As 2017 dawns, many of us are considering which tech events are worth booking in for its first six months. From specialist conferences to huge events with broader remits, the selection gets bigger and more difficult to navigate every year. Whether you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve in certain markets or simply want an opportunity to network with peers or potential clients, we’ve picked five Europe-based events that are worth the ticket price: 

IoT Tech Expo 2017 : 23rd - 24th January : Olympia, London

As corporate, industrial and consumer excitement over the IoT continues to grow and investment reaches record levels, there’s a concurrent demand for a world class event to enable its growing body of experts to get together on European soil. As well as distinct ‘tracks’ to pique your interest – from smart cities and connected services to innovations and connected cities – the IoT Tech Expo features more than 200 top industry speakers and a huge range of case studies to boot.

Wearable Technology Show : 7 - 8 March : Excel, London

Billed as ‘the world’s leading event for connected technology’, this London-based event plans to pack in over 6000 delegates to hear about the latest innovations in wearables, IoT technologies, AR/VR and digital health. With a decidedly business/prosumer slant, the show promises to be a boon for those of you looking to expand your existing supply chain networks, implement a solid wearable strategy in your organisation or simply hear top notch speakers discuss where this fast moving field is headed next.

Cisco Live : 20 - 24 February : Messe Berlin

For IT professionals looking to reignite their professional spark, it doesn’t get much more inspiring than this vast event hosted by one of the world’s best known tech conglomerates. Of particular interest to senior IT managers and CIOs is the event’s IT Management Program, a section dedicated to leadership and innovation, as well as exploring ways to implement the latest key technology shifts in your company. Get in touch with the organisers ASAP to secure your place, this strand has sold out every year in the last five.

Women of Silicon Roundabout : May 11 : Tobacco Dock, London

As the industry continues to explore ways to encourage that ever elusive tech gender balance, the third installment of Women of Silicon Roundabout has become the go-to event for those looking to gain more insight into ways to improve it. With two sold out inceptions behind them, organisers have created a forward-thinking arena to allow all tech professionals to discuss ways to throw the industry open to women and girls. WOSR promises a series of innovative workshops, interactive panel discussions and over 1200 female attendees who are leading the way to a more balanced future.  

The Next Web Conference : May 18 - 19 : Westerpark, Amsterdam

Organisers of this Amsterdam conference described its 2016 iteration as ‘more like a Coachella for co-founders and coders than a conference’. TNWC certainly feels more like a festival for IT professionals, CIOs and entrepreneurs than a traditional tech event, with a huge range of cutting edge keynote speakers on 7 stages. This is the one to go for if you’re on the lookout for the latest startup talent to invest in or partner with – the event boasts a selection of the most promising growth companies looking for exposure, mentoring, funding and customers.