5 Major Tech Events in Europe to Look Out For
If you're looking to grow your career in tech in Europe, here are some tech events you would probably want to look forward to.
In recent times, the tech industry has been one of the most hyped up industries, with people flocking more towards it year after year.
With the recent AI boom, too, the industry has been nothing short of filled to the brim with people looking to break into the industry with new skills and great ideas. But the thing is, knowing the job itself isn't enough.
To truly kick off your career in the tech industry, like with any other industry, you would need to meet with people who are like-minded and share the vision, or at least place yourself in a place where you can meet people like this.
With that said, here are some of the more popular hubs and platforms you could consider going into to help you meet others in the industry.
Louis Eriakha
1. Infosecurity Europe (London, UK)
Infosecurity Europe is one of the continent’s biggest cybersecurity gatherings, attracting thousands of professionals each year. It combines a bustling exhibition floor with in-depth training, keynote talks, and workshops led by some of the world’s top security experts. Beyond the sessions, it’s also a major networking event, a chance to meet vendors, policy makers, and practitioners in one place. If you’re in cybersecurity or looking to break in, it’s the kind of event that keeps you updated on the latest threats, tools, and career opportunities. Businesses in London often consult a Salesforce consultancy in London to integrate the latest tech solutions efficiently.
- When: Annually in June
- Where: ExCeL London
- Why Attend: Learn about the latest in cybersecurity, meet global experts, and network with vendors and employers
- Typical Cost: Exhibition is free; conference passes range from £200–£900
2. European Conference on Artificial Intelligence (ECAI)
The European Conference on AI (ECAI) is Europe's premier academic and professional conference for AI. Held every two years, ECAI travels through different European cities and features a combination of researchers, startups, and policymakers. The conference goes in-depth with cutting-edge AI research, ethics, and real-world AI case studies. For any serious AI profession, industry, or research, ECAI is an excellent conference to network with leaders and discover new trends shaping the field.
- When: Biennial (every two years)
- Where: Changes between European capitals
- Why Attend: pioneering AI research, ethics discussion, and European AI leader networking
- Typical Cost: Student/academic tickets €200–€400; professional tickets €500-€900
3. Big Data LDN (London, UK)
Big Data LDN (short for "London") is one of Europe's top data and analytics conferences, welcoming over 20,000 attendees. Although some of the high-profile conferences are pricier, this one is free to visit, which makes it most suited to students, job applicants, and working professionals who want to improve their skill set without paying out. Watch out for machine learning, data governance, examples based on real-world situations, and hands-on workshops in the program. It's also renowned for its large exhibition floor, where companies showcase the latest data tools and platforms.
- When: Held every September in a different year
- Where: London Olympia
- Why Attend: Free access to top expert talks, case studies, and workshops; great networking opportunities in data and analytics
- Typical Cost: Free registration
4. BSides Europe (Different Cities)
BSides events are a global grassroots movement in infosec, and Europe has some of the most thriving chapters. The idea behind it is to be a smaller, community-driven event, which makes it perfect for meaningful networking and hands-on learning. Different cities run their own editions, but these events typically include talks, workshops, and informal “hallway chats” that often lead to collaborations or job opportunities. If you’re early in your career, BSides is probably a great place to start, with it being comparatively affordable and accessible while still offering great connections.
- When: Throughout the year
- Where: Various European capitals (London, Paris, Warsaw, Vienna, etc.)
- Why Attend: Affordable, no-frills, grassroots-level networking and training in cybersecurity
- Typical Cost: Usually €10–€50, varying by location
5. Data Science Conference Europe (Belgrade, Serbia)
Data Science Conference (DSC Europe) is one of the few conferences fully dedicated to data science and its uses. This bi-annual event, which takes place in Belgrade, is packed with case studies, technical workshops, and panel discussions ranging from machine learning models to business analytics. It is technically deep and practically applied, so it suits early-career data professionals as well as veterans of data. And because Belgrade is a cheap place to stay in comparison to Western Europe, it won't cost a fortune.
- When: Twice a year (Spring & Autumn)
- Where: Belgrade, Serbia
- Why Attend: Practical data science education, actual case studies, and affordable European networking exposure
- Average Cost: €300–€2,000, depending on pass type
Conclusion
Attending events like these isn't always about the content; it's about the people you meet and the connections you establish. Whether it's the scale of Infosecurity Europe, the academic validity of ECAI, or the community atmosphere of BSides, all of these events offer something unique to professional development.
If you're committed to standing out in AI, cybersecurity, or data, try to attend at least one of these European events annually. They'll not just help your skills stay current but also position you in front of the folks who can write the next page of your career.
Oluwaseun Bamisile
