Top 10 International Startup Events to Attend
Startup life can be full of ups and downs with founders facing all kinds of hurdles along the way. However, one thing that you can always count on within the startups world is community. Without the insights and advice from the people who have been there and done it, people would just be making the same mistakes over and over again.
One of the best ways to engage with the community, make new connections and find out all the best insights and advice from the experts is events. And what a range of events, conferences, summits, and expos there is out there for startups and entrepreneurs to attend!
Having covered our top 10 UK & Ireland events you should be attending as a business owner, we thought we’d also let you know of the international ones. So, in no particular order:
CES
CES is an annual trade show organised by the Consumer Technology Association. Held in January at the Las Vegas Convention Centre in Nevada, United States, the event typically hosts presentations of new products and technologies in the consumer electronics industry, showcasing companies like manufacturers, developers and suppliers of consumer technology hardware, content, technology delivery systems and more. Also including a conference programme where the world's business leaders and pioneering thinkers address the industry's most relevant issues.
Our experience: Having exhibited three times at CES in the Eureka Park Hall where startups from all over the world are exhibiting, we love running around in our silver jackets interviewing all the innovative businesses about their products. From talking robots to electric snow bikes, the products coming out from all around the world is insane.
Why attend? With the world constantly changing, every January CES announces the latest products and insights that might happen throughout the year. So, if you’re a entrepreneur or technology fanatic wanting to be on top of all the latest news, CES is the show for you to attend.
Viva Technology
Viva Technology, or VivaTech, is an annual technology conference dedicated to innovation and startups, held in June at Paris, France. VivaTech was founded in 2016 by Publicis Groupe and Groupe Les Echos and since have been called the world's rendezvous event for startups and leaders to celebrate innovation, as it gathers some of the world's brightest minds, talents, and products.
Why attend? A great place to network and meet the top business leaders and celebrate the newest technology all with the opportunity to grow your business more.
Bits & Pretzels
Quoted as Europe’s leading founders festival, Bits & Pretzels sees 5,000 founders, investors, and startup enthusiasts for three days full of learning, networking and inspiration. Starting as a small founder’s breakfast back in 2014, it has now grown to a full-blown festival where the world’s leading companies and the most inspiring speakers join together to network and share insights.
Why attend? Network with other founders just like you and be part of a community that can share insights and stories of how they grow as a business.
SLUSH
SLUSH brings the global startup ecosystem under one roof every November in Finland with a mission to create and help the next generation of groundbreaking entrepreneurs. The pillars of Slush now and in the future are centred around the concept of Entrepreneurship Redefined, as they focus to tackle diversity & inclusion in technology and the startup ecosystem with every event they host.
Why attend? Love to network? Well, this show has the biggest networking opportunities ever, with everywhere you turn you bump into someone who wants to help change the world in some way.
Web Summit
Web Summit is an annual technology conference held in Lisbon, Portugal. Founded in 2009 by Paddy Cosgrave, David Kelly, and Daire Hickey, Web Summit brings together 70,000+ people and companies that are redefining the tech industry. Covering topics such as internet technology, emerging technologies and venture capitalism, founders and CEOs of technology companies, fast-growing startups, policymakers, and heads of state all gather to network and discuss the future of the tech industry.
Why attend? Make lasting connections with the big and small companies that are redefining the global tech industry and get inspired by the content presented.
SHIFT
SHIFT Business Festival brings together growth-oriented businesses to set their eyes on the future and provide insights and tools for creating future-ready businesses. As visitors reconnect and challenge their thinking regarding the future, technology and sustainability, SHIFT encourages change by providing businesses everything they need to rethink their future within the business world.
Why attend? Learn new things within the industry and how your business can grow with the knowledge and insightful programmes the show offers.
Digital Enterprise Show
Digital Enterprise Show, or DES, enables digital business transformation to happen, gathering cutting edge technologies and top-notch speakers to meet delegates objectives, challenges and needs. DES connects the most innovating companies, providers of tech solutions based on AI, IoT, Cloud, Cybersecurity, AR/VR, Data Analytics, Mar&AdTech, 5G and solutions designed with C-Level Executives and purchase decision-makers, who are looking for the best solutions for their business.
Why attend? Take advantage of the skills transition and unique networking opportunities to discuss the challenges every organisation faces these days with digital transformation.
Wolves Summit
Wolves Summit promises high-quality networking, with startups and investor receptions all organised in the hear of Europe. Dedicating itself to fostering deep and productive collaboration between angel investors, VC funds, corporations, and the most promising startups in the CEE region invested in creating real, positive value in the world, the summit provides 100+ hours of immersive educational content, keynotes, and startup pitches.
Why attend? Schedule one to one meetings with startups, investors, and corporates to discuss the solutions and work you can do together.
South Summit
South Summit, together with IE University, saw opportunities for entrepreneurs at a time when the crisis had hit hard. They believed that entrepreneurs would be the driving force behind a revitalised economy. South Summit was born as Spain Startup and is a leading company in the identification, organisation, and promotion of all kinds of initiatives with the aim of boosting entrepreneurship, generating business opportunities, and driving the development of talent and innovation.
Why attend? Learn from the best leading experts within the startup world and not only grow your portfolio but expand your network of community.
Oslo Innovation Week
Surrounded by Oslo’s abundant cityscape, at Olso Innovation Week you’ll meet passionate startup founders, scaleup professionals, researchers, and investors. With 60 events to attend, you can build your own network while also gaining valuable insight on topics like investment, talent attraction, and global expansion.
Why attend? With a programme of 80+ events, there is something for everyone from investors to programmers, as you can grow your community within the industry.
