A unique opportunity for leaders and innovators across the high-tech manufacturing ecosystem to engage on the many systemic contexts in which they operate.

“It’s a conference, Jim, but not as we know it!”

The Assembly take a very different approach to traditional conferences – it’s carefully designed to ensure that a diverse mix of peers connect and co-create rich insights they can take back to their workplace.  A unique dialogue process ensures full participation that will be enjoyable and rewarding.

Manufacturers can send a representative from up to four distinct functions.  This helps build shared understanding and adds more heft to good ideas brought back to the organisation.

 Thursday 12th June 2025

8am registration; 8.30am start; 4.30pm end

The Satellite Applications Catapult

with easy access from the M4 and A34

Next Frontiers

Speaker 1: Col “Foggy” Fogarty, Chief of Staff, UK Space Command

Space Sustainability

Hear about the opportunities of space between earth and the moon, set against threats from nefarious actors, space weather and debris; the international state of play and the emerging role of UK Space Command in ensuring that space is safe, secure, and sustainable for future generations.

Speaker 2: Observing the earth’s surface from space, and its lessons – TBC

Speaker 3: Inner landscapes – psychological responses to major disruptions – TBC

Seats are limited, so please get in touch now to be part of this rare experience – reserve your seats now!

So what are Matches?

Mentors and Mentees are matched across the Innovation Network community.  Each round has up to 8 sessions.  An invaluable orientation session for each role is given at the outset to ensure both parties get the most from the experience.

Outcomes:

• Leaders develop skills that can put to valuable use in their own organisation.
• Mentees gain valuable insights enhancing their performance, and motivating them in their career path.
• Both gain a fascinating window into other organisations, helping them see beyond unconscious cultural biases.
• Wisdom is exchanged between generations and cultures.

What are the benefits?

Comments from Mentors:

“I think I got as much from it as my Mentee”

“I was surprised how quickly it felt ‘natural’ between myself and my Mentee – it drove the sessions and meant we were able to cover more ground.”

“We were able to cover a lot of detail in our sessions, the relationship was open quickly, which helped.”

“It’s good to know that many of the problems in other companies are similar to those we have experienced.”

Comments from Mentees:

 “Different insights into common themes have given me new avenues to explore.”

“I valued the listening, focus and understanding.”

“I enjoyed the experience”

“The reassurance helped quench self-doubt.  I learned where I was doing well, which instilled confidence.  I now have a clearer path towards achieving my goals.”

“I feel more relaxed about not knowing and am more inclined to seek advice.  The belief of unrealistic performance expectation is no longer there.”

“It helped me capitalise on my skills to excel and focus my ambitions; we defined areas to improve for career progression.”

“I appreciated the very open, insightful, and supportive discussions.”

Organisations can sign up to one or more streams and can choose how many “seats” to purchase per stream.

• Innovators’ Exchange: a mentor-mentee pair is the minimum commitment, but we suggest several pairs for the exchange.
  • The mentor would ideally be
    • a function head
    • a department head
    • possibly a manager of a group of team leaders.
  • The mentee would ideally be
    • an individual contributor, or
    • a team leader.

• Innovators’ Circle: One seat is available per department head or Director.  E.g. Head of R&D, Head of Innovation, Director of Innovation and Research – though they may also be from other functions, e.g. Director, or Head of Operations, Finance, Marketing, HR.

• The Innovators’ Assembly: We encourage two or more seats per manufacturer so that learnings can be shared.  Depending on the size of your business up to four seats may be purchased.  We also welcome one representative from a limited number of research institutes and service providers. Please get in touch if you would like your organisation to be represented.