2026 Conference Programme

Seminar 1 - AMF WOMEN: Creating Workplaces Where Women Thrive

What helps women thrive and progress in manufacturing and engineering? And how can different approaches to leadership help shape the future of the sector?

Join Rachel Mansfield, Vice-Chair of the Advanced Manufacturing Forum and Managing Director of OsecoElfab, as she chairs a discussion on leadership, workplace culture and the experiences of women across different industries.

Panel:

• Gemma Brotherton — Komatsu UK

• Sam Rennison — former Chief Superintendent, Northumbria Police

Seminar 2 - Space & Defence Opportunities
Explore the opportunities emerging for North East manufacturing and engineering businesses in the space and defence sectors.

This session will look at the region’s capabilities, the role of collaboration and skills, and how businesses can connect with a growing sector.

Participating organisations:

• Lockheed Martin / North East Space Skills and Technology Centre (NESST)

• New College Durham

• RTC North

Seminar 3 - The Economy and Manufacturing

What does the economic outlook mean for manufacturers and businesses across the North East?

Join AMF Chair Richard Swart and a panel of experts for a lunchtime discussion on the economy, business confidence and the opportunities and challenges facing the region.

Panel Chair:

• Richard Swart, Chair of The AMF

Panel participants:

• Bank of England

• RBC Brewin Dolphin

• Ed Twiddy — Northstar Ventures

Seminar 4 - Powering the Future of Rail
Discover the North East innovation helping to shape the future of rail electrification.

Turntide Technologies and Hitachi Rail have worked together to develop battery technology for trains, taking a regional collaboration from development and trials towards production. This session will explore the technology, the partnership and the opportunities for advanced manufacturing.

Presenter:

• Turntide Technologies

Seminar 5 - Physical AI: Making Machines Smarter

What happens when artificial intelligence moves beyond the screen and into the physical world?

This proposed session will introduce physical AI and explore how it can be used in products and machines, alongside some of the practical considerations involved in bringing an idea into use.