WHY SPENCER?

First-hand experience: After specialising in AI at university, Spencer has documented its rise for the BBC, and now uses his deep understanding of the subject to explain how AI has been quietly changing the world for decades.

He’s an expert in Generative AI – using Large Language Models to make music albums and short films, write computer code, and – believe it or not – perform improv comedy.

Clarity: Spencer has decades of experience writing and presenting explainers on how AI is used in phones, home appliances and self-driving cars. 

Interactive: Spencer uses his up-to-date knowledge of the subject to give interactive AI demonstrations live on-stage, to show the power of the technology.

Perspective: Right now, employees wonder if AI will replace them, while companies struggle to assess how useful and valuable it will be for their sector. With an abundance of hype out there, Spencer’s practical know-how and direct experience help cut through the noise to show what AI can actually do, and -just as importantly – what it can’t.

POPULAR AI TOPICS

For over two decades, as the presenter of BBC Click, Spencer has been at the forefront of technological innovation, but his expertise in Artificial Intelligence began long before. At university he was already exploring AI’s potential (even attempting to use it to break the world record for visiting all London Tube stations), meaning he has a deep, academic, and practical understanding of the subject. He has witnessed AI’s journey from a niche academic field to the world-changing force it is today, and he possesses the unique ability to make this complex topic accessible, engaging, and relevant for any audience.

Many find the world of AI intimidating, and for good reason. It’s a realm of impenetrably complex mathematics, neural networks, and algorithms. Spencer’s core strength is bridging this gap, translating deep technical concepts into practical business insights.

“The problem is,” says Spencer, “what’s going on under the bonnet of AI is so complicated, even its operators don’t fully understand it! But ultimately, companies just want to know how best to use it, and in what parts of their organisation. That’s where I come in. Think of me as your tech translator.”

In his keynotes, Spencer demystifies how AI actually learns, breaking down the process with clear, memorable analogies that resonate long after the event:

With the explosion of Generative AI, the landscape is filled with both excitement and anxiety. Will AI take our jobs? How can it genuinely benefit our sector? Spencer addresses these questions head-on, cutting through the hype to deliver a clear-eyed perspective.

“It’s always been my job to cut through the noise,” says Spencer. “I’ve travelled the world to see AI that diagnoses cancer, predicts crime, and understands the economy, and I know what truly works.”

While he showcases the incredible power of AI, Spencer also stresses the importance of understanding its boundaries. It’s a powerful tool, but it’s crucial to remember that it doesn’t think or understand like a human:

Spencer doesn’t just talk about the AI revolution; he’s an active participant. He has surfed the wave of Generative AI, using Large Language Models to make music albums, create short films, write computer code, and even perform improv comedy. This hands-on experience means he can provide live, compelling demonstrations that show your audience what’s possible right now. He brings the technology to life, showing how it can transform creative and business processes.

His deep knowledge of the subject, along with his experience of explaining complex subjects to a broad audience, means he uses a story-teller’s tools to demonstrate the basics of how these systems work, and also discuss the human issues that arise as algorithms become more able to do things that used to be considered uniquely human:

As the BBC’s most-experienced tech broadcaster, and a computer scientist, Spencer was the natural choice for the corporation to host its flagship podcast series on Artificial Intelligence. This gave him a unique opportunity to engage with the world’s leading experts on the topic.

“I was asked to host the BBC’s in-depth series Understand: Tech & AI, which was a fantastic chance to do a deep dive,” he explains. “I spoke to some brilliant minds, and took listeners on a journey from the very basics, via the secrets of ‘The Algorithm’ and right through to the question of whether AI really will take over the world.”

This experience has further solidified his position as the UK’s foremost communicator on AI, capable of guiding any audience through this transformative technology.

When you book Spencer, you get more than a speaker; you get an expert, an educator, and an entertainer whose passion for the subject is infectious. He brings the latest thinking to the table, along with the practical tools your team can use to boost productivity. This isn’t just a job for Spencer; it’s a lifelong fascination he explores constantly, whether he’s writing about the future of AI or creating AI-generated music about cats for his daughter.