NI’s biggest tech event returns this week

The theme of this year’s unique event is ‘Getting Back to the Future’ and organisers hope it will provide an opportunity for anyone working in or interested in the tech industry to log on and find out more about the latest trends and insights affecting the sector.

This year’s event will be different to previous editions with all talks being streamed online by Digital DNA and will allow viewers to watch keynote talks and discussions, take part in interactive talks, network with other attendees and visit exhibitor areas.

Digital DNA 2020, once again powered by PwC, is expecting almost 3,000 people to tune in from around the world to hear from over 60 speakers, discussing the latest trends and insight from the world of tech and will be streaming around the world on Tuesday, November 10 and Wednesday 11.

Unlike other in-person tech events in Northern Ireland that have had to cancel or who have deferred to next year, the organisers at Digital DNA have re-imagined the whole event experience for a Covid-19 world.

“We spoke with a wide range of stakeholders from the local tech community and everyone said they really wanted the event to go ahead. It is such an important event for the local ecosystem and the opportunity to provide a unique shop window into why Northern Ireland is a top destination for tech talent was one we were determined not to miss,” said Simon Bailie, CEO at Digital DNA.

The tech industry in Northern Ireland is a major contributor to the local economy. This year’s Digital DNA is all about Getting Back to the Future and will provide a platform to start those conversations or spark those ideas that will help us rebuild our economy.

That view is shared by PwC who are the headline partners for the annual tech event and are “delighted to be taking part for the 3rd consecutive year.”

“As the pace of change in the world of work accelerates as a result of the global pandemic, it’s critical to highlight the range of opportunities in the digital sector. We know how important this industry will be to our recovery and it’s more important now than ever that we meet disruption with a desire to find opportunity.” said Lynne Rainey, partner at PwC.

Digital DNA has gained an enviable reputation for attracting top speakers from the world of tech and with the event going online, organisers have been able to attract an even bigger lineup of speakers for 2020 including Prakash Janakiraman, Founder and Chief Architect at Nextdoor, Neil Walsh, Chief of Cybercrime at United Nations and Maria McKavanagh, CEO from Verv.

Organisers have said that going online “has opened up opportunities to attract a wide range of speakers who may not have been available if we were to do the event in-person”

Lynne Rainey from PwC added: “With this year’s event going online, we have been excited by the possibilities and opportunities this has created. A major highlight for me will be hearing from Connall Dempsey, Global Technology Leader at PwC and a Belfast native who now lives in San Francisco.” Simon Bailie from Digital DNA concluded by saying “When we made the decision to move online, we knew we would never be able to recreate the in-person experiences. 2020 will be different but we are confident there will be something for everyone with fireside chats with the brightest minds in tech and panel discussions from local tech leaders on some of the biggest tech topics of today.”

This year’s event is also supported by Danske Bank, Allstate NI, Signifyd and Liberty IT. Belfast City Council and Invest NI are also supporting the event, which organisers have made free for anyone who has an interest in the tech industry.

To find out more and to register your free pass, visit www.digitaldna.tech

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