In the dynamic landscape of the tech world, attending tech events has become an indispensable strategy for professionals and businesses alike. These gatherings serve as fertile grounds for cultivating both personal and professional growth.
By participating in such events, individuals can expand their networks, forging connections with like-minded professionals, potential collaborators, and industry leaders. The exchange of ideas and experiences at these events fosters a vibrant ecosystem where knowledge flows freely, exposing attendees to cutting-edge technologies, emerging trends, and innovative solutions.
Last year, TFN attended several events in the UK and Europe including Innovate Finance, Women in Payments, London Tech Week, Slush and more. And now in the ever-evolving tech landscape of 2024, attending such events is not merely an option but a strategic imperative for individuals and companies aspiring to thrive and lead in the digital era. For companies, sponsoring or participating in these events not only provides a platform to showcase their products and services but also offers an invaluable opportunity to engage with prospective clients and partners.
Hence, to assist our readers in planning their schedules for the year ahead, we have compiled a compilation of key tech events that aspiring startups and established companies should definitely attend this year. Check them out:
United States
CES 2024
Date: 9-12 January
Location: Las Vegas, USA
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 stands as a premier startup conference and tech expo. The event showcased insightful keynotes delivered by prominent thought leaders in the realm of technology. It covered a diverse array of topics including AI, LLM, 5G, IoT, digital marketing, self-driving cars, space technology, and foodtech.
We’ve already delved into intriguing startups that unveiled their cutting-edge products at CES 2024. In addition to the startups that bagged the CES Innovation Awards at the showfloor, big tech players such as LG and Samsung have boarded the AI hype train with their smart solutions.
The CES 2024 tickets were available in two tiers – Exhibits Plus Pass priced at $350 and Deluxe Conference Pass priced at $1,700.
SXSW 2024
Date: 8-16 March
Location: Austin, Texas
One of the most significant startup conferences of the year – SXSW known as South by Southwest is a tech extravaganza. This must-attend event provides an exceptional opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals in the creative and tech sectors. Additionally, attendees will have the chance to listen to insights from renowned tech influencers like Scott Galloway and Kara Swisher.
But that’s not all! The conference provides cutting-edge business ideas and technological breakthroughs spanning across fields, including tech, film, culture, and music.
SXSW 2024 online event passes cost $99, while live seat cost starts from $895.
Europe
Money 20/20
Date: 4-6 June
Location: Amsterdam, Europe
Hosted each year, Money 20/20 serves as a meeting floor for the most talented and innovative figures in the financial technology sector. It unites individuals across the finance industry spectrum, including established tech leaders and ambitious startups.
Unlike other fintech events, there is a buzz and energy around the Money 20/20 event, which offers a fresh perspective on fintech. It provides companies with the opportunity to discover fresh customers, forge partnerships, and gain insights into pivotal trends and strategies.
The Standard Pass to Money 20/20 costs €3,795 + taxes.
Bits & Pretzel
Date: 29 September – 1 October
Location: Munich, Germany
The annual three-day festival, Bits & Pretzels connects over 5,000 founders, investors, startup enthusiasts, and other decision-makers of the startup ecosystem. Its objective is to equip founders with the tools, network, and knowledge they need to create world-class products and services, and ultimately shape a better future.
Investors have the chance to connect, collaborate, and share insights with like-minded peers, paving the way for new alliances and strategic partnerships across the European investment landscape.
TechBBQ
Date: 11-12 September
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Scandinavia’s premier startup and innovation summit – TechBBQ started as a casual gathering of entrepreneurs convening in a park around a BBQ grill to forge connections and commemorate their successes. It follows the Danish concept of ‘hygge’ (comfort and coziness). What commenced in 2013 with nearly 300 participants has transformed into a two-day annual event, drawing over 7,500 attendees from diverse corners of the tech industry in 2023.
TechBBQ’s overarching objective is to unite and fortify the Nordic startup ecosystem by fostering communities of professionals who share common goals. The summit facilitates connections between startups seeking funding and investors actively seeking new business opportunities.
The 2-day pass comes in four tiers ranging from €159 to €799. It varies for startups, scaleups, investors, and other attendees.
MWC 2024
Date: 26 – 29 February
Location: Barcelona, Spain
If you’re in search of premier startup conferences and major tech events in Europe, Mobile World Congress (MWC) should be your top choice. Participants can anticipate an impressive lineup of exhibitors and keynote speakers from industry giants like Orange Group, Telefónica, and the Ericsson Group.
Students and groups can take advantage of discounted rates, and there are special packages for companies and organisations. Moreover, registering allows you to access exclusive offers on ticket prices!
MWC 2024 attendance prices range from €495 for a day pass to €1995 for a full access pass.
IFA 2024
Date: 6-10 September
Location: Berlin, Germany
As we are in the year 2024, IFA stands as the top global trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances, preparing to mark a century of remarkable technological progress. Throughout its 100-year history, IFA has consistently led the way in technology and innovation.
From the inaugural appearance by Albert Einstein in 1930 to the introduction of the first video recorder in 1971, This conference has played a crucial role in shaping technological advancements. More than 180,000 professionals from over 130 countries are likely to attend the conference.
Web Summit 2024
Date: 11-14 November
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Spanning across industries such as fintech, SaaS, fashion tech, and energy, Web Summit is a must for anyone with even a remote interest in technology. It truly offers an unmissable experience for individuals worldwide in the realm of technology.
Attendees can engage in valuable networking opportunities with a diverse range of industry professionals, startups, and investors. The event also offers access to insightful content presented by esteemed speakers and thought leaders from various domains, ensuring exposure to innovation.
With its international reach and diverse attendee base, Web Summit fosters cross-sector networking and collaboration, making it an essential platform for learning, growth, and establishing global connections within the tech industry.
The pricing for Web Summit starts from €950.
Davos 2024
Date: 15-19 January
Location: Switzerland
Davos, located near Zürich, Switzerland is a humble ski resort that gains prominence not for its skiing attractions famous for hosting the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF).
Representatives from global business, government, civil society, media, and academia gather to participate in sessions. Davos 2024 is not just a conference; it’s a microcosm of our turbulent world, a stage where the future is being written, one conversation, one partnership, one initiative at a time.
This year, WEF’s Chief Economists Outlook painted a sobering picture of 2024, a year where uncertainty reigns and careful navigation is required.
Paris Blockchain Week
Date: 9-11 April
Location: France
Paris Blockchain Week stands as a prominent force in the blockchain/web3 sphere, committed to nurturing innovation, fostering collaboration, and facilitating knowledge exchange. Serving as the foremost event platform, it unites visionaries, industry specialists, developers, entrepreneurs, investors, regulators, and enthusiasts worldwide.
During this event, Web3’s potential to revolutionise the way the world consumes and does business will be captured, showing how brands can and are using Web3 and the metaverse. In 2023, this event welcomed over 8,500 thought leaders, innovators, and experts from around the world and demonstrated how the blockchain space is maturing.
The ticket price of Paris Blockchain Week starts from €2390 + taxes.
EU Startups Summit
Date: 9-10 May
Location: Malta
This May, it’s time for the 10th edition of the EU-Startups Summit! This event will highlight numerous thriving startups from Europe, uniting to glean insights from some of the continent’s most accomplished entrepreneurs.
It will gather over 2,000 founders, startup aficionados, corporate representatives, angel investors, venture capitalists, and media professionals from all corners of Europe. The summit promises excellent networking prospects, facilitated by a specialised networking app for ambitious entrepreneurs and investors aspiring to establish international tech enterprises.
The cost of the ticket starts from €169 for students and goes up to €600 for large corporate reps.
Iceland Innovation Week
Date: 13-17 May
Location: Iceland
Pack your jackets for Iceland Innovation Week, an annual event celebrating innovation! Reykjavík is set to host a variety of events, including panel discussions, company tours, happy hours, and the opportunity to take a refreshing plunge into both cold and hot spring waters.
In 2023, the discussions revolved around intriguing topics such as sustainability, health, and enjoyment. Participants include not only larger corporations and governmental organisations but also entrepreneurs and startups. The goal of this event is to enhance awareness of the innovation industry and establish a platform for knowledge-sharing.
Oslo Innovation Week
Date: 23-27 September
Location: Oslo, Norway
Oslo Innovation Week is 4-days of events that are organised by the entire Oslo innovation ecosystem all around Oslo. From large investor events hosted by the most prominent Venture Capital firms in the country to industry-specific events hosted by the various clusters in the region, Oslo Innovation Week enables attendees to experience highly relevant networking with the entire Norwegian startup ecosystem in one week.
95% of the events during the week are free, and attendees aren’t stuck in a conference hall, but rather get to explore the city of Oslo through the 50+ different event locations!
Latitude59
Date: 22-24 May
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Talking about Baltic companies, Latitude59 stands out as the go-to event, offering a wealth of networking opportunities, profound discussions with key global figures, numerous startup and investor pitch sessions, and a chance to come together while generating fresh ideas for the future.
In 2023, it hosted discussions led by global thought leaders on three pivotal themes: the role of technology in addressing global upheaval, mental health awareness, and the power of collaboration and synergy.
The ticket cost of Latitude59 ranges from €239 to €349 across categories.
London Tech Week
Date: 10-14 June
Location: London
With over 30,000 attendees and a lineup of 300+ distinguished speakers, London Tech Week is the crown jewel of London’s technology conferences. You can expect valuable insight from government speakers like Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and leaders from 70+ organisations like Lenovo, Flickr, and IBM.
The ticket price to attend this event is yet to be announced.
Slush 2024
Date: 20-21 November
Location: Finland
Slush marks the peak of the European startup events calendar and the last major event in the calendar. At Slush, one can find the largest collection of venture capital in the world and great opportunities. It also features the creme de la creme of startup founders, investors, and other speakers.
Slush also runs what is probably the biggest startup pitch contest with the biggest award money of an incredible €1 million from top European investors.
Middle East Africa
Leap
Date: 4-7 March
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Leap is a tech exhibition in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It aims to solve the major challenges facing humanity through the large-scale investment in game-changing technologies that have the potential to reshape the way we live. Its mission is to be a truly global event attracting the world’s most innovative companies, most powerful VCs, and most exciting tech entrepreneurs and thought leaders.
Leap is the meeting point for 172,000+ regional and international tech professionals. With over 600+ startups exhibiting and 1,300+ investors attending across the four days, this is a chance to make new connections and discover new business partners.
Africa Tech Summit
Date: 14-15 February
Location: Nairobi, Africa
The 6th Africa Tech Summit Nairobi will connect tech leaders from the African ecosystem and international players under one roof. Network with key stakeholders, including tech corporates, mobile operators, fintech, Web3 ventures, investors, innovative startups, regulators and industry stakeholders driving business and investment forward.
The 2024 edition will host four tracks – the Africa Money & DeFi Summit, the Africa Climate Tech & Investment Summit, the Africa Startup Summit and The Africa Mobile & App Summit which drive interaction and a future line of sight across the track topics. The event connects over 1000 industry leaders, 700 companies, 150 speakers via four tracks plus workshops, expo and multiple fantastic networking opportunities.
GITEX
Date: 14-18 October
Location: Dubai
GITEX 2024 will present the latest innovations in several themed tracks, including AI, sustainability, telecoms, etc. The trade fair will also be complemented by various co-located shows, such as Ai Everything and Marketing Mania, giving attendees multiple opportunities to expand their knowledge and business connections.
GITEX 2024 will host an exhibition segment consisting of product pavilions, practical workshops and live demonstrations. The trade show will also host an intensive conference programme with expert-led lectures and presentations, covering essential industry-related topics like upcoming trends and cutting-edge developments.
Asia Pacific
COP29
Date: 11-24 November
Location: Baku, Azerbaijan
The 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC known as COP29, will be the 29th United Nations Climate Change conference. COP29 represents the last major chance to get the world back on track and hold nations accountable for delivering on their environmental targets.
Previously, the COP28 event was held in the UAE and attracted roughly 90,000 attendees, including heads of state, government officials, international industry leaders, private sector representatives, academics, experts, youth, and non-state actors.
This article is in partnership with Oslo Innovation Week. For advertising and partnership with TFN, contact [email protected] and [email protected].
