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Register Now!
Driven by performance.
Join South Yorkshire business leaders for an afternoon of practical ideas on performance, resilience and smarter technology - with World Champion Derek Redmond, Pax8 and more.
✉️ Open invite, spaces are limited
⛳️ Rotherham Golf Club, Doncaster Rd, Thrybergh, Rotherham S65 4NU
🗓️ 23rd October 2026 @ 12pm-5pm
PART OF THE FAMILY:
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Why join us?
Driving Performance
See how AI, automation and smarter technology can remove friction, improve productivity and help your people get more done.
Champions of Change
Hear how high performers embrace change, overcome setbacks and bring people with them.
Built to Win
Learn from elite sport and successful businesses about creating the mindset, habits and environment for sustained performance.
The Competitive Edge
Discover practical ideas you can take back into your business — from better use of data to AI and smarter ways of working.
Fuel for the Final Round
Refuel with great food and engaging company while building valuable relationships. Leave refreshed, re-energised, and ready to drive your business forward.
Derek Redmond
World champion. Olympian. High-performance speaker.
Derek Redmond knows what it takes to perform when the pressure is on - and what happens when even the best-laid plans fall apart.
A World Champion and former British 400m record holder, Derek competed at the highest level of international athletics and represented Great Britain at the Olympic Games. His career demanded relentless preparation, resilience and the ability to perform when it mattered most.
At Acceleration Lunch, Derek will draw on those experiences - including the setbacks that tested him most - to share powerful lessons on mindset, resilience and sustaining high performance. Expect an honest and inspiring perspective on dealing with change, overcoming adversity and continuing to move forward when things don't go to plan.
For business leaders, it's a story with a clear message: performance isn't about everything going perfectly - it's about how you respond when it doesn't.
Olivia Tobin
Microsoft leader. Business solutions expert.
Olivia Tobin is Partner Solution Sales Manager at Microsoft, working with partners to help businesses get more from modern technology and business software.
With almost six years at Microsoft across business solutions, Modern Work, security and partner strategy, Liv brings a strong understanding of how the right technology can simplify operations and support growth.
At Acceleration Lunch, Liv will join Steve to explore how modern business solutions can help organisations work smarter, improve efficiency and build a stronger platform for growth.
For business leaders, it’s about making technology work harder for the business – simplifying the everyday and creating more room to grow.
Matthew Higgins
AI leader. Technology strategist. Microsoft AI Ambassador.
Matthew Higgins works at the leading edge of AI transformation as Microsoft AI Business Solutions Ambassador at Pax8, helping drive AI adoption across the UK SMB market.
With a background spanning cloud technology, digital transformation and strategic partnerships, Matthew brings a practical perspective on how businesses can turn emerging technology into real-world impact.
At Acceleration Lunch, Matthew will join Chris to explore AI and automation – where the opportunities are, what businesses should be doing now and how leaders can prepare for what comes next.
For business leaders, it’s about moving beyond the AI hype and understanding how to put it to work.
STORIES, SPORT & SMARTER TECH.
Go the distance.
An afternoon worth stepping away from the office for.
Acceleration Lunch brings together South Yorkshire business leaders, elite athletes and technology experts for great food, fresh ideas and valuable conversations in a relaxed setting.
No exhibition halls. No endless sales pitches. Just good people, fresh thinking and conversations worth having.
What to Expect on the Day
Get Into Your Stride
Start the day with relaxed networking and fresh ideas, as Matthew and Chris explore AI and automation, while Steve discusses smarter business solutions.
The Clubhouse
Enjoy a relaxed lunch experience with great food, casual conversation, and time to connect with fellow attendees in a laid-back clubhouse atmosphere.
Derek Redmond
Join World Champion Derek Redmond for an inspiring session on mindset, resilience, and performing under pressure - sharing lessons from sport that translate far beyond the track.
Beyond the Finish Line
Round off the day with relaxed drinks, great conversation, and the chance to unwind, reflect, and build meaningful connections after the sessions end.
