Skills, Strategy & Success
We’re thrilled to launch our ever popular New Professionals Forum (NPF) Annual Conference 2026.
This year, we’re partnering with our colleagues from Siemens and the North West Aerospace Alliance (NWAA) and heading north, to an innovation hub where industry transformation is accelerating at pace.
This conference will help you understand where the industry is heading — and how to how to navigate your future with confidence.
The morning sessions provide a range of viewpoints on understanding the digital landscape and what skills are needed to thrive.
The afternoon session is a digital hackathon, offering some fun with a chance to get out of your comfort zone, flex your softer skills and switch on your problem-solving capability.
Expect dynamic conversations, fresh perspectives, and practical guidance on navigating the technologies and trends that will define the next decade.
The conference also offers an excellent opportunity for networking.
Although designed for new professionals, it is open to all members from ADS and NWAA. From meeting peers, connecting with potential mentors, and sparking collaborations with future industry leaders, you’ll find a welcoming community to grow your network.
What’s planned:
- Sector Outlook: A forward-looking exploration of the forces reshaping aerospace, defence, security, and space. We'll explore how digital systems will connect and work together, and what this means for you
- Leaders Panel: Hear from Siemens, Accenture, Cyient and PMI discussing their strategic visions for the future
- New Professionals Fireside Chat: Candid conversations into career development, navigating early challenges, and building momentum in their professional journey
- Digital Hackathon: A fun, problem-solving challenge using a real-world manufacturing scenario. Working with and without AI, we'll explore how digital thinking is reshaping the way we tackle complex issues
Agenda (subject to change)
- 10:00 – Welcome and Introductions
- 10:30 – Sector Outlook - Key trends shaping aerospace, defence, security, and space (Presented by Siemens).
- 11:00 – Senior Leaders Panel – Skills, Strategy & Success
- 11:45 – Fireside Chat – navigating your career – an early careers view
- 12:30 – Lunch & networking
- 13:30 – Digital hackathon
- 15:30 – Final comments
- 16:00 – Close
Together, we will delve into the future landscape of our industries and explore how we can adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving environment.
We look forward to seeing you on the day.
Book your place
Click on the 'Register Now' button and login to book your place or table top. You can register for an ADS website login if you do not have one by clicking here.
