Big Data London is always a highlight of the year for us, and not just for free merch. This year’s event looks bigger and better than ever.
It’s the place where the whole data industry comes together to find inspiration, share challenges (making AI work – anyone?), and see the latest tech solutions from the world’s premier data solutions providers.
Every September, thousands of students, data leaders, practitioners, and innovators descend on London’s Olympia for Big Data London. It’s two days of finding out what others are up to, hearing about the latest tech innovations and, let’s be honest, a bit of eye-rolling about the latest hype cycle.
For us at Oakland Everything Data, it’s more than just another industry event. Big Data London is where we meet our clients, past, present, and future. It’s where the conversations that matter in data and AI happen. And yes, we’ll admit it, stocking up on socks and T-shirts is a nice bonus, too.
But this year, Big Data London feels bigger, bolder, and more important than ever. With AI hype at fever pitch, data leaders are under pressure to deliver real results – and quickly. That’s why we’re so excited about what’s coming up this September.
Why Big Data London Matters
What makes BDL special is its ability to bring the entire data community under one roof. From startups to the biggest global enterprises, everyone is here to share what’s working, what isn’t, and what’s next. It’s a unique opportunity to see cutting-edge solutions, compare experiences, and walk away with a roadmap for delivering value back in the real world.
And while the exhibition floor is buzzing with activity, it’s the conference theatres that steal the show. Packed to the rafters year after year, these sessions offer hundreds of deep dives into everything from governance and data quality to AI ethics and platform modernisation. You need to get in line early to bag a seat, but it’s worth it.
Big Data London 2025 Speakers
This year’s agenda is stacked with over 300 speakers, including data engineers from Netflix, analytics leaders from Google, and strategists from across industries. And of course, Oakland. For the first time since our partnership was announced, Softcat will be there too.
Our very own Andy Crossley, CTO of Oakland, will be joining forces with Alex Pearce, Chief Microsoft Strategist at Softcat, for a no-holds-barred session on why AI isn’t working for everyone and what you can do about it. Their talk, “AI: It’s Going Back to the Future,” will cut through the hype and get real about the foundations every organisation needs to succeed with AI.
Expect honesty, practical lessons, and plenty of myth-busting. If you’ve ever struggled to show ROI on your AI investments, this is the session for you.
Where and When is Big Data London 2025?
Dates: 24–25th September 2025
Venue: Olympia London, West Kensington
Nearest Tube: Kensington (Olympia) is right next door, with West Kensington and Barons Court close.
It’s easy to get to, and once you’re inside, everything is under one roof – whether you want to explore the exhibition floor, catch a keynote, or grab a coffee and talk shop.
Who Should Attend Big Data London?
One of the things we love most about BDL is its accessibility. It’s not just for hardcore techies or analysts – it’s for anyone with a stake in data.
- CDOs and CIOs looking to build data strategies and prove business impact
- Heads of Data and Analytics navigating the complexities of AI adoption
- Finance leaders (CFOs) tasked with unlocking ROI from major tech investments
- Practitioners and engineers eager to hear from peers and sharpen their skills
- Students and early-career professionals looking for inspiration and opportunities
Wherever you are on your data journey, you’ll find something valuable here.
Where to Find Oakland and Softcat
We’ll be exhibiting at Stand 60, located right next to one of the main theatres for maximum visibility. Pop by, say hello, and grab one of our legendary Oakland guides. Whether you’re wrestling with AI, data governance, or platform engineering, our team will be on hand to talk through your challenges.
Oakland & Softcat on Stage
Mark your calendars!
Session: AI: It’s Going Back to the Future
When: Wednesday, 24th September, 15:20 – 15:50
Where: Gen AI, App Intelligence & AI Agents Theatre
Here’s a flavour of what Andy and Alex will cover:
- Why so many AI projects fail to deliver real value
- The critical data foundations every business needs to succeed
- Real-world lessons from organisations finding AI harder than expected
The good news? You’ll walk away with practical steps to start unlocking real value from your AI investments.
Big Data London 2025 Theatres
Big Data London is nothing if not comprehensive. With 13 dedicated theatres, you’ll have your pick of sessions to match your interests. Themes include:
- Gen AI & AI Agents
- AI, Data Science & MLOps
- Analytics, Visualisation & Storytelling
- Data & AI Governance
- Data & AI Strategy
- Data Architecture Modernisation
- Data Engineering
- Data for Good
- Data Products & Data Fabric
- DataOps & Observability
- Fast Data
- Integrated Planning Analytics & Sustainability
- Teams & Culture
Big Names at Big Data London
BDL always attracts an impressive roster, and 2025 is no exception. Expect speakers from organisations as varied as:
- Magnum Ice Cream
- The Ministry of Defence
- Specsavers
- Netflix
- Microsoft
It’s not often you see such a diverse range of industries represented in one place proof, if you needed it, that data really is everyone’s business.
And then, of course, there’s the headline speaker. This year, Professor Brian Cox looks at the small subject of: Is the universe the ultimate processor of information? Expect a mind-blowing session that blends quantum mechanics, information theory, and the very fabric of reality.
How To Get Tickets for Big Data London 2025
The best part? Big Data London is free to attend. You just need to register in advance. Tickets are available online until 19th September, so don’t leave it to the last minute.
Why We Can’t Wait for Big Data London 2025
For us at Oakland Everything Data, Big Data London is like being kids in a sweet shop. It’s not just about the content (though the content is world-class) – it’s about the energy of 15,000+ attendees, the buzz of the exhibition floor, bumping into old friends, and the chance to meet and connect with so many incredible vendors.
It’s also about walking away with ideas – lots of them. From practical ways to scale AI responsibly to swapping war stories with fellow data leaders, we always leave BDL buzzing with inspiration and armed with new thinking to bring back to our clients.
Final Word
If you care about data and if you care about getting value from AI you can’t afford to miss Big Data London 2025.
Join us at Olympia London this September. Come to our session, swing by our stand, and let’s talk about how to move from hype to value in AI and beyond. We’ll see you there!
