Manchester’s digital sector will come together this April for Manchester Tech Week, as the event enters a new phase in 2026 with an expanded programme of conferences, exhibitions and community-led events across the city.
Running from 27 April – 1 May, Manchester Tech Week is evolving to bring together three core events alongside a growing Fringe programme, creating new opportunities for technology leaders, businesses and emerging talent to connect.
More than 10,000 attendees are expected to take part across the week, spanning key areas of the digital economy including AI, cyber security, digital transformation, unified communications, B2B eCommerce and the creator economy – with two flagship events taking place at Manchester Central.
Among them is Digital Transformation EXPO (DTX), which will bring together IT leaders and teams responsible for cloud, data, AI and cyber security as organisations accelerate their digital transformation programmes.
Speakers from organisations including Microsoft, the FBI’s Cyber Division, JD Sports and NatWest will share real-world insights and case studies from major digital transformation projects.
Manchester Tech Week will also feature the IR B2B eCommerce Conference, a case-study-focused conference bringing together manufacturing, distribution
Creator Economy Live Manchester, hosted at Victoria Warehouse, will bring together powerhouse brands, agencies and creators including Boots, Under Armour, Unilever, ITV, TikTok, No7 Beauty Company and Odeon Cinemas to explore the future of influencer marketing, digital content and the creator economy.
Alongside these core events, a city-wide Fringe programme will be delivered in partnership with organisations and community groups including DevOps Society, techUK, GM Business Growth Hub, and Preston Tech Connection.
The expanded programme reflects the continued growth of Manchester’s digital economy. Greater Manchester is home to more than 10,000 tech-first businesses, contributing over £5bn to the regional economy and employing more than 88,000 people in digital and technology roles.
Gloria Sandrucci, Event Director, Manchester Tech Week, said:
“Manchester Tech Week has evolved from what was previously DTX Manchester Tech Week, reflecting how the city’s tech ecosystem has grown in recent years. What began as a conference focused
“By opening the programme up to a wider mix of businesses, communities and partners across the city, we hope it gives more people the opportunity to take part and showcases the important role Manchester continues to play in the UK’s tech landscape.”
Lloyds Banking Group joins as an official sponsor, reflecting its longstanding focus on digital skills, business development and regional growth. Its support strengthens Manchester Tech Week’s ambition to unite organisations shaping the UK’s digital economy and helps ensure the benefits of innovation reach businesses and communities across the region.
Peter Lee, Technology Platform Director at Lloyds Banking Group, said:
“Manchester is a critical hub for Lloyds Banking Group, and we’re proud to support Manchester Tech Week as we continue to scale our generative and agentic AI teams here in the city. With the scale of the Group behind us, our talented Manchester based engineers are building first of their kind customer and colleague experiences, from voice enabled agents that support customers at key moments, to tools that help colleagues work smarter every day.”
Manchester City Council is also backing the programme, reinforcing the city’s commitment to growing a strong and inclusive digital sector. Its involvement ensures the event aligns with Manchester’s wider priorities around innovation, skills and economic opportunity, while highlighting the city’s role as a leading hub for technology and investment.
