Blockchain is changing the nature of financial and other types of transactions. As such, it has the potential to unleash countless new applications and as-yet unrealised capabilities that could transform everything in the next 25 years.

Blockchain technology carries with it processing overheads that may make its use impractical in many scenarios though, and it brings many uncertainties in terms of scalability, integration, cultural adoption, data privacy, security and regulatory status.

IT leaders will be tasked with determining whether Blockchain offers their companies cost savings, productivity efficiencies or competitive advantage. Answering those questions will require, at the very least, a thorough understanding of how the technology works, proposals of where the technology might be used and then a discerning eye toward whether Blockchain is the right technology, or whether something simpler would suffice - This event will aim to answer some of those questions for you...

Stefan Haase will begin the presentations by providing a descriptive overview of Blockchain technology and the current landscape. He will then explain how Blockchain will impact different sectors and provide us with some case studies of how Blockchain is being used across various sectors.

Andy Jones will then cover the implications of smart contracts & Oracles and the pros and cons. Andy will also discuss differences between public and private Blockchains.

Andy Gray and James Morgan will close the event by talking about Decentralised Apps (DApps) and what they are, why they are important, what they are used for (at the moment) and how to architect a dApp. Andy and James will also give us a demo of dApps and crypto-collectables.

  • 1.45pm Doors open - Refreshments & Networking
  • 2.15pm Stefan Haase - What is Blockchain? And why do we care?
  • 3.00pm Refreshments & Networking
  • 3.30pm Andy Jones - Public v Private Blockchain
  • 4.15pm Andy Gray & James Morgan - Building Decentralised Applications
  • 5:00pm Close

About the speakers:

Stefan Haase is a Technology strategy specialist with over 20 years in senior roles specialising in Digital Transformation, Strategy, product & marketing and International expansion strategy. Recent client projects include: VocaLink, Unisys, Manchester Met University, Science Museum Group. Years of public speaking at events such as CBI conferences or networking with ministers, MPs and business leaders at Parliamentary ICT Forum strategy sessions have not only added to Stefan’s experience but have allowed him to share and understand the pressures of board directors in today’s fast moving market place.

Andy has 20 years’ experience at a senior level in investment banking technology, principally focusing on derivatives and eFX. He also worked on the buy-side of finance managing fund of hedge funds technology for BGI/Blackrock. After leaving the city he held CIO positions within the National Health Service. Over the last 6 years he has cultivated a strong interest in distributed ledger technologies and now currently working with start-ups in a CTO capacity designing and developing solutions. As part of his Blockchain/dlt evangelism he co-manages the Leeds Blockchain Meetup community that runs regular events such as talks, training and hackathons to help spread knowledge.

Andy Gray has over 20 years commercial experience developing enterprise IT systems I am now primarily focussed on emerging Blockchain and distributed ledger technologies. #decentralise

Andy is the co-founder and director of BlockRocket.tech; a Manchester based Blockchain consultancy and engineering company. Andy also runs a popular community group: Blockchain Manchester.

James is Full Stack Senior Software Engineer with over 10 years’ experience in the industry. James is an experienced Agile practioner and always strive to produce the highest quality of software always looking to implement industry standards delivered on time and in budget. Alongside Andy Gray, James is the Co-founder of BlockRocket.tech.

To reserve your place, please email sam.devonshire@4itrecruitment.co.uk or call 0113 205 4033

Blockchain - Can you afford to ignore it?...
Date and time
Thursday 14 March, 2:45pm - 5:00pm
Location
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, One Piccadilly Place
1 Auburn Street
Manchester
M1 3DG
Price
This event is sold out