Anticipation is building for Horticulture, the Conference, as the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) announces Dr Daniel Hulme, a renowned expert in Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies as a featured speaker at the event on 25 September 2024, at the ICC Birmingham.

Dr Daniel Hulme, CEO of award-winning AI solutions company Satalia, Chief AI Officer for WPP, and Director of University College London’s Business Analytics Masters degree, will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the conference and highlight how AI can benefit the industry.

Daniel will share his vision of how AI will transform business and the workplace, focusing on how AI and emerging technologies can solve the most challenging problems. He will also delve into the business, ethical, and social implications of these technologies, as well as broader technological and economic developments.Passionate about creating a positive technological future, Daniel is dedicated to making AI accessible and understandable whilst providing a framework for avoiding potential pitfalls.

In the year of the HTA’s 125th anniversary, the conference programme will cover key topics including business resilience, consumer behaviour and workforce changes.  Highlights include a panel session with members who will share insights from the last 125 years and key discussions will demonstrate how they are working together to face the challenges of the future.

David Denny, HTA Director of Research and Insights, will speak on Consumer Behaviours and discuss how global consumer, environmental, technology and regulatory trends are set to affect existing markets for UK horticulture and create new ones as part of the UK’s potential for green growth. This session will provide insights into emerging and converging standards affecting how information will be shared through the supply chain, providing the consumer with more information on environmental impacts, traceability, and biosecurity through the supply chain.

With skilled people at the heart of the industry, a session on workforce planning will explore the evolving workforce, succession planning and strategies for attracting and retaining a diverse pool of talent for the future. This includes HTA workforce data and updates on key initiatives, including the sector-wide Access All Areas DEI initiative.

Meteorologist and former BBC weather forecaster Peter Gibbs is confirmed to speak at the annual dinner following the conference. It will be a special celebration of the HTA’s 125th anniversary and will also feature the presentation of the 2024 Ornamental Grower of the Year Awards and the Pearson Memorial Award.

Horticulture, The Conference takes place at The International Convention Centre, Birmingham. For more information and to book your place, visit: https://hta.org.uk/conference