The best events don’t just leave you inspired—they leave you better equipped to tackle the challenges waiting for you back at work.

That’s exactly what the new Data Decoded Workshops are designed to do.

Taking place on Monday 12 October, the day before Data Decoded Manchester officially opens, these expert-led workshops give you the opportunity to step away from the conference format and spend dedicated time developing practical skills alongside some of the industry’s most respected experts.

Unlike a conference session, these workshops are interactive, small-group and focused on helping you apply what you learn to your own organisation. Expect practical exercises, discussion, real-world examples and direct access to the workshop leader.

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Why attend a workshop?

Whether you’re leading data strategy, building platforms, delivering AI initiatives or communicating insights to stakeholders, you’ll leave with practical frameworks and techniques you can put into practice straight away.

You’ll benefit from:

• Practical, hands-on learning rather than theory
• Direct access to recognised industry experts
• Small-group discussions and networking
• Proven frameworks, techniques and best practice
• Actionable ideas you can implement immediately
• A head start before the main conference begins

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Workshop 1

Integrating AI and Analytics into the Data-Driven Enterprise

Mike Ferguson
CEO, Intelligent Business Strategies

AI is moving beyond experimentation. Organisations are now looking at how to embed AI, analytics, automation and intelligent decision-making into everyday business operations.

This full-day workshop explores how these technologies fit together and provides a practical roadmap for building a modern data-driven enterprise.

Rather than focusing on individual tools, Mike explains the architectures, governance, automation and operating models required to successfully integrate AI across an organisation.

You’ll learn how to:

• Understand how AI, analytics and automation work together
• Build trusted, governed data for AI-driven decision making
• Explore AI agents, orchestration and modern data architectures
• Embed intelligence into business applications and workflows
• Develop a roadmap for a scalable AI-enabled enterprise

If your organisation is asking “How do we move AI into production?” or “How do we become truly data-driven?” this workshop provides practical answers.

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Workshop 2

Communicating Data for Impact: From Dashboards to Stories to AI

Andy Cotgreave
Co-author of The Big Book of Dashboards

Producing dashboards is one thing.

Helping people make better decisions because of them is something else entirely.

This interactive workshop focuses on one of the most overlooked skills in analytics: communicating data effectively.

Drawing on more than 20 years’ experience, Andy shares practical techniques for creating dashboards, presentations and visualisations that genuinely influence decision-making—while also exploring how AI is changing the way we communicate insights.

You’ll learn how to:

• Communicate data with greater clarity and impact
• Design dashboards for different audiences
• Create persuasive data stories using proven frameworks
• Use AI to enhance analysis and communication responsibly
• Build trust through ethical, effective data communication

If you’ve ever thought “Our dashboards look great, but nobody acts on them,” this workshop is for you.

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Which workshop is right for you?

Choose Mike Ferguson’s workshop if your focus is on:

• AI strategy
• Enterprise architecture
• Modern data platforms
• Data governance
• Building an AI-enabled organisation

Choose Andy Cotgreave’s workshop if your focus is on:

• Dashboards
• Data storytelling
• Data visualisation
• Communicating insights
• Helping people make better decisions

Both workshops are designed to deliver practical value you can take back to your organisation immediately.

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Start Data Decoded One Step Ahead

The workshops take place before the main conference, giving you the chance to deepen your knowledge before two days of seminars, exhibitors and networking begin.

It’s the perfect way to maximise your time at Data Decoded and arrive with new ideas, practical skills and valuable connections already in place.

Places are limited.

Find out more and book your workshop: https://datadecoded.com/mcr/workshops