The inaugural Outpace Conf takes place next month in Manchester, on October 16th.
Manchester’s tech scene is in great shape. In-person evening events are back. The annual calendar of conferences is growing. And every week brings news of more businesses choosing to open offices here.
So why do we think the city needs another tech conference?
Filling the gap
For all the varied and wonderful things happening here – and we do mean wonderful – we keep hearing the same thing: there isn’t a conference specifically for senior practitioners and leaders in technology.
A place to grapple with the big questions of scaling systems, setting direction, and integrating AI responsibly. A space where speakers and attendees can meet as peers, willing to both delve into technical details and step back to discuss strategy.
That’s the gap we set out to fill with Outpace Conf: a conference designed for experienced technologists, with time and space to meaningfully connect.
And we were determined that the conference be priced affordably, so that everyone can take part.
By senior technologists, for senior technologists
Everything starts with the talks themselves. Our content brief was simple: to find forward-thinking talks grounded in practical experience. Candid case studies – of what works and what doesn’t – rather than glitzy vendor pitches.
Sessions were chosen by a committee of four experienced technologists, who selected the talks they most wanted to attend themselves. We looked for balance – especially on fast-moving topics like AI – and built a programme spanning four themes: data and AI, architecture, product, and software engineering.
Highlights include navigating the legal frontier of AI, designing resilient and scalable data platforms, and exploring how inclusive design drives innovation.
Time and space to connect
A core aim was to value the time between the talks, not just the talks themselves. The atmosphere is intended to be collaborative and celebratory – a chance to pause, share experiences honestly, and build connections across the community.
That meant finding a venue with a large central lobby – a natural space to meet between talks and grab a refreshment. It meant deliberately including breaks in the programme. And it affected the capacity: we’ve gone with 150 (including speakers) – big enough to support three tracks yet small enough to feel intimate.
We’ve included a hot buffet lunch – so you don’t need to spend the break racing to a supermarket and back. Coffee is provided throughout. And we’ve arranged an after-party just down the road to round things off.
Affordably priced
It was very important to us that price not be a blocker for attendees. We wanted the event to be accessible to technologists across the North West, from enterprises, startups, charities, and the public sector alike.
So we’ve set the ticket price below £100 – less than a typical return ticket from Manchester to London.
This affordability is about removing barriers, not cutting corners. For that, we’re incredibly grateful for the funding from Softwire and our sponsor, Autotrader.
Why join Outpace Conf?
So if you’re an experienced technologist, here’s why Outpace Conf is worth your time:
- Real-world insights – an ambitious but grounded programme across three tracks, selected by technology leaders.
- A chance to connect with peers – a venue and programme that values the time between talks, with an after-event social just down the road.
- Value – a high-quality event at an affordable price.
With limited early bird tickets, make sure you secure your spot now!
