AI Unlocked: A Debate on What Comes Next

If you’re curious about AI’s potential but unsure how to navigate the hype, this event will help you cut through the noise and focus on what really matters. Across a creative headline session and two practical workshops, we’ll explore real‑world applications, future‑driven thinking, and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

By the end of the event, attendees will be able to:

• Understand contrasting perspectives on AI’s future, recognising both the opportunities and the risks that organisations need to consider.

• Identify practical, real‑world applications of agentic AI across Sales, Marketing and Finance, with clarity on what’s possible today

• Recognise emerging AI trends that are most likely to influence business growth, innovation and productivity in the coming years.

• Evaluate potential threats and ethical considerations that could impact responsible AI adoption.

• Pinpoint where AI can support their own organisation, from improving workflows to exploring new products and services.

• Take away a clearer starting point for action, including where to begin, what to prioritise, and how to build momentum with responsible AI use.

Workshop 1: Agentic AI: The Advantage in Sales, Marketing & Finance (17:15 - 18:00)

Lawrence Kwaasi – GM Business Growth Hub – Digital Innovation Specialist 

Lawrence Kwaasi is a Digital Innovation Specialist helping businesses harness AI, automation, and emerging digital technologies. He works with SMEs to navigate digital transformation, integrating intelligent systems, streamlining processes, and building innovation capability through data-driven solutions. He has designed and delivered AI and automation workshops, supporting organisations to apply large language models, machine learning, and workflow tools to boost productivity. Lawrence brings experience in business analysis, product ownership, agile leadership, cyber security, and cloud infrastructure, with a strong focus on practical, secure, and measurable impact. 

Jordan Campbell – Ernst & Young LLP 

Jordan is a Manchester based consultant at EY, currently working in the Technology Strategy & Transformation team. He was previously worked at a Manchester based AI start-up specialising in Inventory and Pricing optimisation. 

Main Session: AI Court Case (18:00-19:00)

You’ll hear from: 

• The Plaintiff, arguing for an optimistic future where AI accelerates progress for society, organisations, and individuals. 

• The Defendant, offering a more cautious perspective, questioning risks, ethics, and the unintended consequences of rapid advancement. 

You’ll take the role of the jury, weighing up both sides before delivering a collective verdict.  

Rob Fox-River – Ernst & Young LLP 

Rob leads EY’s Cyber Security Practice for Healthcare, specialising in making cyber security accessible. Known for his clear and relatable teaching style, Rob is passionate about empowering businesses with the knowledge and confidence to protect their digital assets. He says, “My goal is to help you understand cyber so that you can use it to help your people, your business and your customers.” 

Luke Corbridge – Ernst & Young LLP 

Luke supports EY’s Privacy and Data Protection team, and leads on data governance and privacy projects, as well as wider cyber strategy and transformation programmes. With experience ranging from financial services, energy and industrials, and the public sector, Luke provides a breadth of industry perspectives from both the consulting side and from the client side on secondment.  

Charles Dickinson – Ernst & Young LLP 

Charles is the lead solution architect within the cyber engineering practice at EY. He is responsible for delivering the full breadth of EY's cyber and AI solutions to clients. Known for his clear communication and deep technical insight, Charlie bridges the gap between business needs and technical solutions, helping leaders and decision-makers take confident, secure steps into the world of AI. 

Workshop 2: Future Forward: What’s on the AI Horizon (19:15-20:00)

We’ll discuss emerging trends, potential breakthroughs, and the environmental and ethical factors that could accelerate or slow future progress. This session is designed to help you understand how advanced technologies might support productivity, customer engagement and innovation across businesses of all sizes.  

Natasha Moorhouse – GM Business Growth Hub - Digital Innovation Specialist 

As an Innovation Specialist (Digital) at GM Business Growth Hub, Tasha specialises in supporting businesses in Greater Manchester with GenAI, immersive technology, and digital marketing strategy and implementation. Tasha’s background encompasses roles in academia and industry on the use of emerging (XR) technologies in creative & healthcare industries. Previously, Tasha held the role of Research Associate on the Greater Manchester AI Foundry, XR Researcher at the Creative AR/VR Hub, and Registration Chair of the International XR Conference 

Alanah Swift – Ernst & Young LLP

Alanah is a Technology Consultant at EY, helping organisations adopt AI responsibly and strengthen cybersecurity. She focuses on building AI-ready workforces through strategy, risk management, and secure integration, delivering practical guidance on ethics, resilience, and innovation. 

This event is in Partnership with: 

About Venture Cafe

Venture Café is a global movement built on a simple but powerful belief: isolation is the enemy of innovation. Through regular Thursday Gatherings, weekly from early 2026, founders, researchers, investors and innovators come together to share ideas, explore new technologies and build meaningful connections. Venture Café Manchester creates a central hub for the city's innovation ecosystem, driving visibility, collaboration and community.