Big Data LDN 2026: Where Data, AI & Transformation Leaders Should Focus Their Time
Big Data LDN is back on 23-24 September, and if you're responsible for data, AI, technology or transformation, the challenge isn't finding something to attend. It's deciding where to spend your time!
Big Data LDN brings together thousands of professionals, hundreds of speakers and dozens of tracks across data, analytics, AI and digital transformation.
At Eden Smith, we've spent more than a decade helping organisations navigate change through data, AI, technology and talent. This year, we're not just exhibiting. We're creating a dedicated space for leaders to connect, learn and tackle the biggest challenges facing organisations today through our Leaders Advisory Board (LAB) Hub and Table Talks programme.
Whether you're exploring AI adoption, modernising legacy platforms, strengthening governance or driving enterprise-wide transformation, here's where we'd focus our attention.
What Are Leaders Really Talking About in 2026?
Despite the hype surrounding AI, the conversations we're having with senior leaders are surprisingly consistent.
They're not asking:
- Which model is best?
- Which tool should we buy?
- How quickly can we deploy another pilot?
Instead, they're asking:
- How do we scale AI safely?
- How do we demonstrate measurable business value?
- How do we modernise legacy environments?
- How do we improve governance without slowing innovation?
- How do we bring people with us through change?
These are operating model questions. They sit at the intersection of technology, capability and trust.
In fact, this exact theme is at the heart of Eden Smith's Big Data LDN session,"Governing the Unpredictable: Data Products, Observability and Trust in the Age of AI", delivered by Jez Clark and Nicholas Deveney. The session explores why organisations often struggle to scale AI not because the technology fails, but because traditional governance and decision-making models cannot keep pace with modern AI ecosystems.
Our Top Session Recommendations for Data, AI & Transformation Leaders
1.
Transform Fragmented Data into Trusted AI at Scale
Wednesday | Data & AI Governance & Observability Theatre
The biggest barrier to AI isn't always AI itself. It's fragmented data, poor visibility and a lack of confidence in what the data is telling you.
For leaders looking to move beyond experimentation and create enterprise-wide adoption, this is one of the most valuable sessions on the agenda. It addresses a challenge almost every organisation faces: how to build trusted foundations that can support scalable AI initiatives.
2. The Future of Thinking: Humans, AI and the Skills We Risk Losing
Thursday | Keynote X Theatre
Delivered by Rosanne Werner
Without realising it, many of us are starting to let AI do more of our thinking for us.
While that might feel like a productivity win, over time, we risk weakening the very thinking skills we rely on for innovation, good judgement and strategic insight.
Think about the everyday moments: asking AI for the answer before you’ve had a chance to think. Taking its first suggestion instead of challenging it. Asking it to come up with the ideas rather than developing your own.
None of these choices feels significant on its own. But repeated day after day, they can become habits - changing how we think, learn, solve problems and make decisions.
3.
Governing the Unpredictable: Data Products, Observability and Trust in the Age of AI
Wednesday | Data Products & Data Fabric Theatre
Delivered by Eden Smith's own Jez Clark and Nicholas Deveney, this session flips the governance debate on its head. Rather than asking how we control AI, it explores how trust can scale alongside it.
You'll explore:
- Governance as an operating-model choice
- Why trust must survive production
- The role of observability and evidence
- How leaders can balance innovation and accountability
- Why technology doesn't run organisations, people do
For organisations trying to scale AI whilst maintaining confidence, control and momentum, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.
4.
RAG to Riches: How ITV Insights Access Their Wealth of Research Using AI
Thursday | Gen AI, App Intelligence & AI Agents Theatre
One of the strongest value-focused sessions of the conference.
Many organisations are sitting on years of intellectual property, research and internal knowledge that remains inaccessible. This session demonstrates how AI can unlock that value and create tangible business outcomes from existing assets.
Join the Conversation at the Eden Smith LAB Hub
New for 2026, Eden Smith is hosting the LAB Hub, a dedicated leadership space designed specifically for data, AI and transformation professionals. Located opposite Stand F60, the LAB Hub is a place to step away from vendor presentations and engage in practical, peer-led discussion.
Throughout the event we'll be hosting a programme of facilitated LAB Table Talks, covering topics such as:
- Is Governance an Accelerator or Handbrake?
- Data Transformations Are Not Enough
- Rewiring for AI: From Mindset to Behaviour
- How Do We Engineer Change, Not Just Tech?
- One Governance Framework or Two?
- What Changes When Governance Is an Operating Choice?
These are not presentations. They are collaborative discussions designed to help leaders share experiences, challenge assumptions and learn from one another. Places are limited and pre-registration is strongly recommended.
Meet the Eden Smith Team at Stand F60
Whether you're exploring AI adoption, looking for specialist talent, scaling delivery capability or reviewing your transformation roadmap, the Eden Smith team will be available throughout both days at Stand F60.
Stop by to discuss:
- Data & AI strategy
- Transformation delivery
- Leadership challenges
- Talent and capability
- Operating models
- Governance and trust
- Building future-ready teams
Most importantly, we'd love to hear what challenges you're trying to solve.
Join Us for Data Drinks
Big Data LDN is about people as much as technology.
On Wednesday 23 September from 5:00pm, we're hosting Data Drinks in the LAB Hub, creating an opportunity for leaders to continue the conversations started throughout the day. The session is designed to be informal, welcoming and focused on building meaningful connections across the data, AI and transformation community.
No slides. No sales pitch. Just great people and great conversation.
Register Your Place
If you're attending Big Data LDN 2026, make sure you:
✅ Visit the Eden Smith team at
Stand F60
✅ Join us in the
LAB Hub
✅ Register for a
LAB Table Talk session
✅ Attend
Data Drinks on Wednesday from 5:00pm
✅ Catch
Governing the Unpredictable with
Jez Clark and
Nicholas Deveney
Ready to join us?
Register for VIP access, reserve your Table Talk place and learn more about the Eden Smith experience at Big Data LDN here:
