Eastbourne DigiFest returns to the Kings Centre on Wednesday 14th October, with both Switchplane MDs, Tom Fielder and Joel Fielder, taking to the stage.
This year's theme, "Working and Leading in the Age of AI," reflects a conversation that's moved on from the experimental stage. It's no longer about proving the AI tools work or experimenting with ChatGPT prompts, but about how organisations embed these new technologies properly, and what that means for leadership, decision-making, and accountability along the way. It's a conversation Switchplane set out to support when we founded the conference in 2023, building on the foundations of the Chalk Eastbourne community.
Tom Fielder: AI Strategy: From Pain Points to Productivity
Tom's session at Eastbourne DigiFest addresses a gap we see regularly in client work: businesses trying, and failing, to solve real operational problems with generic tools like ChatGPT, rather than embedding AI properly into their core processes, systems and decision-making. You'll leave with clarity on where your organisation's pain points actually sit, and a plan for turning AI into a genuine advantage rather than another initiative that stalls.
"The aim every year at Eastbourne DigiFest is to move the conversation on rather than repeat it," says Tom. "Last year was about understanding what AI could do. This year is about how you lead through it, how you keep the human judgement and accountability that actually make organisations work, while the tools around you change faster than ever."
Joel Fielder: Vibecoding: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Joel's session comes with a Wild West theme, terrible Clint Eastwood impressions, and (by all accounts) a poncho. Underneath the theatrics is a genuinely useful look at AI-assisted coding, the good, the bad, and the properly ugly, from someone who's been building software since long before "AI" meant anything more than that annoying Word paperclip. Expect straight talk on when to reach for the AI and when to keep your hand off the holster.
He's also joining Mia Neupauerova and Nicky McCrudden for a live recording of The Human Edge, a podcast exploring the irreplaceable value of people in the workplace, a fitting counterpart to a day spent talking about where AI actually helps.
A full day of practical insight
Tom and Joel are speaking alongside a line-up covering the breadth of what business leaders are grappling with right now. Rebecca Maher from Metro Bank looks at authentic leadership in an AI-driven workplace, Paul Hetherington shares real examples of AI generating revenue for non-tech businesses, Victoria Regan covers the employment law risks of AI in recruitment and HR, and Ed Chinn makes the case for responsible AI foundations as an accelerator rather than a brake. There's plenty more across the day on marketing, cyber resilience, digital health, and the future workforce.
If you're attending, come and chat to our team on our stand - we'll be exhibiting and sponsoring alongside a whole host of other firms covering IT, cyber security, marketing, and more, all bringing plenty of opportunities to network, connect, build relationships, and share expertise.
Book your ticket
Eastbourne DigiFest 2026 takes place on Wednesday 14th October at the Kings Centre, Eastbourne. Learn more and book your conference ticket at eastbournedigifest.com and come and hear Tom and Joel speak on the day.
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