Five Must-Attend European Tech Events 2016
With a bewildering number of tech events competing for IT professionals’ attention, it can be tricky to decide where to spend your time and (potentially sizeable chunk of) money. From SAP and mobile tech to cyber security and hackathons, there are tech events out there to suit every specialism and budget, all within a few hours travel time of the UK.
You might want to keep on top of emerging trends at wearable tech events, hear keynotes from inspiring management academics, find out just what your customers are getting excited about in 2016, or simply do some all-important informal networking. We’ve picked our five favourites:
Cisco Live
15 - 19 February, Berlin
Cisco’s annual shindig is one of the most notable on the European tech event calendar, and for good reason. The US-based multinational’s conference makes sure all bases are firmly covered, whether you’re looking for cutting-edge technical and business training, wanting to hone your leadership skills at their interactive IT Management program, or seeking to take advantage of informal one-to-ones with Cisco’s top brass engineers.
IDTechEx: Wearable Europe
27 - 28 April, Berlin
Part of the giant tech event IDTechEx (which attendees will also be able to access), this two-day conference is totally focussed on all things wearable tech. They’ve gathered over 250 speakers from the likes of Google, Flex and Bosch, and are also launching a new live demonstration area for emerging products from younger companies, so you can do some talent-spotting while you’re there.
The Next Web Conference
26 - 27 May, Amsterdam
With 7 stages, 300 pavilions and over 20,000 attendees, this tech-focused media company’s annual event is all about innovation. Topics covered range from content marketing, the latest advances in biotech and sustainability and expert discussions on the future of web and mobile programming, meaning you’ll have to do some serious preplanning to ensure you get the most productive experience possible within the 48 hours.
Cloud and Devops World Forum
21 - 22 June, London
If you want to get to grips with the latest in Cloud and Devops technology, this London-held tech event is the one. The forum’s organisers have divided it into five zones, with focuses ranging from business building through cloud – including keynotes from leading CEOs – to a dedicated cyber security zone offering expert advice on protecting your business from cyber attacks.
Web Summit
7 - 10 November, Lisbon
Since its establishment in 2010, Web Summit – this year held in Lisbon for the first time after five years in its founders’ hometown of Dublin – has grown into one of the world’s largest internet tech-centered events. They pride themselves on the diversity of their keynotes, from recent startup founders to Fortune 500 execs, and authors Dan Brown and the ‘milennial Martha Stewart’ Marie Kondo also adding their voices to this year’s program.
