Big Data & AI World Event

There’s no getting away from it: Big data and AI is the way forward for business.

Now is the time to embrace new technologies and change the way you work.

We recently exhibited at the Big Data & AI World show. It’s the biggest UK event of it’s kind, it's mission is to bring new information, new advancements and new strategies to business leaders.

It truly was a great event and a fantastic occasion to network with peers and professionals, and an opportunity for us here at Boston Hale to connect with not only innovators in the tech market but with business leaders at all levels. 

We wanted to share a little more about why people were attending this year, what they got from the show, plus the general themes of conversation throughout the two days. 

Why people visited the 2023 show

Through feedback gathered at the event, we discovered that most of the visitors we spoke to found the talks and exhibitors informative and relevant. These were the top reasons for attending:

•    To learn more about the tools they’re already using, taking on board comparisons with alternative tech.
•    To find new tech to implement in the workplace.
•    To discover more about how other companies are building their data strategies, addressing issues, implementing new ideas and using new tools alongside existing tech.

The majority of visitors to the Big Data & AI World event are known to be trailblazers - innovators who aren’t afraid to adopt new technologies that are designed to help businesses make better decisions. Leaders who are embracing digital transformation and helping to shape the future of their companies.

The event was a chance for attendees to meet with fellow data professionals, build partnerships and speak to experts with the knowledge, skills and advice to help turn a vision into reality. 

So, what were people talking about during the event?

Data & Analytics Recruitment Insights:

Those we spoke to acknowledged that budgets are tight right now, both with contract and permanent hiring. This is down to employer budgets remaining stagnant, whilst candidate calibre has elevated, leaving an imbalance that needs to be addressed. Top talent is demanding more, and business needs to catch up. With inflation rising, general cost pressures are also forcing companies to re-assess the way they do things and where they spend their money.

We also discovered that some companies are struggling to remain competitive in the talent market, as they try to keep up with other, huge businesses. And even though big corporations such as Google are currently laying off staff, companies still cannot afford to pick up these employees. We’re not just talking small businesses here, we’re talking big players. Salary demands are often just too high in the current climate.

Another issue for employers is retention. Companies are bringing in staff, investing in training, and then having to start again when employees then move on. This is exacerbated by the fact that a role with one year’s experience on the CV is no longer seen as detrimental by future employers - or candidates. Although retention for permanent employees needs addressing, many believe new staff can add value immediately in many situations, particularly contractors who have prior experience with similar projects elsewhere. 

We attended Big Data & AI World to network with new talent, learn about new tech and speak to new, potential candidates about to enter the market. And it was a resounding success.

Benefits of attending and exhibiting

The biggest benefit for attendees, exhibitors and content providers was the networking opportunities.  Anyone and everyone interested in data, analytics, technology across all sectors was there.

We had some great conversations, met lots of new contacts, caught up with existing customers, contractors and candidates. Meeting at an event like this, when people are firmly out of the day to day, means they have more time for discussionis around talent issues. And, as a result, we left with a raft of new mandates and projects to work on.

Then, the learning opportunities. We were attending the Big Data & AI world part of the wider Tech Show London - but the sheer scale of the event meant that we were able to learn from, and meet with, people across the disciplines. 
Content was delivered in a range of formats and streams, around a number of core themes. We were lucky to be able to make time to take a break from our stand and join some insightful and thought provoking sessions.

Engaging with and advising mid-senior level management talent was another highlight. We were able to discuss the reasons why a career re-focus might be the best option, and we shared advice on career opportunities, the benefits of up-skilling staff, CV advice and recruitment policies.

Last, but in no means least, we enjoyed conversations with students who are on the cusp of entering the market. These people are the talent of the future, and we gave plenty of advice to help kick start a career in data and analytics.

It was a fantastic event and great to network with so many talented professionals leading the field in such an exciting sector.

To find out more about our recruitment services in data, analytics and technology, contact our Head of Data & Tech, David Pynor