The array of tech events aimed at CIOs seems to get more and more overwhelming every year. You could easily spend all your time (and cash) attending one every weekend for the rest of 2018 and still feel as if you’re missing out.  Whether you’re looking to catch up with the latest trends in your sector, actively network for new clients, hunt for a new job opportunity or simply meet up with your peers in fruitful surroundings, there’s a UK or European event out there that will tick your particular boxes.

Even if you don’t have the time or the funds to attend all the events that interest you, many are now live or virtual streaming options that are well worth looking out for.  Here are our top five picks:

Gartner CIO Leadership Forum, London

As you’ll gather from its title, tech research and advisory giant Gartner’s Leadership Forum is exclusively targeted at CIOs. With speakers covering a comprehensive range of topics, from 21st Century IT budgeting and innovative strategy ideas to the importance of ecosystems and tactics for scaling digital businesses – there’s something here for established and freshly installed CIOs alike.

Cisco Live, Barcelona

If you’re looking for inspiration and the opportunity to network, it doesn’t come much more comprehensive than Cisco’s annual event. CIOs will want to schedule a free certification exam so they can grab an IT Management Pass, allowing you to take in sessions covering everything from protecting your firm from ransomware attacks to embracing the Decision Economy in the IoT age.

Women of Silicon Roundabout, Excel, London

As long as female CTOs remain the exception rather than the rule (just 16 percent at last count), there’s a need for conferences such as Women of Silicon Roundabout.  This year’s attendees can look forward to empowering workshops and speeches from such luminaries as UK/US industry veteran and parliamentarian Baroness Joanna Shields, Bloomberg’s Head of Diversity Pamela Hutchinson and Microsoft CTO Daniel Kenyon-Smith, among many others.

Linux Foundation Open Source Summit, Edinburgh

For those looking to connect with the Open Source ecosystem, look no further than Linux’s annual summit, taking place in the Scottish capital this year. While this year’s details are still largely under wraps, the 2017 event received wide praise from Linux and Cloud enthusiasts looking to network. Technical presentations on offer are set to include business and compliance, edge computing, AI and much more.

Cyber Threat 2018, London

This new event is, as its name suggests, aimed at the burgeoning technical cyber security industry.  You’ll have to prove your mettle if you want to guarantee early attendance, but it will be well worth it – as well as keynotes from established specialists and new stars, you’ll also be able to take part in hackathons and hear the latest on cyber defence tools and industry case studies.