Artificial intelligence is evolving at an unprecedented pace, reshaping industries and redefining business strategies. Fergus Bruce, CEO of Future Tech Events, shares his insights on the future of AI, the importance of recognising innovation, and what attendees can expect from The AI Summit London and The National AI Awards.

Can you tell us about Future Tech Events and your involvement with the AI Summit London?

 I’m the CEO of Future Tech Events, and we organise the National AI Awards. This year, we’re partnering with The AI Summit London to promote the awards ahead of our launch event, which takes place just before the summit. It’s an exciting time for us, as we’re now in the third year of the National AI Awards. The growth in AI adoption and the emergence of new technologies has been remarkable, and we’ve seen a busy start to the entries this year.

What changes have you made to The National AI Awards this year?

We’ve refocused our AI business category to highlight the use of AI in end-user businesses. This means we’re placing greater emphasis on organisations that are adopting and utilising AI within their operations, as well as those creating AI technologies for their own business needs. Other than that, the lineup remains broadly the same as last year.

The winners will be announced on the 9th of June at a big awards ceremony at the Royal Lancaster, just before The AI Summit London. We’re thrilled to have Zoe Kimman, the BBC tech correspondent, hosting the evening.

Who can enter the National AI Awards, and what makes them unique?

The awards are open to anyone engaging with artificial intelligence, from businesses of all sizes adopting AI to those creating AI tools and products, as well as AI leaders driving innovation. It’s free to enter, and every finalist receives free tickets to the event, which helps reduce barriers to participation.

What sets the National AI Awards apart is their authenticity. Winners are chosen based on merit, not budget or pay-to-play practices. This ensures that the awards truly celebrate the best in AI innovation.

What are you most looking forward to at The AI Summit London?

I’m particularly excited to see some of the entrants from the National AI Awards showcasing their work at the summit. It’s a fantastic opportunity to highlight the very best of AI in the UK and explore how these innovations are shaping the future of AI over the next year.

The past 12 months have seen huge changes in the AI landscape, and I believe the next 12 months will bring even bigger transformations. One of the key topics I’m looking forward to hearing about is how AI is impacting the “people piece”—how it’s influencing workforce dynamics, employee engagement, and human-AI collaboration. It’s a fascinating area that’s becoming increasingly important.

Why should people attend The AI Summit London?

The AI Summit London is the premier event for forward-thinking executives who want to connect with practical AI strategies that drive real business impact. It’s an opportunity to learn from industry leaders, explore cutting-edge technologies, and gain insights into the trends shaping the future of AI.

Whether you’re navigating AI adoption, scaling existing initiatives, or staying ahead of emerging trends, the summit offers invaluable knowledge and networking opportunities. Combined with the National AI Awards, it’s a chance to celebrate innovation and recognise the organisations and leaders setting the standard for AI excellence.

Final thoughts on the future of AI:

AI is transforming industries at an incredible pace, and the next few years will be critical for organisations to adapt and innovate. Events like The AI Summit London and the National AI Awards play a vital role in bringing together the brightest minds in AI, sharing knowledge, and driving progress. I’m looking forward to seeing how these discussions and innovations shape the future of AI.