Ed Vaizey Keynote Speaker

Former UK Culture & Digital Minister (2010–2016)
Longest-serving minister in the Culture & Digital role
Member of the House of Lords, broadcaster and adviser

Ed Vaizey's Biography

Ed Vaizey (Lord Vaizey of Didcot) is a member of the House of Lords, business adviser, broadcaster, speaker and event host.

Ed was the Member of Parliament for Wantage between 2005 and 2019. He served as the UK Government Culture and Digital Minister from 2010-16, and is the longest-serving Minister in that role. He was appointed a privy councillor in 2016.

In his role as digital minister, Ed was responsible for the roll out of the successful rural broadband programme to more than 4 million homes, the introduction of 4G, and tax credits for film, television, animation and video games, which helped make the creative industries the fastest growing part of the UK economy.

Ed also helped persuade Lucas Films to make the new Star Wars in the UK, and received a credit in the first film of the series.

Ed published the first White Paper on Culture for 50 years, in 2016.

As well as his work in the House of Lords, Ed advises a number of companies on strategic issues. He is a well known broadcaster, with a show on Times Radio, and regularly contributes to the media.

Ed is also a Trustee of Tate, Chairman of the UK-ASEAN Business Council, an Honorary Fellow of the Radio Academy, a member of Capitol AI’s Advisory Board, and holds an honorary degree from Newcastle University, where he serves as a Visiting Professor.

The Future of the Digital Economy

Technology, Policy and the Role of Government

The Rise of the Creative Industries

UK Politics and the Global Business Landscape

Innovation, Media and the Power of Culture

He has shaped UK digital and cultural policy at the highest level, serving as the longest-serving Culture and Digital Minister and helping drive landmark initiatives from nationwide broadband rollout to the growth of the creative industries.
He brings first-hand insight into government decision-making, technology policy and the future of the digital economy from his experience in Parliament, the House of Lords and advising leading businesses.
He translates complex policy and regulatory developments into clear, practical perspectives that help organisations understand the direction of UK and global digital, media and technology strategy.
He is an experienced broadcaster and moderator who leads engaging conversations with senior leaders, drawing on his media work and deep network across politics, business and the creative sector.
His briefings help leaders understand the intersection of government, technology and culture, and how policy decisions shape innovation, investment and growth.