Registration opens for first-ever Socitm President’s Conference

8 Feb 2018 11:24 AM

Registration for the first-ever Socitm President’s Conference has opened – with early bird tickets now on general sale.

The two-day conference, taking place on 8 and 9 May at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow, features a packed agenda including renowned speakers, panel discussions, workshops, Socitm’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the President’s Dinner.

The event will shine a spotlight on innovation and automation across the public sector and also provide key information and know-how for organisations looking to be part of the technological revolution in local government.

Confirmed speakers include Alexander Holt, head of the Scottish Government's CivTech programme, Bill Buchanan, lead for The Cyber Academy and Edinburgh Napier professor, and Dr Mariarosaria Taddeo, a Research Fellow at the Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford.

Day one of the conference focuses on community engagement and ethical automation. There will also be sessions looking at leadership in a digital world and shared services.

Nicola Graham, Aberdeenshire Council’s head of ICT, will be inaugurated as Socitm president at the AGM during the conference. This year’s President’s Dinner will feature an auction to raise much needed funds to support Headway – a UK-wide charity that works to improve life after brain injury.

Day two of the conference looks at cybersecurity and innovating future public services. The Socitm regions and the Local Public Service CIO Council (LCIOC) will also confer at their meetings during the event.

Geoff Connell, president of Socitm, said: “Public sector organisations will be key players in establishing how emerging technologies such as AI and robotics can be used for the benefit of the public, which in turn will lead to major social and economic advances. However, factors such as security, privacy, ethical and regulatory compliance pose serious challenges and must be given careful consideration.

“We want to spark discussion on how new technology can be used to improve services for citizens, businesses and visitors. And, to do so in ways that are ethical and secure.”

Early bird tickets are priced at £265.50 (Socitm members) and £355.50 (non-members). The early bird discount closes on 28 February.

Anyone who has ever attended one of the Socitm leadership courses, such as Top Talent or Empowering Women in a Digital World (EWDW), will get a £100 discount off the price of their ticket.

Socitm Enhanced and Executive corporate member organisations are entitled to one free delegate place, plus a hotel room. 

More information about registration can be found on the conference microsite.