Rugby Pro who launched tech company to speak at South West digital conference

A former professional rugby player is to address business leaders at the South West of England Digital Conference later this month.

Don Armand, who played 193 games for Exeter Chiefs in a career that included international caps with England and captaining championship-winning teams, is now a leadership consultant working with UK entrepreneurs and SMEs.

The 36-year-old, who has a degree in psychology and is founder of Identity Human, will talk on ‘Staying Human in an AI-Powered World’ and the essential leadership skills and attitude required to thrive in the digital age.

Tech South West is running the South West of England Digital Conference 2025, on Wednesday June 18 at the state-of-the-art Exeter College Digital & Data Centre, part of the South West Institute of Technology (SWIOT).

Final tickets have now been released and are available at tickettailor.com/events/techsouthwest/1619115

With AI adoption accelerating across industries, the conference focuses on giving SMEs the tools, skills and confidence to embrace digital opportunities, via a series of masterclass sessions, talks, panels and pitch events.

Other speakers, panelists and masterclass experts include Charles Eales, Head of Social Value at Microsoft UK, Helen Cocks, Digital Transformation and Engagement Lead at the University of Exeter, AI legal expert Amy Ralston of Stephens Scown, Chris Phippen, tech entrepreneur and respected voice on AI ethics and digital transformation, and Paul Coles, Chief Executive of the South West Business Council.

Delegates will have the chance to take part in practical workshops led by organisations such as Ghyston, Rocketmakers, Program, Timewade and ISL Talent, covering topics from innovation and digital marketing to recruitment in the AI era.

Dan Pritchard, Co-founder of Tech South West said, "This is about turning ambition into action. We want to help businesses across the South West understand how digital transformation can directly benefit their bottom line – whether that's through smarter use of AI, more efficient operations, or building the right team to take them forward. It’s practical, focused on outcomes, and built for SMEs who want to get things done."

Steve Mariadas, CEO of the South West Institute of Technology said, “The Digital Conference on 18th June will be a fantastic opportunity for the South West Institute of Technology to share our expertise in navigating the UK skills landscape. I am hugely excited about hearing from a fantastic range of employers about their skills, needs and challenges, to help them make the most of current opportunities and also learn what more we can do."

Delivered in partnership with Microsoft UK, Howden, South West Business Council, and SWIOT, the event brings together 100+ business leaders, innovators, and technology providers for a day of hands-on learning, live demos, and expert workshops.

Five expert-led tracks will run throughout the day:

• AI-Powered Business Growth
• Digital Transformation
• Tech Talent & Skills
• Cyber Security
• Governance & Risk

Each track is designed to equip businesses with practical strategies they can take back and implement, from building AI into operations and improving recruitment, to using data to drive decisions and ensuring digital resilience.

Businesses can also explore the Future of Work Zone and meet digital solution providers offering support tailored for SMEs.

Tickets are available at tickettailor.com/events/techsouthwest/1619115