Gatwick Timetable
There are many events happening during the day so we’ve pulled them all together here. If you have any questions about the day then please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Keynote Speaker
10.40am – 11.10am
Thursday 8th October 2026
Expertise and Knowledge, Inspiration and Motivation – keynote speakers are experts in their field and bring insights that can challenge conventional thinking and encourage diversity and creativity.
With a compelling story or message that can inspire and motivate, our keynote speaker is an important part of the exhibition. We invite speakers that attract a diverse audience, including professionals, industry leaders, and decision-makers to provide visitors with excellent networking opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals.
Seminars & Workshops
Attending our seminars can be highly beneficial for personal and professional growth. Our industry experts share valuable insights, trends, and best practices helping you stay up-to-date with the latest developments.
Workshops are tailored for people who want a more pro-active learning experience.
Morning Session
Gatwick – Thursday 8th October 2026
11:30am – 12:10pm
Faster than humans. Consistently professional.
Independent businesses lose opportunities every day.
Missed calls. Delayed replies. Website enquiries that sit unanswered while you are serving customers, on site, or simply trying to keep the business running.
Research consistently shows that customers value two things above all else: speed of response and clarity of communication. They expect immediate engagement, but they also expect professionalism and the option to speak to a human when it matters.
In this practical, no hype session, Gavin McWhirter from Digital Islands will demonstrate how AI employees meet those expectations, responding instantly while maintaining consistent professional standards.
You will see how AI employees can:
- Answer calls 24/7 without voicemail
- Engage website visitors the moment they arrive
- Qualify prospects properly
- Book appointments automatically
- Escalate seamlessly to a human when required
This is not about replacing people. It is about protecting your standards and matching modern customer expectations when you are busy being human.
You will learn:
- What AI employees actually are and how they differ from basic chatbots
- Where AI outperforms humans, and where human interaction remains essential
- How to introduce AI without losing your personality or trust
- Practical steps to ensure you never miss another enquiry
If your business depends on responsiveness, reputation and trust, this session will show you how to combine speed, standards and human reassurance without increasing headcount.
Speaker: Gavin McWhirter, Founder Digital Islands
Gavin McWhirter is the founder of Digital Islands, a business support and AI implementation specialist working with independent businesses across the South.
He has supported over 500 businesses across East Sussex, West Sussex and Hampshire to improve productivity, sales and sustainability through multiple programmes, including Big Ambitions, Ready to Grow and Ready… Set… Grow!
Gavin now specialises in practical AI adoption for independent business owners, supporting systems that reduce admin, dramatically improve responsiveness and ensure businesses never miss a lead.
https://agency.digitalislands.co.uk/home

12:30pm – 1.00pm
to be announced
If you’d like to fill this slot the please contact us
Afternoon Session
Gatwick – Thursday 8th October 2026
13:20pm – 14:00pm
to be announced
If you’d like to fill this slot the please contact us
