Member Article

Hyperloop expert signs up for IoD Open House

A leading former figure from Virgin Hyperloop One, Dr Alan James, has been confirmed to speak at IoD Open House 2018.

Hyperloop is a new mode of transport that carries passengers or cargo in pods. The pods travel inside a low-pressure tube using magnetic levitation at speeds of up to 1,000 kmh. It is on demand, fully autonomous and glides quietly for miles, requiring little energy once the cruising speed has been reached.

Dr Alan James served as the first VP of Global Business Development at Virgin Hyperloop One. He is partner at Expert Alliance, the Northumberland-based specialist strategic infrastructure practice.

Alan acted as the worldwide primary point of contact for cities, regions and countries seeking to develop Hyperloop transportation solutions, not just to transform their transport, but to enhance their economic competitiveness.

Open House will be held at Cloth Hall Court, the IoD’s state-of-the-art regional headquarters on Quebec Street, Leeds, on 10 October. Attendance is free for all, regardless of membership.

Guests will also hear from Dan Lewis, the IoD’s senior adviser on infrastructure policy. His role is to meet and engage with the business community on infrastructure and energy issues, develop and write policy papers and contribute to the media.

Dan has been working in the public policy world and contributing to the broadcast and print media for more than 10 years; originally as research director of the Economic Research Council from 2003-2009. He launched two organisations - Future Energy Strategies and the Economic Policy Centre.

In a packed evening, Open House guests will also hear from Zainah Khan of Chakra Corporate Mental Strength and from Leeds Business School. In addition, there will be an introduction to the Chartered Director pathway.

Cloth Hall Court, just across the road from Leeds railway station, offers facilities that cater for small meetings up to conferences of up to 300 delegates. Other features include state-of-the-art AV technology and superfast wi-fi.

Natalie Sykes, regional director of the IoD, said: “We can’t wait to welcome guests to Cloth Hall Court to view our fantastic facilities and hear from a raft of influential speakers. With so much negative publicity around our regional railways in the North, the prospect of Hyperloop is a tantalising glimpse at what might lie around the corner and I can’t wait to hear from Alan.”

The Open House is at 5pm on 10 October and is free to attend.

For further details or to secure your place, contact iod.yorkshire@iod.com

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Richard Abbott .