There is something special about the air at Royal Holloway in September. Maybe it’s the stunning Victorian architecture of the University of London, or perhaps it’s the collective hum of hundreds of data brains coming together to solve the industry’s toughest puzzles. Whatever it is, I am absolutely delighted to announce that I will be returning to the Data Community Conference 2026 from the 1st to the 3rd of September.
This is a milestone in my speaking calendar because this year marks my third consecutive year at this event. Having been part of the community for the last two years, I can honestly say it has become one of my favorite stops on the circuit. There’s a unique warmth here: a sense of coming home to a group of people who truly "get" the complexities of the modern data issues that we are all trying to solve. I’m looking forward to catching up with friends old and new, and I would love for you to be among them.
If you’re ready to skip the sales pitches and dive into real-world solutions, you can book your spot via my speaker link here.
Why This Conference Hits Differently
In a world where every other LinkedIn post is a polished (and often hollow) AI hype-piece, the Data Community Conference stands out because it is community-first. This isn’t a place for vendor-heavy presentations or "pay-to-play" speaking slots, which you can get anywhere. It is a conference built by practitioners, for practitioners, so there are no 'sales pitches in disguise'.
When I look back at my previous two years here, the most valuable takeaways came from the candid talks where people detailed their problems and solutions, as well as indicating what worked and what did not work. I also loved the practical advice on topics close to my heart, such as Data Vault and data quality in the real world.
This year, I’ll be giving a 30–40 minute talk focused on the intersection of AI strategy and business outcomes with a focus on data fluency in a world where people want speed decisions. My goal, as always, is to provide you with actionable insights that you can take back to your office on Monday morning and actually implement.
What’s on the Menu? (And I Don't Just Mean the BBQ)
The 2026 agenda is jam packed with a variety of case studies, leadership lessons, and educational sessions. Whether you are building the pipelines or leading the teams that use them, the focus remains the same: solving real business problems.
1. AI in Practice: Moving Beyond the Sandbox
We’ve all seen the demos. We’ve all played with the LLMs. But how many organisations are actually seeing a return on investment from AI in production? This conference prioritizes real-world AI deployments. We’ll look at:
- What happens when AI hits the "Trust Wall"? (I’ve written about why scaling stalls despite technical readiness, and we’ll be digging deeper into this on-site).
- Lessons from failures: Why do some AI projects collapse after the pilot phase?
- The essential role of data quality in preventing AI hallucinations.
2. Business-First Data: Connecting Tech to Outcomes
One of the biggest frustrations I hear from clients is the disconnect between the technical team, the business teams and the C-suite. At the Data Community Conference, we bring together the various perspectives so you can help move your organisation forward. We focus on how to connect your modern data platform to measurable business decisions. It’s about having a strategy that works with the enterprise, in enterprise-scale environments.
3. Modern Data Architecture: Scalable and Resilient
For the engineers and architects in the room, there is a wealth of knowledge on designing systems that don't just work today but scale for tomorrow. From data vault concepts to automated pipelines, the sessions are designed to be hands-on and practical. If you want to know how other teams are handling high-volume, high-velocity data without losing their minds, this is where you find out.
The Data Community Conference is the antidote to the corporate 'fluff' of traditional tech events. It’s where the real work gets discussed.
Who Should Join Us?
If you are involved in the lifecycle of data, there is a place for you at Royal Holloway this September. We see a fantastic mix of roles every year, including:
- Data & Analytics Engineers: Who want to see how others are building scalable pipelines.
- Data Architects: Looking for modern design patterns that actually work.
- BI Developers & Analysts: Who need to transform raw data into compelling business stories.
- Heads of Data & Business Leaders: Who are responsible for the "Why" and "How" of AI-driven transformation.
Whether you are deep in the code or steering the ship, the diversity of perspectives on real-world problems is what makes the networking here so powerful.
The Social Side: Networking Done Right
I’ve often said that the best insights often happen between the sessions. The Data Community Conference excels at creating environments where these conversations can flourish. Your ticket isn’t just for a seat in a lecture hall; it’s an all-access pass to a thriving community.
Here is what your registration includes:
- The Evening BBQ: A staple of the conference that allows everyone to unwind in the beautiful grounds of Royal Holloway.
- The Community Pub: Because some of the best architectural solutions have been sketched out on the back of a coaster.
- Drinks Reception: A great chance to meet the speakers and fellow attendees in a relaxed setting.
- Full Catering: Breakfast, lunch, and those all-important coffee breaks to keep the brain fueled.
There is a sense of camaraderie here that I haven't found anywhere else. It’s why I was so keen to return for a third year. There is no hierarchy; everyone from junior analysts to veteran consultants is there to learn and share.
Join Me at Royal Holloway
The Data Community Conference 2026 is where the theory ends and the practice begins. If you are tired of being "sold to" and want to be "talked with," this is your event.
I am truly delighted to be heading back to University of London for a third time. It has been a joy to watch this conference grow over the last two years, and I can’t wait to see what the 2026 edition brings. I’ll be there for the full three days, and I’d love to grab a coffee (or a drink at the community pub!) to hear about what you’re working on.
Don’t Miss Out
Early-bird tickets and general registration are moving fast. To ensure you’re part of the conversation, use my dedicated link to book your tickets.
Date: 1–3 September 2026
Location: Royal Holloway, University of London
Tickets: Book via Eventbrite here
Final Thoughts: Why Community Matters
In the fast-paced world of AI and Data Strategy, it is easy to feel isolated in your challenges. You might feel like you’re the only one struggling with a specific legacy system or a particularly difficult stakeholder.
Attending events like this reminds us that we are part of a larger ecosystem. We are all trying to figure it out together. As I’ve noted in my personal diaries over the years, the journey of a data professional is one of constant learning and adaptation. There is no better place to do that than surrounded by people who share your passion and your problems.
I look forward to seeing you at Royal Holloway! Let's make this third year the best one yet.
About Jennifer Stirrup
Jennifer Stirrup is the founder of Jen Stirrup Consulting, a boutique strategy firm focusing on AI and Data Strategy. With over two decades of experience, Jennifer helps organizations turn complex data into actionable business outcomes. She is a recognized global keynote speaker, author, and community leader.
