FAQs
Data Decoded MCR is a free-to-attend data & AI event designed for organisations actively delivering modern data, analytics and AI initiatives.
Taking place in Manchester on 13–14 October 2026, the event brings together senior data leaders, engineers, architects, analysts, AI practitioners and business decision-makers to explore practical implementation strategies, operational lessons and real-world use cases.
Across five specialist seminar theatres, attendees can explore topics including AI adoption, governance, data engineering, analytics, automation, platforms and leadership — alongside carefully selected technology providers helping organisations solve modern data & AI challenges.
You can explore the event overview here: Why Data Decoded
Data Decoded focuses on practical, implementation-led content designed for teams actively delivering data & AI projects.
Attendees join to:
- Learn from real-world deployment case studies
- Discover practical strategies and operational lessons
- Explore modern data & AI solutions
- Connect with peers tackling similar challenges
- Stay current on AI, analytics, governance and engineering trends
- Find ideas and technologies that can be applied immediately inside their organisation
The event is designed to prioritise practical value, meaningful conversations and actionable takeaways over generic trend discussions and sales pitches.
Learn more about what makes Data Decoded different: Why Data Decoded
Content across the five seminar theatres focuses on the operational, technical and strategic challenges organisations are tackling right now.
Topics include:
- AI Strategy & Adoption
- Generative AI & LLMs
- Agentic AI
- Data Engineering
- Modern Data Platforms
- Data Governance & AI Risk
- Analytics & Business Intelligence
- DataOps & Observability
- Automation & Integration
- Data Leadership & Culture
- Scaling AI in Production
Explore the event theatres and content areas here: Data Decoded MCR
Data Decoded MCR features five specialist seminar theatres:
- Keynote: Leadership & Strategy
- AI, Analytics & Intelligence
- Data Governance, Risk & Compliance
- Data Architecture, Platforms & Infrastructure
- Data Engineering, Integration & Automation
Each theatre is designed around practical business and technical challenges, helping attendees quickly discover content relevant to their role, priorities and current projects.
Data Decoded MCR takes place at Manchester Central Convention Centre on 13-14 October 2026.
Address: Windmill St, Manchester M2 3GX, United Kingdom
The 2 day event runs from 9am – 5:30pm on Tuesday 13th October and 9am-4:45pm on Wednesday 14th October 2026.
Data Decoded is designed for professionals actively working on data & AI initiatives, transformation programmes and operational challenges inside modern organisations.
Attendees include:
- Chief Data Officers (CDOs)
- Heads of Data & Analytics
- Data Engineers & Architects
- AI & ML Practitioners
- Governance & Risk Leaders
- Analysts & BI Teams
- Technology & Transformation Leaders
- Business decision-makers using data & AI to improve operations and performance
Whether you’re scaling AI, modernising infrastructure, improving governance or driving data strategy, the event is built to help teams move projects forward.
Data Decoded MCR features a diverse line-up of industry leaders, data experts, and innovators from across the public and private sectors. Speakers include professionals who are shaping the future of data strategy, governance, engineering, AI, and analytics — from senior executives and technical specialists to independent thought leaders and practitioners.
Each session is designed to deliver real-world insight, not sales pitches — with speakers sharing their own experiences, challenges, and proven approaches to building data-driven organisations.
Expect a mix of keynotes, case studies, and panel discussions covering both strategic and hands-on perspectives, offering practical takeaways you can apply immediately in your own work.
The speaker line-up can be found here.
Yes.
Visitor attendance for Data Decoded MCR is completely free, giving attendees access to:
- Seminar theatres
- Exhibitor floor
- Networking areas
- Community meetups
- The official afterparty (wristband required)
Optional hands-on workshops are separately ticketed.
Register here: Register Free
The exhibition floor features technology providers, consultancies, platforms and solution specialists supporting modern data, analytics and AI initiatives.
Attendees can explore solutions across:
- AI & Machine Learning
- Analytics & BI
- Data Platforms
- Engineering & Automation
- Governance & Compliance
- Infrastructure & Architecture
- Observability & DataOps
The focus is on helping attendees discover relevant solutions to real operational and business challenges.
The latest exhibitor list can be found here.
The conference seminar agenda takes place in 5 theatres. View the latest seminar agenda here.
After registering for Data Decoded MCR you will receive a confirmation email. Please bring this email with you to the event where you can print a badge using the code provided on the confirmation email. If you can’t find your email you can still print your badge upon arrival.
Data Decoded also offers optional hands-on workshops taking place before the main conference.
These small-group sessions are designed to provide deeper practical learning, guided exercises and direct access to expert practitioners.
Workshop places are limited and require a separate paid ticket.
Learn more here: Workshops
Beyond the seminar theatres, Data Decoded also includes:
- Community meetups
- Networking opportunities
- Hands-on workshops
- The official afterparty
These experiences are designed to help attendees build stronger industry connections, exchange ideas and maximise value from their time at the event.
Explore more here: Beyond The Theatres
Yes!
An exclusive evening features live music from guest artists The Allergies. On the evening of day 1 (13 October), join us from 5pm at Junction, Manchester Central (24 Windmill Street, M2 3NX) for an unforgettable night of networking, music, and fun.
Wristbands are required for entry — collect yours at the event from 09:30–17:30 on Tuesday 13 October.
Both.
Data Decoded is designed to support a broad range of senior data & AI professionals, from strategic leaders driving transformation programmes to engineers and practitioners solving operational and technical challenges.
Sessions range from leadership and governance discussions through to architecture, engineering, automation, AI deployment and analytics implementation.
Yes.
A core focus of Data Decoded is sharing practical implementation lessons and real-world deployment experience from organisations actively delivering data & AI initiatives.
Many sessions focus on operational challenges, measurable outcomes, lessons learned and practical frameworks attendees can apply inside their own organisation.