Conference Programme
In times of complexity and change, coaches, mentors and leaders are often asked to support others while facing the same uncertainty themselves. This year’s event explores how creative thinking, systemic awareness and small moments of joy can help us not only survive, but lead change from wherever we sit. Across keynotes, workshops and real-world stories, we’ll explore how coaching and mentoring can unlock fresh thinking, build connection, and ripple through the system - one conversation at a time.
| TIME | SESSION | DURATION |
09:30 – 09:45 | Welcome & Practicalities
Arrival, intros, housekeeping and how the day will flow. | 15 mins |
09:45 – 10:15 | Opening Provocation: Braver Than Before - Michelle O'Neill Introducing the BANI context and how creativity, systems thinking and joy help us respond. | 30 mins |
10:15 – 11:15 | Keynote: Holding Space for Change – Dr Mark Batey
Creative confidence for complex times. | 60 mins |
11:15 – 11:35 | Morning Break | 20 mins |
11:35 – 12:20 | Workshop: Ripples Through the System
Using systems thinking to amplify coaching and mentoring impact. | 45 mins |
12:20 – 13:05 | Fireside Chat: Power at the Edges
Real stories of change — from senior leaders to the squeezed middle. | 45 mins |
13:05 – 13:55 | Lunch Break | 50 mins |
13:55 – 14:55 | Swarm: Play Your Way Across the System – Dr Mark Batey
Playful, practical collaboration to spark new solutions. | 60 mins |
14:55 – 15:15 | Afternoon Break | 20 mins |
15:15 – 16:00 | Keynote: Keeping the Spark – Ruth Kudzi
Whole-person strategies to stay steady and energised through change. | 45 mins |
16:00 – 16:20 | Reflection & Closing Conversation
Insights, ripple intentions and collective takeaways. | 20 mins |
16:20 – 16:30 | Prize Giving & Thank You
Celebrations, shout-outs and closing remarks. | 10 mins |
What can you expect…
We will be bringing you fantastic speakers and content.
A short, powerful start to the day, introducing the BANI world we’re all working in, and how creativity, systems thinking and moments of joy can help us lead through uncertainty. You’ll be invited to step into the day not just as a helper in the chaos, but as someone shaping what comes next.
Principal Consultant for Leadership and Organisational Development at WME, Michelle has over 25 years’ experience across the public and third sectors. With OD running through her veins like rocket fuel, she’s passionate about transforming “we’ve always done it this way” cultures into people-led innovation. From HR and learning to succession planning and organisational change, she brings energy, creativity and a belief that everyone should be living their best work life — always turning “what if” into “what’s next.”
Item body
Item body
Item body
Item body
Item body
Item body
Item body
Item body
Item body
Item body
Item body
Item body
Venue
Join us in the heart of Birmingham
Location: The Birmingham Conference and Events Centre next to Holiday Inn Hotel) Hill Street Birmingham B5 4EW
Getting there...
Driving: Find the directions to the venue from where you are travelling via GoogleMaps
Car share: Many people are coming to the event from the same organisations, consider car sharing with people locally. If you are part of a group booking your booking coordinator maybe able to assist you with this.
Parking: NCP Birmingham New Street / St Judes Passage – located St Judes Passage, Hill Street, Birmingham, B5 4AN
Discounted parking rate: £13.95 for 24 hours. Please collect a ticket when you enter the car park and then on your departure hand the ticket in at the Holiday Inn reception to make payment and they will provide you with an exit ticket that you can use to leave the NCP.
More Information (rates, directions etc.): https://www.ncp.co.uk/find-a-car-park/carparks/birmingham-ncp-new-street
Please note: This venue is located within the Birmingham congestion charge zone. Please check the details before travelling Clean Air Zone timing and charges | A clean air zone for Birmingham | Birmingham City Council
Trams: There are a number of Park and Ride tram stations: Bilston, Wednesbury, West Bromwich and Wolverhampton. https://westmidlandsmetro.com/maps/park-and-ride/
Bus: The BCEC’s central location means that services operate within walking distance – plan your bus journey (use postcode B5 4EW).
Train: The nearest train stations to BCEC are Birmingham New Street (Grand Central Station) and Birmingham Moor Street.
Birmingham Conference & Events Centre is a two-minute stroll from Birmingham New Street Station and right next door to the Holiday Inn Birmingham City Centre. If you are thinking of exploring the city’s vibrant shopping, theatre, Chinatown and buzzing Broad Street you are only steps away.