Being an entrepreneur is an ever-learning path on how to run a business. You could say that about any business industry, but starting out is usually the hardest. Keeping up to date with the latest trends, learning from industry leaders, or choosing the best startup – it’s not that obvious for aspiring entrepreneurs. Therefore, if you’re looking for early-stage startups or simply want to broaden your horizons, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s our list of hand-picked business events, including the world’s largest tech conferences like London Tech Week or Mobile World Congress, and smaller startup events worldwide.
If you’re willing to participate in any of these events, check the schedule and the individuals slated to speak to establish if they correspond with your interests and objectives. A number of conferences also provide discounts for early registrants, students, or groups, so make certain to look into those opportunities as well.
Remember that certain events may adopt a virtual format or a combination of in-person and virtual components, or they might be susceptible to being canceled or rescheduled. Before making any travel or attendance arrangements, always check the event’s official website to stay up to date.
Who Should Attend Startup Events?
A vast majority of public, organized events are open to everyone, but there is a narrow group of people who will benefit the most from attending one. Here’s a breakthrough of such people:
- Founders/ Entrepreneurs
- Startup Employee
- Marketers/Managers/Owners/Directors
- VCs and Angel Investors
- Business Consultants
If you’re at least one of them, you should plan your attendance even more so.
Startups World 2024
- Date: 13th January 2024
- Location: Porto, Portugal
- Attendance cost: Starting from €159
- Website: https://startupsworld.net/
The Startups World 2024 event is a highly anticipated gathering that encapsulates the essence of innovation and entrepreneurship in the modern era. With a dynamic agenda featuring influential speakers and thought leaders, it offers attendees an unparalleled opportunity to explore cutting-edge technologies, disruptive business models, and sustainable solutions that are shaping the future.
We know it may sound like a marketing slogan, but simply looking at the speaker panel, you know it’s valid. You have a specialist in VR worlds, a director of bioinformatics, an AI computer software designer, and many more. This event serves as a melting pot for creative ideas and groundbreaking ventures, bringing together visionaries, investors, and tech enthusiasts from around the globe. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, valuable networking connections, or a glimpse into the latest trends, Startups World 2024 is a must-attend event for anyone passionate about the ever-evolving world of startups and the tech world.
London Tech Week
- Date: 10 – 14th June 2024
- Location: Olympia London, Hammersmith Rd, London W14 8UX, United Kingdom
- Attendance cost: TBA
- Website: https://londontechweek.com/
London Tech Week is an annual event and startup conference that celebrates and showcases the vibrant technology ecosystem in London UK. It serves as a major gathering for like-minded tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, innovators, and industry leaders from around the world. London Tech Week features a wide range of activities, including conferences, workshops, exhibitions, and networking events, where participants can explore the latest trends in technology, discuss innovations, and collaborate on new ideas.
With a focus on sectors like fintech, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and more, London Tech Week plays a crucial role in fostering partnerships, promoting innovation, and positioning London as a global tech hub. It provides a platform for startups to connect with investors, tech giants, and policymakers to discuss the future of technology in the UK and beyond.
TNW Conference
- Date: 20 – 21st June 2024
- Location: Amsterdam Marriott Hotel, Stadhouderskade 12, 1054 ES Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Attendance cost: €600
- Website: https://thenextweb.com/conference/tickets
The TNW Conference, short for “The Next Web Conference,” is one of Europe’s most prominent tech gatherings, attracting entrepreneurs, innovators, and tech enthusiasts from across the globe. Held annually in Amsterdam, Netherlands, TNW Conference is a multi-day event that offers a dynamic platform for exploring cutting-edge trends and developments in technology, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation.
It features an impressive lineup of speakers, including industry leaders, startup founders, and tech visionaries, who share their insights and expertise on a wide range of topics, from artificial intelligence and blockchain to digital marketing and sustainability. Beyond the insightful talks and panels, the TNW Conference provides ample networking opportunities, startup showcases, and interactive workshops, making it a must-attend event for anyone passionate about the tech world and its future.
Dublin Tech Summit
- Date: 29th – 30th May 2024
- Location: Royal Dublin Society, 4 Anglesea Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, D04 N2A4, Ireland
- Attendance cost: €235 – €435
- Website: https://dublintechsummit.tech/tickets/
The Dublin Tech Summit is an annual event that stands at the forefront of Ireland’s thriving technology and worldwide digital startup ecosystem. With its compelling blend of inspiring keynote speakers, engaging panel discussions, and immersive tech exhibitions, this summit serves as a vibrant platform for global tech enthusiasts, startups, and industry leaders to converge, collaborate, and gain valuable insights into the latest advancements in technology.
As Dublin continues to assert itself as a European tech hub, the summit plays a pivotal role in showcasing the city’s innovation potential and fostering connections within the tech community. You can be an entrepreneur looking for fresh perspectives, an investor scouting for promising ventures, or simply someone passionate about the future of technology. If that’s the case, Dublin Tech Summit is an event that promises to ignite your curiosity and inspire your tech-driven aspirations while integrating with the global startup community and the world’s biggest tech companies.
World Summit AI Americas
- Date: 24th – 25th April 2024
- Location: Montréal, Canada
- Attendance cost: From $299
- Website: https://americas.worldsummit.ai/tickets/
The World Summit AI Americas is a premier event in the field of artificial intelligence that brings together leading experts, innovators, and thought leaders from across the Americas and beyond. This summit is a dynamic platform for exploring the latest breakthroughs, trends, and applications in AI.
With a rich agenda featuring keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities, it provides attendees with deep insights into the transformative power of AI across various industries, from healthcare and finance to transportation and beyond. Even the most renowned brands like Google, Amazon, Meta, and PepsiCo will be there, so it definitely adds to the event’s credibility.
As AI continues to reshape the way we live and work, the World Summit AI Americas is a pivotal event for anyone looking to stay at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field. Here, you will connect with the brightest minds shaping the future of artificial intelligence in the Americas.
Tech Crunch Disrupt
- Date: April 25, 2024
- Location: Boston, United States
- Attendance cost: TBA
- Website: https://techcrunch.com/events/tc-early-stage-2024/
TechCrunch Disrupt is one of the most prestigious and eagerly anticipated events in the technology and startup world. This annual conference brings together innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and tech enthusiasts from around the globe. At TechCrunch Disrupt, groundbreaking startups have the opportunity to showcase their ideas, products, and services to a panel of expert judges, with the chance to secure funding and gain invaluable exposure.
Beyond the pitch competitions, the event also features insightful keynote speakers, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, making it a hub of inspiration, collaboration, and cutting-edge insights into the future of technology and entrepreneurship. TechCrunch Disrupt continues to shape the tech industry by connecting disruptors and fostering innovation, making it a must-attend event for anyone passionate about the tech ecosystem.
Open Data Science Conference
- Date: Boston: April 23rd – 25th; London: TBA;
- Location: Boston, United States; London, United Kingdom; Online
- Attendance cost: From $399
- Website: https://odsc.com/
The Open Data Science Conference (ODSC) is a dynamic and highly anticipated event that is a vibrant hub for data science lovers, startup enthusiasts, and professionals worldwide. This conference provides a unique platform for experts, researchers, and practitioners to come together, share their knowledge, and explore the latest developments in the field of data science.
With a strong focus on openness and collaboration, ODSC fosters an environment of learning and networking. Attendees can engage in interactive workshops, hear from renowned speakers, and gain insights into cutting-edge tools and technologies. The conference is a celebration of the democratization of data science, making it accessible to a broader audience and enabling innovation in a wide range of industries. It also becomes a key event for those passionate about data science, creating connections and inspiring innovation that drives the field forward.
MWC Barcelona
- Date: February 26th – 29th
- Location: Barcelona, Spain
- Attendance cost:
- Website: https://www.mwcbarcelona.com/
Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona, formerly known as the GSMA Mobile World Congress, stands as one of the most significant and influential mobile technology and telecommunications gatherings. This annual event, held in the vibrant city of Barcelona, brings together industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts from across the globe.
MWC Barcelona serves as a showcase for the latest advancements in mobile technology, with major players in the industry using the platform to unveil their cutting-edge devices, solutions, and services. It’s not just a trade show; it’s a melting pot of ideas, discussions, and networking opportunities where professionals explore the future of 5G, IoT, artificial intelligence, and other transformative technologies.
The event’s impact extends far beyond its physical location, influencing the direction of the mobile industry and shaping the way we communicate, connect, and innovate in the digital age. MWC Barcelona is a must-attend event for anyone interested in the ever-evolving landscape of mobile technology and its role in shaping our interconnected world.
SME XPO
- Date: 24th – 25th April 2024
- Location: London, United Kingdom
- Attendance cost: Free (after registration)
- Website: https://smexpo.co.uk/
It looks like London is the capital of the biggest tech conferences, given that it’s the third conference on our list taking place here. The SME XPO Conference is an annual event dedicated to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), serving as a valuable platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and business growth.
This conference gathers entrepreneurs, business owners, and industry experts to discuss the latest trends and strategies in the world of SMEs. Attendees can expect diverse workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches focused on digital marketing, financial management, innovation, and sustainable business practices.
The SME XPO Conference provides a unique opportunity for SMEs to gain insights, forge new partnerships, and find solutions to the challenges they face in today’s dynamic business landscape. It is an essential event for those looking to enhance their business acumen and expand their professional network within the SME sector.
Conclusion
Attending a startup conference can significantly boost businesses seeking improvement within their respective niches. The innovation showcased at such events is invaluable for entrepreneurs aiming to thrive in the current global economy. These conferences are widely regarded as platforms where individuals can learn about emerging skills like app development and growth hacking.
By heeding advice from seasoned entrepreneurs and investors at these gatherings, your business may well evolve into a prominent global or flagship startup. It’s also a great opportunity to meet like-minded startup enthusiasts to exchange ideas or form new friendships. Enjoy your selected conference!
SEO specialist with over eight years of professional experience. A/B test and Data-Driven Search engine optimization enthusiast. In his work, he focuses on the development and implementation of a strategy that achieves predetermined, specific goals. Privately, a fan of mountain biking.