Public-sector technology leaders will gather in Cardiff next month for Socitm’s Welsh National Conference 2026, with artificial intelligence, data, cyber resilience and digital transformation among the issues set to feature.

The conference will take place at the Majestic Hotel in Cardiff on Tuesday, November 3, bringing together Socitm members and partners working across public services.

The programme will explore how technology can support the delivery and modernisation of public services, with sessions spanning data governance, responsible AI, workforce skills, customer engagement and cyber incident response.

Sarah Lackenby, Head of Digital & Customer Services at Swansea Council and Socitm Wales Chair, will open the conference, followed by remarks from Lindsey Phillips, Chief Digital Officer at the Welsh Local Government Association.

One of the morning sessions will focus on the role of data in enabling trusted, innovative and resilient public services.

Led by Colin Bannon, CTO of BT Business and BT International, the session will consider data governance, the application of AI to public-service challenges, security and oversight, and the skills organisations require to scale new technologies sustainably.

The programme will also examine the changing nature of public-sector work through a session featuring the 2026 Cardiff Empowering Women cohort.

The discussion will explore flexible and hybrid working, leadership, culture and progression, with a particular focus on women entering or progressing within digital, data and technology roles across public services.

Later sessions will turn to the practical delivery of digital transformation, including a panel examining how organisations can ensure technology investment translates into improved services, greater productivity and better outcomes.

Cyber resilience will also feature prominently during the afternoon programme through a session titled It’s happened. You’ve been hacked!, exploring the realities of detecting, responding to and recovering from a cyber incident.

The session will examine the operational decisions and challenges organisations can face during an attack, with the aim of providing practical lessons around people, processes, service continuity and recovery.

The conference will conclude with a discussion around the next generation of local public-service leaders in Wales and the need to prepare organisations for future technologies and challenges.

Socitm said its national conferences are designed for professionals ranging from new entrants through to senior executives, with an emphasis on sharing best practice and supporting the modernisation of public services.

Attendance is included within relevant Socitm membership and partnership packages, while a fee may apply for non-members.

Click here to book your place: Welsh National Conference 2026