Maggie has led projects making anything from land mine detectors to satellite sub-systems that measure variables like wind speed to improve our knowledge of climate change. In presentations the Sky At Night expert talks about exploring space with missions like Rosetta, and how we live in a galaxy with 200 billion stars. Maggie believes that with 100 billion galaxies in the universe, there must be life out there – simply as a matter of probability.

As well as being a respected science communicator Jim is an active researcher specialising in theoretical nuclear physics and quantum biology. An acclaimed science writer and a regular on TV and radio, his presentations consider anything from the case for nuclear power plants to the weirdness of the quantum world, the prospects for time travel (much more likely forwards than back), the creation of life, and Medieval Arabic science.

As Zopa co-Founder and former CEO, James was a pioneer in peer-to-peer lending. Putting those with a small amount to invest in front of reliable borrowers has proved a successful business model, creating what is now globally £100bn sector. James is now helping organisations make more informed strategic choices and deliver more impactful innovation as part of FutureAgenda.org, the world’s largest open foresight programme and advisory in foresight, strategy and innovation. James tells a powerful founder story as a bridge into discussing and sharing practical approaches for disruption, innovation and foresight.

Christiane made her name as CNN’s Chief International Correspondent – reporting from the world’s hotspots. She now anchors from London.

Kate is a retail futurist, delivering compelling analyses on the key shifts in consumer expectations, products and brands – all of which are transforming as a result of economic and social change and the technology revolution. Her findings show where to innovate and invest resources, and how to adapt using technology. In speeches, Kate takes a cross sector, global view of innovation and explores the interaction between brand and consumer, both online and offline.

Sanjay lectures at the Indian School of Business in Hyderabad and the Tata Management Training Centre. He’s also consulted for start-ups and held senior retail roles across the region. Sanjay paints a picture of the emerging economic superpower, where you can now compare the malls in festive season with the crowds at Kumbh Mela. He looks at consumer trends and the challenge for brands in a country with 12 million outlets and a rapidly growing, media-savvy middle class.

As well as editing the daily business institution Lionel has edited the US and European editions. He is one of the most respected voices on transatlantic affairs and has written extensively on relations between Washington, London and Brussels.

The author of The Dark Net, The People Vs Tech: How the Internet is Killing Democracy (and How We Save It), and Radicals – Outsiders Changing the World examines the extremists, organisations, hackers, and subcultures that are influencing the digital world.

Steve published the world’s first comic book about pensions. A highly respected industry specialist, he’s also a hilarious, deadpan speaker. He pours scorn on some of the ludicrous and often arbitrary rules that affect us all – but he can’t help bemoaning the fact that he has devoted his life to the subject.