Returning Tech Week will make move online
ORGANISERS of Birmingham Tech Week have decided to make the event virtual as a result of the ongoing coronavirus restrictions.
The event, which is returning for a second year, will take place from October 12 to 16 and feature a host of different speakers including Thomas Blood, digital innovation leader at online retailer Amazon Web Services. Other confirmed speakers include Jill Palmer, chief executive of Birmingham-based Click Travel, and Avin Rabheru, founder of cleaning service website Housekeep.
Subjects under discussion will include 5G, financial technology and smart cities, with all seminars free to attend.
Last year’s inaugural event attracted more than 5,000 attendees to seminars and workshops held across Birmingham.
It is estimated that the city has nearly 6,000 tech companies employing a workforce of more than 38,000 people.
Birmingham Tech Week founder Yiannis Maos said: “The week was founded on encouraging collaboration, celebrating regional success stories and inspiring organisations to get involved in all aspects of technology.
“Given the year we’ve had, it has never been so important for us to showcase Birmingham tech.
“Hopefully, the week will give people and businesses a sense of optimism, arm them with the knowledge to navigate these uncertain times and help them create the foundations that will allow them to thrive.”
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street added: “Our region’s economy was in good shape before the coronavirus pandemic struck and we must do everything we can to get back on our feet quickly.
“Technology will be a key driver behind our recovery and we are committed to helping businesses to improve their digital capability and equipping local people with the tech skills that employers need in these changing times.
“Protecting and creating jobs is key and improving local people’s digital skills is a great way to do that. We will be holding several events during Birmingham Tech Week which offers lots of opportunities to share knowledge and find out more from expert speakers about the latest developments in technology.”