ODDA Logo

ODDA Annual Conference – 14th October 2025

We are delighted to welcome you to our inaugrual annual conference. We look forward to an afternoon of insightful presentations and engaging discussions.

Refreshments are available throughout the conference in the adjoining Stephenson Room, where we will also be hosting our drinks reception at the end of the afternoon.

 

The Road to 2030 – Shaping the Future of our Sector

ODDAs first Annual Conference will bring together members and non-members to look towards 2030 and the opportunities and challenges ahead for the sector. The Conference will have a particular focus on the wider policy environment with attendees hearing from senior officials and regulators and learn valuable insights into the latest thinking.


Agenda and Timings:

14:00 – 14:10  Welcome and Introductions

Simon Newman, CEO, ODDA


14:10 – 14:20  Chair’s Opening Remarks and launch of 2030 Strategy

Jess Alderson, Chair, ODDA


Plenary Session 1:

14:20 – 15:00  The Changing Regulatory Landscape 

with:

  • Charlie Jackson, Ofcom
  • Laura Harper, Lewis Silkin
  • Andy Lulham, Verifymy

In this session, we’ll take a closer look at the progress being made towards the implementation of the Online Safety Act. Hosted by verification experts Verifymy, we’ll be giving a practical overview of the steps in-scope services need to take in order to comply with the new duties under the Act. We’ll also be hearing about the lessons learned so far since the Act came into effect.


Plenary Session 2:

15:00 – 15:40 The Future of Online Safety Legislation

with:

  • Ali Hall, Ofcom
  • Laura Harper, Lewis Silkin
  • George Billinge, Illuminate Tech
  • Andrew Elliott, DSIT

In this session, we’ll be taking a forward look at digital policy and regulation to find out what to expect over the course of the current Parliament. Hosted by online safety experts Illuminate Tech, this promises to be a fascinating discussion on emerging policy areas that are likely to impact our sector.


15:40 – 15:55 Break


Plenary Session 3:

15:55 – 16:50  Creating a Level Playing Field for App Developers and the Data (Use and Access) Act

with:

  • Jen Dimore, Lewis Silkin
  • Benjamin Favaro, Lewis Silkin
  • Alex Meloy, Lewis Silkin

In this session, we’ll be looking at how the DMCCA will impact our sector and what the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is doing as the Regulator, including an update on the investigations into Apple and Google.

We’ll also be focusing on the Data (Use and Access) Act which was recently given Royal Assent. Hosted by law firm Lewis Silkin we’ll be taking a look at what the new Act will mean for our sector as well other changes in data and privacy legislation, including what best practice looks like.


Plenary Session 4:

16:50 – 17:15  Keeping Criminals off Dating and Social Discovery Apps

with:

  • Supt. Hayley King, City of London Police
  • Carl McCristall, National Crime Agency

In this session, we’ll hear from the City of London Police and the National Crime Agency about the latest fraud trends affecting our sector and what law enforcement are doing to tackle it. We’ll also be looking at best practice and how platforms can keep criminals from accessing their apps.


Plenary Session 5:

17:15 – 17:45  Protecting Reputations: How to Ensure Brand Protection in a world of 24-hour news and social media

with:

  • Kev Dawson, MCP Insight
  • Guy Corbet, Fourteen Forty Communications

In our final session of the day, we hear from comms expert Guy Corbet on how brands can protect their reputations.


17:45 – 17:50  Chair’s Summary


17:50 – 20:00 Drinks Reception