DataConnect, the Office of the Chief Data Officer’s flagship conference for public sector data professionals, returns this October, bringing together public sector data, digital and artificial intelligence (AI) professionals from across government, local authorities, the NHS, academia and beyond.
Join us on 6 and 7 October 2026 by registering for free: Register for DataConnect26 on RingCentral.
This year’s theme is data for growth, for people, for places. At a time when government is focused on driving economic growth, improving public services and devolving power, DataConnect26 will explore the role data plays in providing better outcomes for citizens and communities across the UK.
Through case studies, panel discussions and practical examples, attendees will hear how organisations across the public sector are addressing shared challenges, improving their data foundations and turning data into real-world results. The programme will also explore some of the biggest opportunities and challenges facing the public sector data community today, and how we can work together to address them.
A new approach for 2026
Working closely with Aimee Smith, Government Chief Data Officer, we have taken a different approach to developing this year’s programme.
Aimee said:
DataConnect is about bringing the public sector data community together to learn from one another, share what works and addresses common challenges. This year’s programme focuses on practical examples of how better data can help provide growth, improve public services and create better outcomes for people and places across the UK.
Rather than issuing an open call for speakers, the programme has been curated around emerging cross-government priorities and the main challenges facing the public sector data community today.
Across the two virtual conference days, we will explore questions including:
- What does good data maturity look like in practice?
- How can organisations create stronger incentives for data sharing?
- What foundations are needed to support trustworthy AI?
- How can data improve outcomes for citizens, places and public services
- How do we avoid creating tomorrow’s legacy systems and data challenges?
Three themes, one shared ambition
This year’s programme is structured around three interconnected themes:
- Data for growth - Exploring how better use of data can unlock productivity, innovation and economic growth, while helping organisations make better decisions and provide greater value
- Data for people - Showcasing how organisations are using data to improve public services, strengthen capability, support AI adoption and provide better outcomes for citizens
- Data for places - Looking at how data can support local decision-making, strengthen collaboration across organisational boundaries and ensure that the benefits of better data are felt across every nation and region of the UK
What will attendees gain?
DataConnect26 is designed to move people from awareness to action. The event will provide:
- Insights from senior leaders and practitioners providing change across government
- Practical examples of data-driven transformation and innovation
- Cross-sector perspectives from organisations inside and outside government
- Opportunities to learn from peers facing similar challenges
- Real-world case studies demonstrating how data can create value for citizens, services and the economy
Whether you’re a Chief Data Officer, analyst, data scientist, policymaker, digital professional or someone interested in how data and AI can improve public services, DataConnect26 offers a unique opportunity to learn from others across the public sector and build connections with the wider data community.
Join us
DataConnect26 runs virtually from 10am to 4pm on Tuesday 6 October and Wednesday 7 October 2026.
Register now to secure your free place and join thousands of public sector professionals exploring how better data can drive growth, improve services and provide better outcomes for people and places.
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