Although the first enthusiasts' gatherings were held back in the 1960s, by today, they still retain their popularity. From unconventional concepts to revolutionary breakthroughs, the best IT events of 2024 are poised to push the boundaries of what was previously thought possible.
IT industry is a vast ecosystem, encompassing areas such as:
As you delve deeper into your chosen fields, it becomes clear - this journey will never end. There are always new advances, methodologies, and innovations to incorporate into your work.
You can attend the best IT events in 2024 as you enter a new year. Dozens of hours of communication, thousands of users, gigabytes of new information - all this and much more awaits you in the next year!
Best IT Events for Entrepreneurs
Staying on top of the latest trends and industry developments is essential in a changing technology landscape. The best IT events for entrepreneurs, attended by thousands of enthusiasts worldwide yearly, help with that.
Taking part in such events allows you to have several opportunities, such as:
- Gaining access to funding
- Networking with influential industry professionals
- Learning from seasoned business owners.
Among the many options, we've highlighted five of the best IT events for entrepreneurs,
creating an invaluable platform for them to thrive.
Global Blockchain Congress
The Global Blockchain Congress series has hosted 1,500+ investors and 350+ blockchain startups that were able to raise millions in funds at AgoraGroup’s events.
The event is a closed door, exclusive congress that can be attended by invitation only and is targeted towards Metaverse, Gaming, DeFi, and NFTs projects looking to raise funds.
At the end of the two-day congress, the Global Blockchain Congress Awards Ceremony will take place. The winning startups will be voted by the investors depending on the likelihood of their project to get funded.
Event: Global Blockchain Congress
Date: 12-13 Sep 2024
Location: Sofitel, Sentosa, Singapore
Website: www.gbc-singapore.com
Register now: bit.ly/GBC-Singapore
Previous sponsors and partners include: Algorand, Amber Group, Animoca Brands, Binance Labs, Brinc, CoinW, Karate Combat, Sui Foundation, Superscrypt, and many more.
Web Summit
Web Summit is one of the world's largest and most influential IT conferences. It was first held in Dublin in 2010, and since then, its attendance and global reach have grown exponentially.
Web Summit development toll.
The conference attracts a wide range of participants, including:
- entrepreneurs
- investors
- industry leaders and policymakers
Dublin was home to the first five conferences, but Web Summit has been held in Lisbon for the past eight years. At the beginning of November every year, more than 70 thousand enthusiasts worldwide gather in one place to exchange experiences and present their ideas to the public.
A startup competition called "Pitch" is held as part of the conference. Entrepreneurs from various industries compete on stage to gain investment and media exposure, as
Uber did in 2014.
The event covers a wide range of topics in different areas of the IT industry, such as:
- Cybersecurity and Privacy
- Data and analytics
- Fintech and digital payments
- Robotics and automation
- Healthcare technologies, etc.
The organizers also hold informal events called "Night Summit." These meetings create a more relaxed environment for participants, allowing them to strengthen their connections with each other.
Web Summit 2022 by the numbers.
Web Summit is a large-scale event in the IT industry that can increase your brand awareness if you are an entrepreneur, attract the first significant investments if you are a startup, and find profitable investments if you are an investor.
Blockchain Futurist Conference
Blockchain Futurist Conference is Canada’s Largest Blockchain and Crypto Event returning for its 6th year on August 13 & 14, 2024 in Toronto, Canada at Rebel Entertainment Complex and Cabana. The conference focuses on exploring the potential of blockchain technology by bringing together the greatest minds of Web3, Crypto, DeFi, Staking, NFTs, DAOs and more. Designed as a fully immersive crypto experience with crypto powered marketplaces, NFT galleries, token gamification and blockchain technology used throughout the event. Experience VIP Cabanas, 3 stages, expo booths and dozens of networking events onsite. With 6500+ attendees, 200+ speakers and 150+ partners returning each year, it’s the perfect place to connect with top founders, investors, and projects. Come learn about the future in-person and be part of the Web3 movement at Blockchain Futurist Conference. The future is here.
Blockchain Futurist Conference: A crypto experience like no other.
Date: August 13 - August 14, 2024
Location: Toronto, Canada
Website: https://www.futuristconference.com
Discount: We offer a 25% discount using code MEREHEAD25.
Blockchain Futurist Conference is not just an event; it's a beacon for the future of Web3 and blockchain technology. Organized by Untraceable Events, renowned for their 11-year legacy in the blockchain event space, the conference is a gathering of the brightest minds and the latest innovations. Join us in Toronto for a conference that's set to redefine the boundaries of blockchain and Web3 possibilities.
ETHToronto
The 3rd Annual ETHToronto will be held this summer 2024 as a hybrid hackathon which brings together the technical community to build the future by developing the next innovation in blockchain technology. The hybrid format is both online and in-person with the live event on August 13-14 in Toronto at Rebel Entertainment Complex and Cabana. ETHToronto is in collaboration with ETHWomen and the official hackathon of Blockchain Futurist Conference, Canada’s largest blockchain conference. All hackers have access to the conference and events onsite. Apply for free!
ETHToronto : Whether you’d like to be a hacker, mentor, sponsor, speaker or volunteer, there’s something for you at ETHToronto!
Date: August 13 - August 14, 2024
Location: Toronto, Canada
Website: https://www.ethtoronto.ca
Discount: We offer a 25% discount using code MEREHEAD25.
Hackers. Are you a blockchain developer? Or interested in learning how to become one? Apply individually or as a team and have the opportunity to win prize bounties.
Mentors. Want to give guidance and advice directly to upcoming Ethereum developers and help create some ground breaking projects? Come share your knowledge with these hard working devs. They need you.
Speakers. Come teach and inspire up and coming Ethereum developers and enthusiasts. Share your story and help make the ecosystem even stronger.
ETHWomen
The 2nd Annual ETHWomen is a free community hybrid event taking place online and in-person this summer 2024. This female-focused and inclusive hackathon and competition series brings together participants to develop and present leading solutions using Web3 Technology. ETHWomen is open to both developers and non-developers ranging from beginner to expert level. ETHWomen runs alongside ETHToronto, and all participants receive free tickets to Blockchain Futurist Conference - Canada’s Largest Blockchain Conference. Apply for free today!
ETHWomen: A female-focused and inclusive online and in-person event series part of ETHToronto and Blockchain Futurist Conference.
Date: August 13 - August 14, 2024
Location: Toronto, Canada
Website: https://www.ethwomen.com
Discount: We offer a 25% discount using code MEREHEAD25.
ETHWomen will bring together hundreds of participants for a hackathon and competition both online and in-person. This will lead into Blockchain Futurist Conference - Canada's largest blockchain & crypto event! The goal is to provide a supportive environment for women to showcase their talent, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and develop innovative solutions to real-world problems.
Next Block Expo 2024
The 4th edition of the Next Block Expo event with a few thousand attendees will be held at the Multikino Złote Tarasy Warsaw venue on 15 and 16 of May, linking the most influential people and projects in the web3 space. With presentations and keynotes at the main stage, roundtables and workshops, NBX is an excellent opportunity for startups and already established blockchain companies to discuss current challenges and new opportunities. Event brings together industry leaders and experts to discuss the latest developments and trends in the fields of: DeFi, Metaverse, NFT, Gaming, Privacy, Scaling, Exchanges, Venture Capital, Fundraising, Legal/ Tax, Payments, and Security.
Next Block Expo 2024: Get Connected to 2000+ Web3 Enthusiasts
Date: May 15-16 2024
Location: Warsaw, Poland
Website: https://nextblockexpo.com/
Discount: We offer a 10% discount using code merehead.
2 Day Conference & Expo Pass. General tickets grant you access to all main stage content and the expo zone.
Official After Party. Web3 Extravaganza: Join the most anticipated Web3 party in the city this year, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening. That’s where the deals get done.
Future of Tech at HYFI Conference 2024
HYFI 2024 is an exclusive Future-tech event where we fuse innovation, networking, and bespoke experiences into one extraordinary moment. HYFI brings leaders and innovators in AI, Fintech, ESG, and Web3 spaces to discuss the industry's future.
Join us as we redefine the boundaries of Future-tech and celebrate the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. Welcome aboard!
HYFI Conference 2024 - Beyond Boundaries: Web3, AI, and the Future of Technology
Date: 7th March 2024
Venue: ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove, Singapore
Get early bird tickets: https://www.hyficonference.com
HYFI 2024 Singapore, an exclusive one-day future-tech event, is set to take place on the 7th of March 2024 at the prestigious ONE°15 Marina. With the tagline "Beyond Boundaries: Web3, AI, and the Future of Technology," this conference aims to bring together leaders and innovators in the fields of AI, fintech, traditional finance, and Web3 to discuss the future of the industry.
The agenda for the day includes a range of activities designed to foster learning, collaboration, and inspiration. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in panel discussions, listen to keynote speeches, explore an exhibition showcase, witness start-up pitching sessions, and network at a vibrant networking party. Additionally, a Michelin-starred private dinner and a yacht party will provide exclusive experiences for participants to unwind and connect with industry peers.
"We are thrilled to bring together thought leaders and visionaries in the field of future-tech for HYFI 2024 Singapore," said Christopher Low, Chairman of Novum Group. "This event will be a platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and exploration of the limitless possibilities that lie ahead in Web3, AI, and the future of technology. We invite all industry professionals to join us as we redefine the boundaries of future-tech."
HYFI 2024 Singapore is expected to attract an estimated 500 participants, including industry experts, entrepreneurs, investors, and technology enthusiasts. With its prime location at ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove, this event promises an exceptional experience in a breath-taking waterfront setting.
Collision Conference
Collision is an annual IT conference described as "North America's fastest-growing technology conference." The event attracts a variety of industry speakers, as well as
leading IT companies and startups. In 2024 Collision Conference will take place in Toronto on July 17-20.
In addition to the main conference program, Collision hosts a variety of satellite events, namely:
- mentoring sessions
- pitch competitions
- exhibitor exhibitions
These elements help to create a lively and dynamic atmosphere at the conference, creating engagement and interaction between the participants.
In 2022, 35,562 people from 130 countries attended the conference, including more than 1,200 journalists, 1,557 startups, 250 partners, and 793 investors. Collision is part of a conference series that includes a Web Summit in Europe and RISE in Hong Kong.
Collision 2022 by the numbers.
It is still being determined who will be the guest speakers at Collision 2024, but given 2022, the organizers are taking a responsible approach. Invited speakers at that time were:
- Grandmaster Garry Kasparov.
- NBA star Carmelo Anthony
- Toronto mayor John Tory
- Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o.
As well as executives from major technology companies, headlining over a hundred speaking engagements.
LEAP Tech Conference
Saudi Arabia has ambitious plans to transform the technology sector in the Middle East. That's why the LEAP Tech Conference was launched for the first time in 2020.
LEAP is one of
the best platforms for startups worldwide to participate, as it provides an opportunity to obtain funding from local investors. In 2023, more than 100,000 people attended the event, making it Asia's most famous IT event.
LEAP Tech Conference 2024 will be held March 4-7 in Malham, Saudi Arabia, with 11 exhibit areas focused on innovations in areas such as:
- artificial intelligence
- robotics
- 3D printing, etc.
LEAP aims to become a global event, attracting influential investors, ambitious entrepreneurs, and opinion leaders.
LEAP's Rocket Fuel Start-up Pitch Competition.
Participation in this event will bring your project closer to users from the Middle East. You'll also be able to win one of 6 nominations with a prize pool of $150,000.
Founders Forum London
The Founders Forum London is an annual flagship event launched in 2005 by the Founders Forum Group. The event will be held June 13-15 in London and is considered one of the leading meetings in technology and innovation.
The conference brings together a select group of influencers, including entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and opinion leaders. The Founders Forum aims to foster collaboration, inspire new ideas, and
explore the latest trends and developments in IT entrepreneurship.
Attendees will be treated to a range of events and sessions, including:
- keynote presentations
- panel discussions
- campfire conversations and interactive workshops.
These sessions cover various topics such as emerging technologies, digital transformation, disruptive business models, and venture capital investment.
The Founders Forum London catalyzes thought leadership, knowledge sharing, and relationship building in the global technology community. If you're looking for valuable new contacts, want to share your ideas, and find implementation, this event is perfect for you.
Startup Grind Global Conference
Startup Grind Global Conference is an annual event organized by the Startup Grind community to educate, inspire and connect entrepreneurs worldwide.
The first Startup Grind event was held in a small office in Mountain View, California, and drew only a few people. The concept quickly gained momentum, and the community began to grow.
Startup Grind Global Conference 2019.
Startup Grind Global Conference 2024 will be held in Silicon Valley, San Francisco on April 23-24.
In addition to the large number of attendees and speakers, the event will also feature:
- Hundreds of venture capitalists from around the world are coming to give life to your startup
- Organizations that create startup support programs
- Teams that tackle key project challenges in sales and marketing, fundraising, and more.
In addition to sessions on the main stage, Startup Grind Global Conference offers startups the opportunity to showcase their products or services in a particular exhibition area. Attendees can check out startup demos, talk to founders and discover innovative solutions.
Top IT Conferences for Developers
As technology continues to reshape industries and drive innovation, the best IT conferences for developers are necessary for professionals and companies looking to stay ahead of the curve.
Our selection of the top IT events for developers for 2024 covers a wide range of topics, including:
The main advantage of such events is many activities, ranging from gaining knowledge to networking. Maybe at one of these conferences, you will meet your future business partner or employer.
RSA Conference
RSA Conference is an annual IT conference that takes place in San Francisco. RSA was first held in 1991 as a small gathering of cryptographers. However, it is the most significant event in the cybersecurity industry today. A high level of security is required in many industries, including cryptocurrencies, especially when
developing dex and cex platforms.
RSA Conference 2014 - 2017 stats.
The 2022 event attracted more than 26,000 visitors, including more than 600 speakers, 400 exhibitors, and 400 media representatives.
The conference covers a wide range of topics that relate to Internet security. It provides attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the
latest industry trends, technologies, and issues, such as:
- cloud security
- IoT security
- cryptography, etc.
More than 500 presentations, technical and interactive sessions, and hands-on workshops are expected in 2024. From May 6 to 9, the conference participants can expand their knowledge horizon, talk about their IT solutions and communicate with industry leaders.
At this point, it is unknown who will be on the list of speakers at the conference. Nevertheless, the experience of recent years suggests that the RSA Conference is taking it seriously,
inviting leaders from companies such as:
- IBM
- Microsoft and Google
- VMware, Trellix, etc.
RSA Learning Labs 2023.
The conference features numerous zones. In addition to venues for keynotes, exhibit areas, and p2p interactions, the organizers have also created learning labs.
They invite you to join cybersecurity workshops, seminars, and training sessions. You can participate in simulations, delve deeper into discussions, and gain new experiences here.
Amazon re:Invent
Amazon re:Invent is an annual week-long conference hosted by Amazon Web Services (AWS).
The conference offers a variety of activities designed to explore cloud computing topics, such as:
- learning labs
- boot camps
- interactive training
- Hundreds of technical sessions, etc.
The first Amazon re:Invent conference was held in November 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. At the time, the meeting was a relatively small event with a few thousand attendees.
re:Invent today is AWS' most significant event of the year, where you can learn about the latest news and developments in cloud computing, database and storage, analytics, and machine learning.
You'll have the opportunity to see demos and technologies, including meeting a robot bartender and seeing a basketball free throw analyzer.
Black Hat Briefings
The Black Hat conference series, founded in 1997, is an annual festival of cybersecurity geeks. They focus on the latest cutting-edge research, developments, and industry trends.
Black Hat focuses on hands-on security research and demonstrations of vulnerabilities in various systems, software, and devices. Researchers present their findings on stage, demonstrating new attack methods, vulnerabilities, or exploits.
The conferences include various sessions, including technical presentations, hands-on workshops, discussions, and keynote speeches.
These sessions cover topics such as:
- web application security and malware analysis
- network and mobile security
- exploit development
- cryptography and more.
The content is highly technical and geared toward cybersecurity professionals.
Today, Black Hat briefings and training are held annually in the United States, Europe, and Asia. They provide qualified security researchers and trainers with the best places to find their audience.
Money 20/20
Money20/20 is an annual fintech conference focused on the future of financial services, payments, and commerce. The media often refers to it as "the world's most important financial event," which is entirely consistent with reality.
The first Money20/20 event was held in 2012 in Las Vegas and established as a meeting place for major fintech companies. The organizers quickly expanded their reach. The first conference was held in Europe four years later, and Money20/20 Asia launched in 2018.
Money 20/20 by the numbers.
The conference aims to address the evolving landscape of financial technology and its impact on commerce.
Each year, Money20/20 raises topics such as:
In addition to large exhibition halls, discussion, and networking platforms, Money20/20 holds a contest for the best fintech startups with a prize fund of $100,000!
Money20/20 Community.
Every year the event is attended by global industry leaders. For example, last year, participants of the conference could communicate with representatives of such companies as:
- Morgan Stanley
- ABN Amro
- HSBC and others
The Money20/20 conferences are leading industry events that foster innovation, collaboration, and networking. At
Merehead blog, you'll find a wealth of helpful information about fintech development to help you prepare for future discussions at Money20/20.
QCon
QCon is a series of annual conferences on the latest
software development industry trends, technologies, and practices. They bring together engineers, architects, and technical executives for a week of learning, networking, and knowledge sharing.
The purpose of QCon is to provide attendees with exposure to innovations and best practices in
software development.
Sessions cover a wide range of topics, including:
- programming languages
- software architecture
- distributed systems
- DevOps and many others
QCon conferences are taking place worldwide, including in cities such as New York, San Francisco, Tokyo, and London. The latter event is already scheduled for April 8-10, 2024.
The event organizers emphasize the opportunity to share their experiences and discuss solutions to common problems. That's why the conference structure has more than 15 non-conference sessions in the format of Open Space Technology and Lean Coffee.
If you love teamwork and are eager to make dozens of valuable contacts, the QCon series of conferences is your best choice. Especially for you, the Merehead team has prepared several research articles on
software development to make it even easier for you to participate in QCon discussions actively.
Best IT Expos
IT expos and shows play a crucial role in shaping the industry's future, gathering hundreds of promising companies and thousands of innovative products under one roof.
The most significant events gather over 200 thousand visitors, allowing IT company owners to present their products and gain wide publicity.
Top five best IT expos in 2019.
Whether you're an enthusiast searching for new technology solutions or a businessman looking to build strategic partnerships, our selection of the best IT trade shows is perfect for you.
IFA
The IFA is the annual Berlin consumer electronics and appliance trade show, usually held in September.
It allows exhibitors to network with customers, investors, mentors, and industry peers. IFA Berlin attracts over 2,000 exhibitors from 49 countries and nearly 240,000 visitors worldwide.
IFA expos according to topics.
The total area of the event is 285 thousand square meters. Visitors have the opportunity to go around each sector and experience
innovative IT products from different groups, for example:
- components and accessories for electrical appliances
- digital health
- home entertainment and virtual reality
- IT equipment, software, etc.
Visitors can participate in conferences and expand their knowledge. It's an excellent opportunity to exchange experiences and discover new solutions, trends, and technologies.
Consumer Electronics Show (CES)
CES, or Consumer Electronics Show, is an annual event where some of the best-known IT product manufacturers and innovators showcase their latest developments.
CES 2024 will be held Jan. 9-12 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Winchester, Nevada. The exhibit space will be more than 200,000 square feet, showcasing the latest advances in areas such as:
- digital health
- food and automotive technology
- robotics
- games, etc.
Over the past three years, the number of exhibitors has decreased significantly. Nevertheless, interest in CES is rapidly returning, and in 2024 the organizers expect to see more than four thousand different representatives.
CES expos number during 2019 - 2023.
The Consumer Electronics Show is a semi-closed event where all visitors must fall into one of three categories:
- Industry representatives;
- MEDIA;
- Exhibitors.
Representatives of each category must present information proving they belong to one of the groups. This can be a work pass, a list of published articles, and many other forms of proof.
The primary purpose of CES is to find mutually beneficial relationships with representatives of various companies. For example, service providers
for developing your product or its distribution.
CES 2023 expos.
You will find it at the event if a company is an industry leader. For several years in a row,
CES has been attended by commercial giants such as:
- Intel, AMD, and Nvidia
- Acer, Asus, and HP
- Volkswagen, etc.
If you are a young IT company developing in the consumer services sector, participation in the Consumer Electronics Show will allow you to increase your sales market, make valuable contacts and get advice from the best IT entrepreneurs worldwide.
VivaTech
VivaTech is Europe's largest event dedicated to startups and technology. For 8 years, more than 100 thousand European startup and entrepreneurship ecosystem representatives have been coming to Paris to participate in this event.
VivaTech brings together a diverse cross-section of the business community including:
- startups
- technology leaders
- investors from all over the world
Over 4 days, participants will have the opportunity to learn about innovative technological solutions that meet the major challenges of our time and offer cardinal solutions for business and society.
In 2024, VivaTech is focusing on the technology areas with the greatest potential for development, namely: