Inaugural AI event sparks big ideas

A digital agency is celebrating strong demand for practical artificial intelligence (AI) insight following a packed-out launch event.

21 Degrees Digital has hosted its first AI-focused business event, attracting a full house at Horizon Leeds and setting the stage for a wider programme of sessions planned for 2026.

The evening event, titled Leveraging AI for Business Growth, brought together business owners, marketers and technology leaders from across the region to explore how AI can drive performance in real organisational settings.

The programme featured a range of talks and demonstrations designed to demystify AI and showcase how companies are already applying it to sharpen marketing strategy, improve efficiency and strengthen competitiveness. 

Attendees heard from senior figures in the sector, including Rory Mason, chief executive of 21 Degrees Digital, and Zandra Moore MBE, co-founder of Zygens, as well as entrepreneurs using AI to reshape their own business models. 

Live demonstrations showed how AI agents can be built and deployed quickly, with speakers highlighting opportunities for Yorkshire organisations to integrate similar tools into their day-to-day operations.

The event also underlined how 21 Degrees Digital has embedded AI across its services, using it to enhance research, creative development, media optimisation and CRM automation. 

Rory said: “To say tonight went well would be an understatement. 

“It was a genuine lightbulb-moment evening. 

“We had around a hundred business owners in the room and at half nine on a Wednesday night they were still scribbling notes. 

“That tells you everything about how hungry people are for practical, honest guidance on AI.”

Rory added: “In my talk I took people on a journey of what we think the future of digital marketing looks like. 

“It is more holistic, more human and powered by AI behind the scenes.

“Used properly, AI helps you do more, at higher quality, while stripping out the repetitive tasks everyone finds boring. 

“The clear message across all the talks was that AI is not here to replace humans. 

“It is here to collaborate with us so we can focus on strategy, creativity and serving customers better.”

The agency, founded in Leeds by a team of performance marketers and creatives, has grown its reputation for blending data-driven decision-making with bold creative thinking to help clients adapt in a rapidly shifting digital landscape.

Buoyed by positive feedback and strong attendance, the agency has announced plans for additional open-door sessions next year, covering areas such as AI for SEO, paid media, creative testing and customer journey automation. 

Rory added: “It has been a brilliant year for the agency. 

“We have grown fast, built an incredible team and partnered with some fantastic clients.

“The success of this first event shows there is a real community of businesses who want to do things differently. 

“In 2026 we will be building on that momentum with more events across the North and further afield in the UK, working with organisations that share our appetite for innovation and progress.”

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