Industry 4.0 – Collaborations, Connections & Community is the title and theme of beam’s upcoming Annual Forum, which will bring beam members and non-members together at the Hilton Bournemouth on 6 & 7 July.

This year the Forum will be more of a hands-on business event, featuring engaging and inspiring speakers and generating tangible takeaways,” says Beckie Towle, events director of beam who leads the association’s events action group.

The keynote will be presented by Matt Lindley. Matt is a serving airline pilot and former RAF pilot who applies his experiences in leadership, accountability and culture to the business world. Before taking his commercial flying job, he was a Royal Air Force Fast Jet pilot and later became a Captain on the Queens Flight, flying Her Majesty The Queen, members of the Royal Family, the Prime Minister and Cabinet worldwide for over 10 years.

Among the many outstanding and fascinating speakers sharing valuable insights will be Paul Martin of Events Air, Sam McNeill of Song Division, Helen Moon of EventWell, Leslie Robertson of Open Audience, Neil Thompson of The Delegate Wranglers, Peter Heath of Venue Performance and many more.

Industry 4.0 – Collaborations, Connections & Community is about preparing and supporting our members with what is coming next. The format will be a mix of plenary and educational breakout sessions.

The content will cover a broad range of significant industry subject areas, including AI and ChatGPT, data, ESG, and leadership skills.

There will also be follow-up sessions on recent beam events such as the Sustainability Forum, Finance Forum, and the Instant Book Summit. We’ll be joined by guest speakers from across the industry as well as experts covering the themes. There will be a lot of engaging content that is valuable to everyone.”

The beam Annual Forum, whose headline sponsors this year are Open Audience and Song Division, is also well known as one of the industry’s best social events of the year. Throughout the two days, there will be plenty of opportunities to catch up with colleagues and get to know new contacts. The event will also be supporting and raising money for Meeting Needs through a variety of activities.

Sian Sayward, chair of beam, says: “We have been working hard on creating an event that offers real benefits for everyone. The program is designed with audience involvement as a priority, as well as delivering fresh, relevant and thought-provoking content. It will be a Forum that’s not to be missed.”

The event is open to both members and non-members of beam. Please contact membership@beam-org.uk for information or visit https://www.cognitoforms.com/Beam9/Beams2023AnnualForum2 to register.