Businesses get ready for a major new tech festival
A major new festival to promote the North East’s growing tech sector has been launched.
The Tech NExt Festival – organised by regional tech network Dynamo and its partner Sunderland Software City – will be held throughout the region from June 19 to 23.
The festival has already received backing from a range of public and private organisations – with Sage being confirmed as a headline sponsor.
Dr David Dunn, CEO of both Dynamo and Sunderland Software City, said: “Our aim is to bring at least 3,000 attendees together to showcase the vibrancy, excellence and ambition of the north east tech sector.
“Other areas of the UK already have tech festivals, so it’s about time we had a similar platform to show just how good we are in the North East.”
Events include: *Tuesday, June 20: An industry dinner at the Radisson Blu Hotel Durham.
*Wednesday, June 21: A conference at City Hall, Sunderland.
*Thursday, June 22: A Tech Talent Fair in Gateshead and a Festival Party at Revolucion de Cuba, Newcastle.
Organisers are also aiming to stage a series of fringe events across the North East.
Sarah Thackray, a Dynamo director, said: “We’ve chosen June because that’s when the Dynamo conference was traditionally held and the dates fit it nicely with the calendar of similar tech festivals around the UK.”
“For our fringe events we’re asking tech companies and organisations to throw their doors open to engage the wider community, and shine a light on the amazing tech we have in this region.
"We want organisations to come forward to suggest ideas for these events.
"We aim to have at least 40 such events, which could include seminars, lectures, workshops or social gatherings.”
More details on the events will be made available on the festival’s website – http:// www.technext.co.uk/ – which is due to be launched in early March.
Businesses wishing to suggest an idea or otherwise get involved, can email Sarah on sarah@beaconhouseevents.co.uk