Get up to Speed Business Breakfast and Networking Event Returns

South Yorkshire’s biggest celebration of STEM is almost here! Get up to Speed with STEM returns on 18-19^th March, and is set to welcome more than 6,500 young people and educators across the region for an action-packed showcase of innovation and technology. 

Local business people working across STEM and related sectors are invited to be part of the excitement at a dedicated Business Breakfast and Networking session, The Power of Collaboration; People, Robots and Productivity, on Thursday 19^th March. This is a valuable opportunity to connect with like-minded organisations and find out about the latest in skills and development from across South Yorkshire.

Taking place in the main hall at Magna Science Adventure Centre on day two of the Get up to Speed with STEM event, the Business Breakfast focuses on the power of collaboration and people in developing skills and innovation.

The Business Breakfast will be opened by Master Cutler, Professor Keith Jackson, followed by keynote speakers, including Professor David King from the University of Sheffield, who will discuss how robotics can help save lives, and Peter Edwards, CEO of The Work-Wise Foundation, who will address the exciting world of skills development and how this is being reflected at Get up to Speed 2026.

Machine Learning Engineer from AESSEAL Elliot Fisher, will talk about the development of AI-powered employees as well as robotics and AMR initiatives, while Lewis Hardy will discuss advancements in robotic cells. 

Following the Business Breakfast, attendees will be able to preview the main exhibition and have the chance to participate in a range of interactive activities, including trying out an innovative virtual reality welder and experimenting with 3D pens with the AMRC Training Centre, as well as “casting in a box” with United Cast Bar.

Rotherham Titans Community Foundation will give visitors the chance to test their fitness and speed on their Watt Bike, Rowing Machine and Blaze Pod, whilst also learning how to make smoothies. Accu will bring its robotic football game, where attendees can go head-to-head with an AccuBot, while visitors can also explore the world of AI, learn through movement with Onboard Skate Park, and even take part in a personal training session with a world champion MMA fighter.

Peter Edwards shares: “As this is my first year as CEO of The Work-wise Foundation, I cannot tell you how exciting it is to see Get up to Speed develop right in front of your eyes.  It wouldn’t be possible without the commitment of so many local businesses, who every year come up with some phenomenal concepts to really bring science, technology, engineering and manufacturing-related careers to life.  What makes it so fantastic is that this could be the first opportunity that many of the young people who come here over the two days have to actually experience what it is like to work in one of these industries.  This event really can?—and does—shape their futures.”

This year, Get up to Speed welcomes more than 55 exhibitors and is set to bring STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Manufacturing) to life with 14 exciting attractions. The first day is open to students aged 11 to 25 years, while the second day is dedicated to SEND young people and primary school pupils aged 8 to 11, providing the opportunity to explore career pathways and get hands-on with innovations.

For exhibitors, it’s a powerful way to showcase their apprenticeship programmes, engage with young talent and connect with other forward-thinking businesses.

This year’s gold sponsors of Get up to Speed include AESSEAL, Capabilities Beyond Engineering, Sheffield Forgemasters, Stream7 and The Worshipful Company of Ironmongers, alongside Silver sponsors including Forged Solutions Group, Dragonfly PR, The UK Atomic Energy Authority and Hydra Creative. Bronze sponsors include AMG Chrome, LAND AMETEK, Vulcan to the Sky Trust, Withers & Rogers LLP, AMRC Training Centre, Howmet Aerospace and Made in Sheffield.

To book a space at the Business Breakfast and Networking Event, visit: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/the-work-wise-foundation/t-ejapvgr