Mark Milford Reflects on EduSolv AI Connect, ST Alphe UK and the ALTO CPD Event

Looking back on September in London, where Mark Milford represented Intrinsiq across a packed stretch of industry events — from EduSolv AI Connect and the PIE Pioneer Awards through ST Alphe UK, the StudyTravel Star Awards, and the ALTO CPD Event.

The week opened with EduSolv AI Connect, an evening given over to AI and education. Mark joined Craig Chambers and Giuliana Bonvini for conversations that ranged from practical starting points — “Don’t know where to start with AI? Then ask the AI!” — through to the lighter moments that come with experimenting in public, including a few memorable vibe-code failures.

The PIE Pioneer Awards followed, recognising strong schools and recipients across the sector. Then it was into ST Alphe UK itself. Mark was there on a walking pass through Sunday: mornings spent with existing clients and new conversations, afternoons back on the floor, and the StudyTravel Star Awards as a highlight of the weekend. Congratulations to Bayswater on their win — a well-earned celebration of excellence in the industry.

ST Alphe over, Mark moved on to ALTO Where Leaders Meet, which again delivered thought-provoking sessions and useful peer discussion on where schools and agencies sit on the AI implementation journey.

What stayed with him most was Monday’s session with Joe O’Connor, and the afternoon unconference with people who actually run schools and agencies. One slide in particular landed hard: don’t use AI just to speed up. Slow down. Use it to do fewer things better — not to do more in less time.

That message fits our sector closely. Throw AI at the inbox and you simply process more bookings, more chases, more exceptions. Faster mess is still mess. Human judgement comes from data. Use your school management system’s AI tools to get you that — and if yours doesn’t have it, Intrinsiq does. Keep the human judgement. Fewer things, done properly.

As with IALC Salerno and ALTO Madrid earlier in the year, the week reinforced how valuable face-to-face time remains in a trust-driven industry. Intrinsiq looks forward to building on these connections in the months ahead.

If you connected with Mark in London, or would like to continue the conversation — including where you are on the AI journey — reach out at contact@intrinsiq.net.