Manchester: Data Intelligence Network | Jul 2026

Welcome, Manchester Data Intelligence Network!

Manchester Data Intelligence Network is a community-based networking event bringing people together to meet peers, share stories, and build meaningful relationships around data intelligence.

Hosted by Datacove, award-winning Brighton-based R, Python and Shiny experts, these events also offer inspiring talks, hands-on sessions, and open knowledge sharing, all in a friendly, inclusive environment. Whether you’re just starting out in data or a seasoned expert, there’s always something new to discover, spark your curiosity, and take back to the office.

We run four events each year in Manchester, offering fresh insights, lively discussions, and opportunities to connect with the wider Data Intelligence Network, anchored by the EARL Data Intelligence Conference, our flagship event held in Brighton each October.

The events are supported by the generous team at DiSH, Eagle Labs

--- Talk Information ---

Hopfield Network with Expected Value
We will be joined by Kevin Hau, Quantitative Analyst, at Santander

Kevin will introduce a generalised Hopfield network that incorporates expected value into its design, extending the classical associative memory framework to account for the relative utility of different outcomes.

The talk will explore the intuition in prioritising outcomes based on expected return or risk-adjusted value. While touching on potential applications in financial modelling.

From Spreadsheet Chaos to Data-Driven Decisions
Our second speaker, will be Hurma Ehtesham, Data System Analyst, at Civic Engineers.

Hurma will be sharing a talk that will benefit everyone, at any stage of their journey. Covering:
- Identifying opportunities for automation and self-service analytics
- Moving teams away from manual reporting processes
- Designing dashboards that support decision-making
- Measuring the impact of analytics beyond report usage

--- Schedule & Refreshments ---
Now, refreshments! Drinks and nibbles will be served from 6pm. Talks will commence at 6:30pm/6:45pm and the event will conclude at 8pm. The conversation will continue after the event at a local pub.

--- Sponsorship Information ---
Our event relies heavily on sponsorship from companies that attend. Please contact the organisers or admin@datacove.co.uk or www.datacove.co.uk to get involved.

--- Arrival Instructions ---
There are several entrances for Heron House, however, to access DiSH you need to go to Lloyd street reception. This is the same entrance used for the Registry office.
What3Words: mason.baking.dined

If you struggle to find our entrance, please call 01273 011 838.

--- Registration Etiquette ---
At our meetups, the event is sometimes capped by the space. We’re committed to keeping these events accessible for everyone, but to make that possible, we need your help. Please ensure your registration is kept up to date. If your plans change, simply update your RSVP to reflect your availability. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Please feel free to spread the word.

We look forward to seeing you all again!