Manchester Airport will be hosting its first ever innovation summit, taking place this summer. This inaugural event will provide first class speakers, Q and A panel debates and a world leading technology showcase.

The summit will be held at the Airport’s Concorde Centre at the Aviation Viewing Park on Wednesday 16th June 2010, is free to attend and is open to anyone with an interest in innovation.

Andy Cliffe, Manchester Airports Group Strategy Director, said: “Manchester Airport has a great reputation for the innovative services we offer our customers, from the use of body scanners in security to our widely praised twitter site and innovations such as the Airport Awareness guide.

“We’re delighted to announce our first innovation summit, it’s sure to be a must for any individual or organisation with a passion for innovation.”

The keynote speaker at the summit will be former trade minister Sir Richard Needham, who is known as Sir James Dyson’s right hand man and is currently Dyson’s Independent Director for International and Commercial Affairs. He will be joined in panel discussions from speakers including Juergen Maier, Managing Director Siemens UK Industry Sector and Dr. Moneeb Awan, President of the Greater Manchester Chamber.

The summit will also boast a series of exhibition stands from companies showcasing the latest advancements in innovative technologies, including; Siemens, Pixel Inspirations, Rapiscan, National Air Traffic Services and Penbay Solutions.

During the event, the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and PR agency Weber Shandwick will announce the result of their innovation award.

This award is designed to showcase the very best in innovative talent across Greater Manchester; the award is open to individuals and businesses that can demonstrate innovation and its benefits to their organisation.

Commenting on the partnership with Manchester Airport, Dr. Moneeb Awan, President of the Greater Manchester Chamber, said: “Not only is Manchester Airport one of the region’s biggest and best known brands, it’s also synonymous with innovation and leading technologies. Its expertise will greatly assist us in helping to identify talent across the region.”

Attendance at the innovation summit is free of charge, but is based on a first come, first served basis. To register your interest, please contact [email protected] or call 0161 214 5207.

Innovation award entries can be submitted now and at anytime until Friday 28th May 2010, by logging onto www.gmchamber.co.uk/innovation.

The award is being delivered by the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Weber Shandwick, and supported by Brother UK and Manchester: Knowledge Capital.