9:35 am - Headline Keynote Opening Keynote with Phil Witcherley, New Director of Economy and Innovation at the North East Mayoral Combined Authority.
Phil is responsible for all the work of the Combined Authority relating to economic growth, innovation, housing, culture, and sport.

10:00 am - WOMEN Forum Panel
Join Rachel Mansfield, Vice-Chair of The AMF, as she leads an inspiring discussion with some of the industry’s top women leaders: 

• - Beverley Henderson, Plant Manager at Highly Marelli
• - Gemma Brotherton, Senior PR Officer at Komatsu UK
• - Emma Harbottle, Managing Director of Analox
• - Professor Joanna Berry, Associate Dean, Engagement, and Professor in Entrepreneurship at Durham University Business School, and Director (Business MM Engagement) of Durham University's Durham Energy Institute ("DEI")
• - Sharon Lane, Managing Director at TEES COMPONENTS.

11:30 am - Bank of England Budget Breakdown
Panel Chair - Richard Swart, Chair of The AMF, In discussion with:

• - Gareth Harrison, Deputy Agent of the North
• - Clair Smailes, Tax Partner & NE Head of Tax at Azets

1:00 pm - AI in Manufacturing
Explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the sector with:

• - Steven Osprey, Chief Technologist at TSG (Technical Services Group)
• - Daniel Kirkbright, People Development Manager at TSG
• - Paul Smissen, Director of Business Development at Zenith.

2:30 pm - Space & Defence Opportunities

• - Richard Hopper, Business Growth Manager at Northumbria University.
• -Dave Moody, Director of North East Space Skills & Technology Centre. Northumbria University.
• -John Bone, Chief Commercial Officer, Orbex.
• -Lesley Hawke, Project Manager Support, RTC North.
• -Jamie Ollivere, Chief Executive, RTC North.

3:15 pm - From Stainless Steel to Science Parks

• - Mark Daniels, Marketing Communications Manager at Goodfellow
• - Adam Sells, Channel Partner Manager at Goodfellow