AND Digital, in collaboration with Calderdale Council, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and several partners, is relaunching the Halifax Digital Festival.
The inaugural festival first launched back in 2019 but Covid hit the live events sector the following year. Now, the festival and programme for the events is making a return from 21 to 23 May thanks to a sharp increase in business activities and the growth of the digital sector in Halifax.
Thriving Calderdale community
The driving force behind the re-launch is Jim Moran, Club Executive at AND Digital’s Club Sparck in Halifax.
“I believe that, as organisations in Halifax and across Calderdale, we all see similar challenges in attracting, retaining and recruiting the right talent to help our businesses grow. If we tackle talent shortage and digital demand together, we can collectively find solutions,” said Moran.
“We’re surrounded by large nearby cities here in Halifax, like Leeds, Sheffield and Manchester, and whilst the success of those cities has had a positive impact on the digital economy of Calderdale, we believe we have to stand on our own two feet. The festival aims to bring businesses and people together from the private and public sectors, as well as educational organisations. Providing people with knowledge sharing options, as well as upskilling opportunities, will accelerate digital growth in the area.”
Focus on inclusivity
The Festival Committee has worked countless hours over the past six months to assemble a diverse mix of businesses, educational institutions as well as public sector organisations, all wanting to foster a real sense of community and create a starting point to accelerate digital activities in the area.
Jeremy Hall, Managing Director at Dean Clough Ltd, said: “Calderdale offers what no large conurbation can. It provides a fabulous opportunity for a genuinely nourishing work-life balance, which supports the people and families who live and work here now and is hugely appealing to those people and businesses who are contemplating their future place of home and work.
“The relaunch of the Halifax Digital Festival feels very well timed, confident in the knowledge that our community’s creativity and dynamic energy will enrich and energise our collective futures.”
Festival programme
The Organising Committee has created the festival’s programme, covering three days of activities with a dedicated focus on each of the days. The first day will focus on digital skills and will include a “marketplace” at the end of the day to meet employers. The second day centers around Gen AI and the increasingly important role of data in every organisation where experts from various organisations will share their insights.
The final day of the festival will be dedicated to the theme of Customer Centricity, followed by a drinks reception. The programme will feature panel talks and roundtables, seminars, tutorials and a career focused event.
Jane Spencer, Senior Lead for Employment and Skills at Calderdale Council, commented: “The Halifax Digital Festival will not only be a great opportunity for businesses and people to network and upskill their workforce, it’s also a chance to celebrate the sheer amount of talent that we have in Calderdale. Giving opportunities for everyone, regardless of age, skills or background, will enable our area to thrive.”
Interested? Join the festival for free!
Tickets for the festival are free as the committee would like to welcome all those interested in developing their digital skills and knowledge. Breakfast, lunch, and refreshments will be provided, ensuring everyone stays energised and focused throughout the day.
To book your ticket and find out more about the programme, please visit the dedicated festival page.
