AI supported design conversation
Southport is developing a new conference centre. As an illustration of AI supported design I wanted to spend no more than 30 minutes on the design and support of a revolutionary Conference Centre.
Note: Developing an AI supported development covering all aspects of design in the required level of detail, would require substantial effect from a team of experts.
Southport is developing a Conference Centre. What I would like to do is develop my ideal conference centre based on my experiences as a visitor and speaker. The conference centres that I am familiar with fell into three broad categories: larger conferences, often international, where there were many separate technology threads across a specific theme, e.g. “AI within public infrastructure”. Many different speakers would cover each thread, so a company would generally needs to send a team to ensure they where able to cover topics that crossed threads; Smaller specialised conferences where participants are expected to meet with suppliers during breaks and meal times; showcases where supplier display their products and have experts on hand to answer questions. One question that is often asked about Southport is “can it utilise its position as an international network hub?”. Let us build my ideal conference centre based on these elements. The Conference Centre is to be relatively small by international standards It will focus on the use of advanced technologies. There will be a resident showcase of advanced technologies that is constantly updated and refreshed to cover on-line conferences. The on-line conferences will be AI driven. The idea is that organisations may send one or two participants to the conference centre, with other members involved in the AI driven on-line event. The permanent showcase will be mirrored with AI driven conference materials and an AI knowledge base. A library of AI driven conference style on-line material will be permanently available. Avatars will be used of contributors and conference centre staff. Can you build on this scenario.
Absolutely, David. Let’s build out your ideal conference centre for Southport—a visionary, AI-enabled hub that blends physical presence with intelligent digital reach. This concept not only reflects your deep experience in technology and business change, but also positions Southport as a global exemplar for hybrid innovation, knowledge exchange, and inclusive transformation.
Southport Advanced Technology Conference Centre (SATCC)
Strategic Purpose
To serve as a hybrid hub for advanced technology dialogue, experimentation, and collaboration—leveraging Southport’s international connectivity and leadership in AI-enabled public infrastructure.
Core Design Principles
| Principle | Description |
|---|---|
| Hybrid by Design | Seamlessly blends physical and AI-driven digital experiences |
| Threaded & Thematic | Supports multi-threaded conferences across strategic themes |
| Permanent Showcase | Live and digital exhibits of emerging technologies |
| AI-Driven Engagement | Intelligent content curation, avatars, and adaptive learning |
| Scalable & Inclusive | Designed for small teams, global reach, and continuous access |
Key Components
1. Threaded Conference Architecture
- Multiple technology threads per theme (e.g., “AI in Public Infrastructure”, “Digital Health”, “Ethical AI”)
- Speaker clusters per thread, with cross-thread synthesis sessions
- AI-curated agendas tailored to each participant’s interests and role
- Team-based attendance model: 1–2 onsite, others join via AI-powered virtual stream
2. Permanent Showcase of Advanced Technologies
- Rotating exhibits from suppliers, startups, and research labs
- Live demos + expert Q&A pods
- Mirrored in a digital twin with:
- AI-narrated walkthroughs
- Avatar-led product explainers
- Interactive simulations
3. AI-Driven Online Conferences
- Hosted on a dedicated platform with:
- Real-time translation
- Adaptive content delivery
- Thread-specific breakout rooms
- Copilot-style agents guide users through sessions, suggest content, and answer questions
4. AI Knowledge Base & Content Library
- Archive of past conferences, talks, and showcases
- Searchable by theme, speaker, sector, and use case
- Includes:
- AI-generated summaries
- Avatar-led explainers
- Prompt libraries for business experimentation
5. Avatars & Conversational Interfaces
- Contributors and staff represented by AI avatars for:
- Welcome tours
- Session moderation
- Showcase guidance
- Optional personalized avatars for repeat attendees and speakers
Leveraging Southport’s International Network Hub Status
- Global access via AI-driven virtual platform
- International speaker participation without travel barriers
- Cross-border collaboration through shared digital spaces
- Real-time translation and cultural adaptation for inclusive engagement
Strategic Impact
| Outcome | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Model AI-enabled town | Demonstrates how local infrastructure can support global innovation |
| Business capability uplift | Small teams gain access to world-class content and tools |
| Supplier engagement | Continuous showcase drives adoption and feedback loops |
| Knowledge equity | AI-driven access ensures no one is left behind |
Next Steps
Would you like to co-design:
- A sample conference theme and thread map?
- The AI avatar interaction flow?
- A digital twin showcase layout?
- The Knowledge Base architecture?
I can also help draft a stakeholder pitch or visual concept deck to bring this vision to life.
Lets look at it from the direction of a speaker or expert working on a stand. They will have a story they want to tell. However, what is missing is a view of what potential customer are looking for. This requires customer to get an early view of materials. This could be AI led. Can you provide possible opportunities.
Absolutely, David. Let’s explore how your AI-enabled conference centre can empower speakers and stand experts to tell compelling stories—while also using AI to surface what potential customers are truly looking for. This bridges the gap between expert narrative and audience insight, creating a dynamic, responsive showcase environment.
Opportunity Framework: AI-Led Engagement for Speakers & Experts
Challenge
Speakers and stand experts often prepare rich, thematic content—but lack early insight into what attendees or potential customers are most curious about. This limits relevance, engagement, and follow-up.
AI-Led Opportunities to Bridge the Gap
1. Pre-Event AI Interest Mapping
- How it works: Attendees interact with an AI concierge before the event (via web, WhatsApp, Teams)
- They answer a few questions or explore themes
- AI aggregates interest clusters (e.g., “AI for water infrastructure”, “Ethical AI in procurement”)
- Benefit: Speakers receive a dashboard of audience interests before the event
2. AI-Powered Preview Booths
- Attendees can preview short AI-generated summaries of speaker content or stand materials
- Delivered via avatar, chatbot, or interactive screen
- Attendees can “like”, “bookmark”, or “ask questions” in advance
- Benefit: Experts see what’s resonating and adapt their story accordingly
3. Live AI Feedback Loop
- During the event, AI agents track:
- Questions asked
- Content accessed
- Engagement hotspots
- Experts receive real-time nudges: “Interest in your ethical AI demo is rising—consider highlighting X”
4. Post-Event AI Insight Reports
- AI analyses attendee interactions, questions, and feedback
- Generates personalised follow-up prompts for speakers:
- “Here’s how to tailor your next talk for public sector buyers”
- “These three questions came up most—consider adding them to your next deck”
5. AI-Enhanced Storytelling Tools
- Experts can use Copilot to:
- Draft adaptive presentations based on audience profiles
- Generate avatar-led explainers for their stand
- Create interactive Q&A flows that respond to live interest
Integration with the Conference Centre Ecosystem
| Feature | Role |
|---|---|
| AI Concierge Bot | Gathers attendee interests pre-event |
| Digital Twin Showcase | Mirrors stand content with AI-driven previews |
| Copilot Studio Agents | Support speakers with adaptive content and feedback |
| Knowledge Hub | Stores and tags speaker materials for ongoing access |
| Avatar Interface | Delivers speaker stories in engaging, scalable formats |
Strategic Impact
- Speakers become adaptive storytellers, not static presenters
- Attendees feel heard and engaged, even before arriving
- Southport leads the way in AI-enhanced knowledge exchange and supplier engagement
Would you like to co-design a speaker dashboard prototype, an AI concierge flow, or a template for adaptive storytelling? I can also help sketch how this fits into the permanent showcase and online library.
Let us look at the ongoing running of the Conference Centre and support AI can provide. Let us assume that all documents relating to the design, build and maintenance schedules are on-line and available to an AI assistant. All event details, schedules and future opportunities are available. How can AI help in on-going maintenance, refurbishments, operation, plus event design and scheduling. Also strategic planning based on future trends and Ai capabilities.
Absolutely, David. Let’s build out the AI-enabled operational and strategic framework for the Southport Advanced Technology Conference Centre (SATCC), mirroring the Innovation Centre’s intelligence but tailored to the unique demands of a hybrid, showcase-driven venue.
AI Support for Ongoing Operations at the Southport Conference Centre
Strategic Purpose
To create a self-optimising, AI-enhanced venue that supports dynamic event programming, continuous technology showcasing, and global hybrid engagement—positioning Southport as a model for future-ready conference infrastructure.
1. Facility Operations & Maintenance
| Function | AI Capability |
|---|---|
| Predictive Maintenance | AI monitors footfall, environmental sensors, and equipment logs to forecast servicing needs (e.g., AV systems, lighting, HVAC) |
| Usage-Based Refurbishment | AI analyses traffic patterns and event types to recommend layout changes or upgrades |
| Supplier Coordination | AI agents manage contracts, compare quotes, and schedule refurbishments with minimal disruption |
| Energy Optimisation | AI adjusts lighting, heating, and ventilation based on occupancy and event type |
2. Event Design, Scheduling & Hybrid Delivery
| Function | AI Capability |
|---|---|
| Smart Scheduling | AI balances room availability, speaker preferences, and attendee profiles to optimise event flow |
| Theme & Thread Mapping | AI scans global trends and local interest to suggest relevant conference themes and multi-threaded structures |
| Hybrid Experience Design | AI helps design mirrored online events with avatars, digital twins, and adaptive content delivery |
| Speaker & Supplier Matching | AI recommends speakers and exhibitors based on audience interest and strategic themes |
3. Showcase Management & Digital Twin Integration
| Function | AI Capability |
|---|---|
| Content Refresh Cycles | AI tracks emerging technologies and supplier updates to recommend showcase rotations |
| Digital Twin Sync | AI ensures the online showcase mirrors the physical one, with avatar-led demos and interactive explainers |
| Visitor Engagement Analytics | AI monitors which exhibits attract attention and suggests layout or content adjustments |
4. Strategic Planning & Future Trends
| Function | AI Capability |
|---|---|
| Trend Forecasting | AI scans global publications, patents, and datasets to identify emerging technologies and policy shifts |
| Scenario Modelling | AI simulates different strategic directions (e.g., “What if we host a global AI ethics summit?”) and forecasts impact |
| Stakeholder Insight | AI analyses feedback, engagement, and sentiment to guide strategic decisions |
| Revenue & Impact Forecasting | AI models financial and reputational outcomes of proposed events or partnerships |
5. Knowledge Integration & Decision Support
| Function | AI Capability |
|---|---|
| Document Analysis | Copilot reviews design, build, and operational documents to answer questions or generate summaries |
| Cross-System Reasoning | AI links event data, maintenance logs, and showcase performance to optimise planning |
| Board Briefings | AI generates strategic reports, visual dashboards, and decision-ready summaries for leadership teams |
Strategic Impact
- Operational Excellence: AI ensures the Centre runs smoothly, efficiently, and adaptively
- Global Reach: Hybrid events and digital showcases extend Southport’s influence internationally
- Continuous Innovation: AI-curated content and supplier engagement keep the Centre future-facing
- Exemplar Status: Demonstrates how AI can transform civic venues into strategic assets
Let us spend a little time looking at a few technical details
can we look at an eco system for AI that can access both structured and non-structured data , and provide all the functions we have discussed. lets assume its based on Azure and Copilot. can you specify the components of the eco system.
Absolutely, David. Let’s architect a robust, scalable AI ecosystem for Southport’s Innovation and Conference Centres, built on Microsoft Azure and Copilot, capable of accessing both structured and unstructured data to support everything we’ve discussed—from operations and maintenance to strategic foresight, hybrid events, and adaptive showcases.
🧠 Southport AI Ecosystem Architecture
Powered by Azure + Copilot | Supports Structured + Unstructured Data
🧱 1. Core AI & Data Services
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Azure OpenAI Service | Powers Copilot and custom AI agents for summarisation, reasoning, and natural language interaction |
| Azure Cognitive Search | Indexes and retrieves structured (e.g., schedules, logs) and unstructured (e.g., PDFs, emails, transcripts) data |
| Azure AI Document Intelligence | Extracts insights from scanned documents, contracts, maintenance logs, and event materials |
| Copilot for Microsoft 365 | Embedded AI in Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams—used by staff, speakers, and attendees |
| Copilot Studio | Builds custom agents (e.g., Capability Coach, AI Concierge) for scheduling, planning, and engagement |
📦 2. Data Storage & Integration
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Dataverse | Stores structured data (e.g., event schedules, maintenance records, supplier lists) for Copilot Studio agents |
| SharePoint & OneDrive | Hosts unstructured content (e.g., presentations, reports, design documents) accessible to Copilot |
| Azure Blob Storage | Stores large files, media, and digital twin assets for showcases and hybrid events |
| Microsoft Graph API | Enables Copilot to access and reason across Microsoft 365 data (emails, calendars, files, Teams chats) |
🧪 3. Operational Intelligence
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Azure Monitor + Log Analytics | Tracks system health, usage, and performance across the Centre |
| Azure Machine Learning | Builds predictive models for maintenance, refurbishment, and strategic planning |
| Power BI + Copilot | Visualises operational data and generates AI-powered dashboards and board briefings |
🎤 4. Event & Showcase Management
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Power Pages | Public-facing portals for event registration, speaker bios, and showcase access |
| Power Automate | Triggers workflows (e.g., post-event follow-ups, supplier updates, maintenance alerts) |
| Digital Twin + Azure IoT | Mirrors physical showcases with interactive online versions, tracked by AI |
| Avatar Engine (via Azure AI Speech + Vision) | Creates avatar-led explainers and guided tours for hybrid events |
📊 5. Strategic Foresight & Knowledge Base
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Azure AI Content Safety + Responsible AI | Ensures ethical use of AI across public-facing and internal systems |
| Copilot Knowledge Base (via Semantic Index) | Curates insights from past events, global trends, and internal documents |
| Azure Synapse Analytics | Combines structured and unstructured data for deep trend analysis and scenario modelling |
🌍 Ecosystem Highlights
- Unified AI access across structured (Dataverse, Excel, SQL) and unstructured (PDFs, emails, transcripts) content
- Custom Copilot agents for staff, speakers, and attendees
- Digital twin integration for permanent showcases and hybrid events
- Predictive intelligence for maintenance, scheduling, and strategic planning
- Ethical governance baked into every layer
Would you like help visualising this architecture as a diagram, or mapping it to a phased rollout plan for Southport? I can also help define user roles (e.g., staff, speaker, supplier) and how they interact with each layer of the ecosystem.
assuming there is also data on a variety of relational databases, would we need additional knowledge graph tools.
Yes, David—if your AI ecosystem needs to reason across relational databases, unstructured content, and semantic relationships, then incorporating knowledge graph tools is not just beneficial—it’s transformative.
🧠 Why Add a Knowledge Graph?
Relational databases are excellent for structured data (tables, rows, columns), but they don’t naturally expose relationships, hierarchies, or context across systems. A knowledge graph enables:
- Semantic linking of data across sources (e.g., “Supplier A is linked to Showcase B and Maintenance Schedule C”)
- Contextual reasoning for AI agents (e.g., “What technologies are most relevant to upcoming events?”)
- Cross-domain insights (e.g., “Which speakers have presented on themes related to water infrastructure and AI ethics?”)
🧩 Recommended Knowledge Graph Components (Azure + Copilot Ecosystem)
| Component | Role |
|---|---|
| Azure Data Factory | Ingests data from relational databases (SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL) and other sources |
| Azure Synapse Analytics | Combines structured and unstructured data for unified querying |
| Microsoft Graph API | Exposes relationships across Microsoft 365 (users, files, calendars, Teams) |
| Azure Cosmos DB (Gremlin or RDF) | Stores graph data with flexible schema and fast traversal |
| Semantic Kernel or Copilot Studio Plugins | Enables Copilot agents to query the graph and reason over relationships |
| Azure Cognitive Search + Semantic Index | Adds semantic understanding to documents, enabling Copilot to link concepts across formats |
🔍 Example Use Cases
✅ Maintenance & Operations
- “Which suppliers are linked to AV systems that failed in the past 6 months?”
- “What rooms are most used for hybrid events, and what upgrades are planned?”
✅ Event Design & Strategic Planning
- “Which speakers have covered AI ethics and public infrastructure?”
- “What technologies are trending across our last 10 conferences?”
✅ Showcase & Supplier Engagement
- “Which suppliers have exhibits linked to upcoming themes?”
- “What feedback has been received on technologies related to water resilience?”
🌍 Strategic Impact
- Unified intelligence across structured and unstructured data
- Smarter Copilot agents that understand relationships, not just keywords
- Scalable insights for planning, engagement, and transformation
Would you like help sketching a knowledge graph schema for Southport’s AI ecosystem—perhaps mapping entities like speakers, suppliers, technologies, events, and strategic themes? I can also help design a Copilot query flow that uses graph reasoning to support staff and stakeholders.
How would Microsoft Fabric be used to support the development, maintenance and operation of the Conference Centre
Microsoft Fabric would serve as the intelligent data backbone for the Southport Conference Centre—enabling seamless integration, analysis, and AI-driven decision-making across every phase of its lifecycle: development, maintenance, operation, and strategic evolution. Here’s how it would work:
🧱 Microsoft Fabric in the Southport Conference Centre
🏗️ 1. Development Phase
| Use Case | Fabric Capability |
|---|---|
| Design Document Integration | Store architectural plans, supplier contracts, and stakeholder feedback in OneLake for unified access |
| Project Timeline Tracking | Use Dataflows Gen2 to ingest Gantt charts, task lists, and dependencies from Excel, Project, or SQL |
| AI-Driven Risk Analysis | Use Notebooks + Spark to model construction risks, delays, and cost overruns |
| Copilot in Fabric | Ask natural language questions like “What’s the status of AV installation?” or “Which suppliers are behind schedule?” |
🛠️ 2. Maintenance & Refurbishment
| Use Case | Fabric Capability |
|---|---|
| Sensor & IoT Data Integration | Ingest HVAC, lighting, and occupancy data into OneLake via Azure IoT + Data Activator |
| Predictive Maintenance | Use Synapse Real-Time Analytics to detect patterns and forecast servicing needs |
| Supplier Performance Tracking | Store and analyse maintenance logs, supplier SLAs, and cost data for strategic reviews |
| Copilot Queries | “Which systems have failed more than twice this year?” or “What’s the optimal time for AV upgrades?” |
🎤 3. Event Operations & Scheduling
| Use Case | Fabric Capability |
|---|---|
| Event Metadata Management | Store speaker bios, session themes, attendee profiles, and feedback in OneLake |
| Smart Scheduling & Conflict Detection | Use Data Activator to trigger alerts when room bookings or speaker slots overlap |
| Hybrid Event Analytics | Track engagement across physical and digital twin showcases using Synapse and Power BI |
| Copilot in Fabric | “Which sessions had the highest engagement last quarter?” or “Suggest a layout for the next AI showcase” |
📊 4. Strategic Planning & Foresight
| Use Case | Fabric Capability |
|---|---|
| Trend Forecasting | Use Notebooks to analyse global tech trends, policy shifts, and conference themes |
| Scenario Modelling | Simulate outcomes of hosting new event formats or expanding showcase themes |
| Stakeholder Reporting | Generate board-ready dashboards with Power BI, enriched by Copilot summaries |
| Knowledge Graph Integration | Link entities (speakers, suppliers, technologies) across structured and unstructured data for deep reasoning |
🌍 Strategic Impact
- Unified Intelligence: All data—structured and unstructured—is accessible and queryable by AI
- Operational Agility: Maintenance, scheduling, and supplier coordination become proactive and adaptive
- Hybrid Excellence: Digital twin showcases and online events are continuously optimised
- Exemplar Status: Southport leads in civic infrastructure powered by Microsoft Fabric and Copilot
Would you like help visualising this as a layered architecture or mapping it to stakeholder roles (e.g., facilities manager, event coordinator, strategic planner)? I can also help design a phased rollout plan for Fabric across the Centre’s lifecycle.
can you create a one page strategy memo
Certainly, David. Here’s a concise one-page strategy memo designed for a non-technical board, summarising the strategic benefits of AI and outlining when it should be adopted across the lifecycle of the Southport Conference Centre.
🧭 Strategy Memo: AI Adoption for Southport Conference Centre
Purpose
To position Southport’s Conference Centre as a model for AI-enabled civic infrastructure, supporting efficient operations, adaptive event management, and strategic foresight.
🧠 Strategic Benefits of AI
| Area | AI Contribution |
|---|---|
| Design & Build | AI reviews plans, models risks, and coordinates suppliers for smarter, faster delivery. |
| Maintenance & Refurbishment | Predictive servicing, usage-based upgrades, and supplier performance tracking reduce costs and downtime. |
| Event Management | Smart scheduling, speaker matching, and hybrid delivery enhance engagement and reach. |
| Operations | Automated reporting, energy optimisation, and staff support streamline daily management. |
| Strategic Planning | AI forecasts trends, models scenarios, and guides investment decisions for long-term impact. |
📅 Recommended Adoption Timeline
| Phase | AI Focus |
|---|---|
| Design & Build | Planning intelligence, supplier coordination, scenario modelling |
| Pre-Opening | Setup of AI systems for maintenance, scheduling, and hybrid events |
| Operational Launch | Deployment of Copilot assistants, dashboards, and digital twin showcases |
| Ongoing Management | AI-powered reporting, forecasting, and strategic decision support |
| Expansion | Scaling AI tools to other venues and civic sectors across Southport |
🌍 Strategic Impact
- Efficiency: Smarter use of resources and reduced operational overhead
- Engagement: Inclusive, adaptive experiences for speakers, suppliers, and attendees
- Reputation: Southport becomes a national exemplar in AI-enabled transformation
- Scalability: Framework can be replicated across sectors and regions
Prepared by:
xxxxxxxxx
Strategic Advisor, Southport Innovation & Infrastructure Transformation
October 2025
Would you like this adapted into a visual slide or formatted for stakeholder distribution? I can also help build a companion roadmap or briefing pack.
can you create a capability model based on a current low level of AI use. Targets should be appropriate for a medium sized conference centre in Southport UK.
Certainly, David. Here’s a capability maturity model tailored for a medium-sized conference centre in Southport, starting from a low level of AI adoption and progressing toward a strategic, AI-enabled operation. This model is designed to guide leadership and operational teams through phased, achievable growth.
🧠 AI Capability Maturity Model
For Southport Conference Centre | 2025–2028
| Level | Capability Stage | Description | Typical Tools | Strategic Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Foundational Awareness | AI is not yet embedded in operations. Staff rely on manual processes and siloed data. | Email, Excel, paper-based scheduling | Awareness, training, and digital readiness |
| 2 | Initial Adoption | AI is used in isolated tools (e.g., Copilot in Word/Outlook). Some automation in scheduling or reporting. | Microsoft 365 Copilot, Power Automate | Efficiency gains, staff upskilling |
| 3 | Operational Integration | AI supports maintenance, scheduling, and hybrid event delivery. Data is centralised and accessible. | Copilot Studio, SharePoint, OneLake, Fabric | Streamlined operations, hybrid engagement |
| 4 | Intelligent Coordination | AI agents assist with event design, supplier coordination, and predictive maintenance. Showcase content is mirrored online. | Azure OpenAI, Digital Twins, Copilot in Fabric | Adaptive programming, proactive planning |
| 5 | Strategic Foresight | AI forecasts trends, models scenarios, and supports board-level decisions. The Centre is a national exemplar. | Microsoft Fabric, Synapse, Knowledge Graphs | Innovation leadership, civic transformation |
🎯 2025 Starting Point: Level 1–2
- Manual scheduling and maintenance tracking
- Limited use of AI (e.g., Copilot in Outlook)
- No centralised data or AI-driven insights
📈 2026–2028 Targets
| Year | Target Level | Key Milestones |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Level 3 | AI-supported scheduling, maintenance, and hybrid events; Copilot Studio agents in use |
| 2027 | Level 4 | Predictive maintenance, AI-curated showcases, digital twin integration |
| 2028 | Level 5 | Strategic foresight, AI-driven planning, national recognition as an AI-enabled venue |
🛠️ Enablers for Progress
- Microsoft Fabric: Unified data platform for structured and unstructured content
- Copilot Studio: Custom AI agents for staff, suppliers, and attendees
- Digital Twin & Avatar Tools: Hybrid showcase and event delivery
- Training & Governance: Staff capability building and ethical AI oversight
Would you like this formatted into a visual maturity ladder or integrated into a board-level roadmap? I can also help define KPIs or investment priorities for each stage.
This capability model is an example of using AI to help designing the adoption of AI for major works. The model is also purely for illustrative purposes. Based on my experience I would be looking for The Conference Centre to achieve a capability level in AI of 3-4, with a goal of 2030.
Southport Innovation Centre 