CHS Manchester Introduces Interactive AI Innovation Experience
CHS Manchester is set to bring a new level of innovation to the events industry by inviting event professionals to help create an industry-specific AI tool live on the show floor during the event this September.
The initiative comes through a strategic partnership between CHS Manchester and Zoby, a specialist agency focused on supporting practical and meaningful AI adoption within the events sector. The collaboration aims to move beyond AI discussions and deliver real-world solutions designed specifically for event professionals.
Live AI Tool Creation to Take Place During Educational Programme
As part of the show’s educational programme, Ed Dench, Founder of Zoby, will lead a special three-part session series focused on co-creating practical AI software alongside attendees in real time.
The sessions will feature three fast-paced 20-minute segments that guide participants through insight gathering, audience interaction and live innovation. Event professionals attending the show will help identify the everyday operational challenges they face, which will then be matched against wider industry research before being transformed into a working AI-powered solution.
Unlike traditional presentations, the initiative is designed to involve the audience directly in the software creation process.
Industry Professionals to Shape the AI Solution
Speaking about the collaboration, Ed Dench said the project’s open and collaborative approach is what makes it unique.
“We’re not walking in with a finished product, we’re building it with the audience. The sessions are designed to bring event professionals into the process, to share what’s not working for them, and then start turning that into something useful, there and then,” he explained.
The approach reflects growing demand within the meetings and events industry for AI tools that address practical day-to-day challenges rather than theoretical applications.
CHS Manchester Focuses on Practical AI Adoption
Emma King, Founder and CEO of CHS Manchester, said the event aims to make AI more accessible and useful for industry professionals.
“We talk a lot as an industry about AI, but not always in a way that feels practical. This is different. This is us experimenting on behalf of our audience, creating something with them that has real, everyday value,” she said.
She added that if successful, the project could continue supporting the events industry long after the show concludes.
CHS Innovation Hub Powered by Zoby to Launch
The collaboration will also lead to the launch of the “CHS Innovation Hub – Powered by Zoby,” a new platform dedicated to continuing industry conversations around AI innovation and practical event technology solutions.
The hub will focus on collecting industry challenges, encouraging collaboration and building a growing library of AI-powered tools specifically designed for event professionals.
Organisers believe the platform could become an important long-term resource for the meetings, conferences and exhibitions industry.
CHS Manchester Expands Festival-Style Experience
Known for its vibrant festival-style atmosphere, CHS Manchester continues to evolve its event experience with multiple stages, immersive networking opportunities and an expanding fringe programme developed alongside partners across the city.
The new AI collaboration with Zoby is expected to become one of the headline attractions of this year’s event, drawing strong interest from event planners, conference organisers, venues and suppliers looking to better understand practical AI implementation.
Registration Now Open for CHS Manchester 2026
Registration for CHS Manchester is now officially open, with organisers encouraging visitors to secure their places early for what is expected to be one of the most talked-about features of the show.
With its focus on collaboration, innovation and real-world technology solutions, CHS Manchester 2026 aims to demonstrate how the future of the events industry can be shaped directly by the professionals working within it.
