Parliament & Internet Conference

30 years of innovation: where do we go from here?

Now in its 18th year, ISPA’s annual Parliament and Internet Conference is well-established as the key event for the UK’s internet and connectivity sector to engage with government and parliament. Join us for another edition of the conference, sponsored by Dan Aldridge MP, and learn about the important ongoing work being done to ensure the UK has the access and resources necessary to become a tech-enabled, digital nation. 

Over the past three decades, the internet has transformed every aspect of our lives – from how we communicate and work, access information and services, or even how we view our future security. 

However, after years of rapid growth, the landscape is shifting dramatically. We want to take a step back and look at how far we have come, how the role of the ISP has changed over time, and how we can apply lessons learned to the future – ensuring all communities have the tools and access necessary to unlock the next phase of digital transformation, as the government seeks to shape the UK’s future for years to come.

The conference will be split between two halves of keynotes, talks and panels, exploring online safety and digital access for all.

AGENDA

9:00 - 11:00 | Meet your Provider clinic, sponsored by Blake Stephenson MP
Are you a parliamentarian or staffer where broadband and rollout frequently arise as topics amongst your constituents? Would you like further information to assist you with understanding these cases? Drop by our morning breakout room to speak with ISPs on a range of issues. Providers available to speak include Sky, Vorboss, BT, City Fibre, Openreach, Community Fibre and more.

14:00 | Arrivals and registration – Attlee Suite

14:10 | Opening Keynote – Lord Clement Jones
With the 30th anniversary of ISPA in mind, Lord Clement Jones will share his perspective of how he has witnessed internet policymaking evolve during his tenure in Parliament. 

Drawing on his longstanding leadership in this space and deep expertise in digital policy, he will speak on the key lessons learned and his vision for the future regulatory landscape.  

14:25 - 15:35 | Online Safety: Whose responsibility is it anyway?
The first half of the conference will look at online safety and how we can ensure that companies, services and individuals take responsibility for what happens online and how this needs to be reflected in legislation and regulation.

Speakers include Dan Sexton, Chief Technology Officer, Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) with more TBA.

16:35 - 17:50 | Are we there yet?: Ensuring fundamental digital access across the UK
From “very hard to reach” to “notspots”, there are still areas of the UK struggling with access to future-proof digital connectivity. Why is this, and how does this impact communities socially and economically? What is industry’s role, and what support do they need from Parliament to achieve universal access? 

Speakers include Thora Eberts (Director of Network Delivery, UK Youth) and (Giles Rowbotham, Chief Development Officer, Nexfibre) with more TBA.

*Please register your interest by booking your place here. Your place will be confirmed by the ISPA team. Only those with an official parliamentary invitation sent by ISPA will be admitted to the event.

*Places are limited - only ISPA members, parliamentarians and Governmental bodies and representatives are certain to receive the confirmation of their place.

Event sponsor - Nexfibre and Gigabit IQ

Register your interest here.