creativity and culture organised by techSPARK, for a lively, interactive discussion exploring AI’s human impact and how we can help shape its future.

Inspired by the Conversations on AI podcast and hosted by AI ethicist Annabel Gillard, this Community Track event brings together a diverse panel of local experts and the audience to explore the opportunities, tensions and human questions behind AI.

This isn’t a traditional panel discussion. Your perspective is part of the conversation.

And after this event, you'll have time to take the short walk across to our "Claude have mercy" session - view more about that here (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2003394283231).

What we’ll explore

How AI is changing the way we live, work and connect.

Whether Bristol’s creative, innovative and sustainability-focused culture gives us a distinctive voice in the global AI debate.

What responsible AI looks like in practice and how it could support positive social and economic change.

How people, businesses and communities can help shape AI’s future.

Who should attend?

Anyone curious about AI and its impact on society.

Whether you’re a student, creative, business leader, technologist, researcher or simply interested in the future, your perspective matters.

No technical knowledge needed.

Meet the speakers

Host: Annabel Gillard Founder, LSE FORGOOD and Conversations on AI

Annabel champions a human-first approach to technology, advising organisations on ethics-by-design and responsible innovation. She co-founded LSE FORGOOD, leads the AI ethics workstream for Co-Labs Global and brings extensive experience in business, leadership and organisational culture.

Lisa Minogue-White EMEA Regional Director, Immersive (title to confirm)

Lisa has spent over 20 years connecting people, learning and technology. Her experience spans enterprise technology, leadership and organisational development. She also runs Rootstock, a consultancy focused on the human side of sales and leadership.

Vicky Matthews Documentary Producer and Director

Emmy-nominated producer and director Vicky Matthews has spent more than 20 years creating factual television for international audiences, including productions for Disney+, Netflix and National Geographic. She now explores how AI-powered production can transform storytelling and premium factual content.

James Hobbs CTO, Aer Studios

James is a people-focused technologist with over 17 years’ experience in technical strategy, digital sustainability and engineering leadership. At Aer Studios, he champions sustainable digital practices and responsible AI to help purpose-led organisations deliver meaningful digital experiences.

Su Crighton Partner, KPMG

Biography awaiting confirmation.

About Brazen

Brazen is Bristol’s city-wide festival of technology, creativity and culture, organised by techSPARK from 9–13 November 2026.

This event is organised by AI West as part of Brazen’s Community Track, bringing people together to explore ideas, share perspectives and shape the future of technology.

Discover the wider festival programme at https://techspark.co/brazen/ (https://techspark.co/brazen/)

Description supplied by the event organiser.