Top 10 Must-Attend Tech Meetups and Conferences in Ireland

Ireland's tech scene is absolutely crushing it right now. According to KPMG's latest tech report, 72% of Irish businesses are seeing higher profits from their tech investments, while hosting over 2,200 tech startups that employ 55,000 people.

Dublin has transformed into a legit tech powerhouse, dubbed the "Silicon Valley of Europe," with major players like Google, Apple, and Facebook calling it home.

The sector is particularly exciting for newcomers, as recent market analysis shows tech job listings are set to increase by 20-25% year-on-year, adding an estimated €48 billion to the economy.

What's super interesting is that demand remains strongest in areas like Cybersecurity and AI, with Irish users showing higher enthusiasm for new tech than their European counterparts.

The community here is incredibly welcoming - tech meetups and conferences aren't just boring networking events, they're actually fun gatherings where real connections happen and innovative ideas come to life.

Whether you're into AI, cloud computing, or startups, there's something here for everyone looking to break into tech.

When picking the best tech events in Ireland, I've learned that success comes down to a mix of key factors. Evaluating an event's worth requires looking at multiple aspects like time investment, cost, and quality of content.

The size of the event matters - bigger conferences like the Dublin Tech Summit bring in thousands of attendees, creating amazing opportunities to meet potential mentors and collaborators.

What really makes these events stand out is their influence and impact.

The best conferences offer built-in networking opportunities and access to industry experts, which is crucial for anyone trying to break into tech.

For instance, SaaStock brings in major players from companies like HubSpot, making it possible to learn directly from people who've made it big in the industry.

When looking at conference value, I check out things like the speaker lineup, workshop options, and whether they offer hands-on learning experiences.

As someone starting out in tech, I've noticed that personalization and engagement are super important.

The best events use tech to create customized experiences, with features like AI-powered networking and real-time translation. They also blend physical and digital formats, making it easier to connect with other attendees and access content even after the event ends.

The stats back this up - over 71% of attendees expect personalized interactions at events.

• Clear Value: When choosing which events to attend, I look for ones that offer clear value through practical learning opportunities, quality networking sessions, and relevant industry insights.

The Dublin Tech Summit 2024 is shaping up to be absolutely incredible, happening May 29-30 at the RDS Dublin. With over 8,000 tech enthusiasts coming together from 60 countries, it's definitely the place to be for anyone interested in where technology is heading.

The summit's got some seriously impressive speakers lined up, including minds from NASA, OpenAI, and Google DeepMind. What makes this year special is the focus on digital inclusivity and AI solutions, with real-world applications that are changing how we work and live.

The summit's breaking down complex tech into four main tracks: Future Machines, Future Enterprise, Future US, and Future Planet, making it super relevant for everyone from coding newbies to tech veterans.

One of the biggest draws is the impressive lineup of 200+ speakers, including big names from Microsoft, NASA, and OpenAI, who'll be sharing their insights on AI, quantum computing, and the future of tech.

Plus, with 150 startups showing their latest innovations, it's perfect for networking and seeing what's next in tech. There's also a major focus on ethical tech development and sustainability, which is pretty important for our generation.

Early bird tickets are available now, and this is one event you don't want to miss if you're looking to break into tech or level up your career.

SaaStock 2024 is absolutely crushing it as Europe's leading SaaS conference, now with an exciting twist! The mega-event is happening at two locations this year - hitting Austin, Texas from May 13-15 and then Dublin from October 14-16.

This setup is seriously next-level, bringing together over 4,500 tech enthusiasts, including 1,500 founders and 600 investors. The event features some awesome programming, including the Global Pitch Competition where startups can win up to €500,000 in investment, interactive SaaS.City Bootcamps, and targeted networking sessions.

The conference is totally changing the game with its new format featuring specialized tracks like the Accelerator Stage for early-stage startups and the Growth Stage for scaling companies.

Top speakers lined up for 2024 include Tomasz Tunguz from Theory Ventures and Todd Olson from Pendo, who'll be dropping knowledge on everything from AI integration to sustainable growth strategies.

For anyone looking to break into the SaaS scene or level up their game, this is literally the place to be. The event includes practical workshops, investor matchmaking, and tons of opportunities to connect with people who are actually making things happen in the industry.

Plus, there are different ticket options to match your goals and budget, whether you're a startup founder or an established player in the field. What makes this conference really stand out is how it combines serious learning with actual opportunities to make things happen - from securing funding to finding partners and customers.

The 2024 Drone Summit, happening March 1st and 2nd at the RDS Arena in Dublin, is shaping up to be an absolute game-changer for anyone into drone tech.

Ireland has been crushing it in the drone space, especially when it comes to developing European regulations and pushing technical boundaries.

What makes this summit particularly exciting is how it brings together tech companies, startups, and investors all in one place.

• Free Exhibition: The event features a free exhibition with live drone demonstrations.
• Ticketed Seminars: Attend ticketed seminars packed with industry insights.
• A-techSYN Presentation: One of the coolest highlights is A-techSYN's presentation on their maritime surveillance drones, which are actually helping combat drug smuggling - pretty impressive stuff!
• Deep Dive Topics: Attendees can expect deep dives into AI integration, autonomous systems, and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).
• Practical Insights: The summit also covers practical aspects like building your own UAV program and understanding the latest legislation.

Whether you're just starting out or already working in the field, there's something here for everyone.

“The best part? You'll get to connect with both national and international drone professionals while checking out the newest hardware and software solutions.”

With the industry expanding across Europe and beyond, this is definitely the place to be if you want to stay ahead of the curve in drone technology.

The Cyber Expo & Conference Ireland 2024 is going to be huge this year, taking place on April 18th at the Leopardstown Pavilion in Dublin.

This event brings together everyone who's anyone in the cyber world - from tech vendors and security experts to IT professionals like us who want to stay ahead of the game.

The conference features an incredible keynote by Paul C Dwyer, president of the International Cyber Threat Task Force, who'll break down the future of digital trust and compliance.

What makes this event really cool is that the program includes nine expert-led sessions covering everything from cyber resilience to identity management.

I'm particularly excited about the wrap-up panel that'll dive into security trends and predictions - perfect for anyone looking to level up their cyber knowledge.

The whole cyber ecosystem will be there, making it an amazing opportunity to connect with potential employers and learn about the latest security solutions.

Whether you're just starting in tech or already working in the field, this is definitely the place to be if you want to understand where cybersecurity is heading in 2024 and beyond.

For JSConf Ireland 2024, happening September 25-26 at the historic Royal Marine Hotel in Dublin. This two-day JavaScript conference brings together over 350 developers for 24 amazing talks covering everything from GraphQL to machine learning.

What makes this event really cool is the mix of cutting-edge JavaScript topics like DevOps, accessibility, and Progressive Web Apps.

The ticket prices start at €395 for super early birds, including all the good stuff - meals, coffee breaks, developer swag, and access to evening networking events.

For anyone trying to level up their JavaScript game or break into Ireland's tech scene, this is definitely the place to be. The conference has some serious backing from past attendees, with Joseph Anderson noting the "excellent speakers and top-notch venue." What's particularly awesome is that this JavaScript gathering focuses on practical knowledge sharing and real-world applications, perfect for both newbie developers and seasoned pros.

They're even offering scholarships and group discounts to make it more accessible. With the JavaScript community growing faster than ever in Ireland, this conference is shaping up to be the must-attend tech event of 2024.

The Women in Business and Tech Expo is taking the tech scene by storm in 2024, with events planned across Ireland and the UK. The Dublin expo, hosted at the prestigious RDS venue, kicks off on June 12-13, bringing together the brightest minds in tech and business.

What makes this event totally amazing is its focus on real career opportunities - we're talking over 5,000 attendees, 60+ world-class speakers, and 70+ exhibitors all under one roof.

For someone like me looking to break into tech, it's incredible to see that major companies are actively recruiting and championing women in the industry.

The expo isn't just about listening to talks - it's packed with hands-on workshops, one-on-one meetings, and real chances to connect with people who are actually hiring.

What's super cool is that the event focuses on practical skills and career development, whether you're just starting out or looking to level up in your career.

They've got everything from self-branding sessions to tech upskilling workshops, plus roundtable discussions where you can learn from women who've already made it in the industry.

Past attendees have actually landed jobs and started new ventures after attending - that's the kind of real-world impact that makes this event stand out from typical conferences.

The Caring in Business Conference is bringing together the tech and CSR worlds on October 10th, 2024, at Dublin's Conrad Hotel.

This one-day event is changing the game with its theme "Where Technology Meets Humanity." The lineup is impressive, with speakers from major tech companies like Microsoft, IBM, HP, and TikTok sharing their insights on how tech can make business more socially responsible.

What makes this conference interesting is its focus on three main areas: workplace culture, community impact, and environmental sustainability. The conference agenda covers everything from purposeful leadership to responsible AI, which is relevant for anyone interested in how tech can create positive change.

With about 100 attendees expected, it's going to be an intimate setting perfect for making real connections. The business event calendar shows this is one of the most forward-thinking conferences happening in Ireland, addressing crucial topics like DEI strategies and mental health initiatives in tech workplaces.

They're even offering a 20% discount for attendees, making it more accessible for young professionals and emerging leaders in tech. If you're into seeing how technology can actually make a difference in business and society, this is definitely worth checking out.

The Women Techmakers Belfast 2024 conference is happening on March 2nd at Queens University Belfast's Peter Froggatt Centre, marking its seventh successful year.

This full-day event showcases incredible local tech talent with fifteen amazing speakers covering everything from AI and data storytelling to project management and financial technology.

The Belfast chapter of Global WomenTechmakers has made a serious impact, reaching over 1,000 attendees through six conferences with 106 speakers.

This year's conference is totally inclusive - everyone's welcome regardless of gender or background. They've thought of everything - free childcare (how cool is that?), lunch, and even free parking.

The 2024 program launched with the theme "Impact the Future," bringing together leading companies like Gearset, KPMG, DailyPay, and SAP as sponsors.

Speakers include Flo Cochrane on continuous development, Niamh Quigley discussing Power Platforms, and Chloe McAree exploring AWS Step Functions. The day wraps up with an after-party at the Post House - perfect for networking and celebrating.

What makes this conference stand out is how it combines practical tech knowledge with real opportunities for career growth.

Whether you're just starting in tech or looking to level up your skills, this event is seriously worth checking out.

Plus, with major tech companies backing it, it's a fantastic chance to connect with potential employers and like-minded tech enthusiasts. Don't sleep on getting your ticket - this conference consistently delivers value for everyone in the tech community.

For Security BSides Dublin 2025, happening on May 24th at the Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin. This community-driven security conference brings together info-sec professionals and enthusiasts for a full day of learning and networking.

Starting at 9:15 AM, the packed schedule features expert talks, hands-on workshops, and the latest in cybersecurity innovations.

Early registration kicks off at 8:30 AM, giving you plenty of time to grab your coffee and connect with fellow attendees before the keynote speech. Building on last year's success, the 2025 edition promises to deliver even more valuable insights into emerging security challenges and solutions.

Want to be part of the action? Submit your presentation proposal or secure your spot early when tickets go on sale December 6th, 2024.

Don't forget to follow @BSidesDublin on Twitter and join the conversation using #BSidesDub and #BSidesDublin2025. Whether you're just starting in cybersecurity or you're a seasoned pro, this event is your chance to level up your skills and expand your professional network in Ireland's growing tech scene.

The IFST Autumn Conference 2024, happening at the University of Leeds this October 14-15, is changing the game with its theme "Food Evolution: From Established Practices to the Future of Food." As a major event in food science and technology, it's bringing together the brightest minds to tackle real-world challenges in food safety, sustainability, and innovation.

The conference isn't just another academic meetup - it's where cutting-edge ideas meet practical solutions. Professor Chris Elliott is headlining with insights on future food system challenges, while the program features exciting developments in AI applications, environmental monitoring, and pathogen detection.

What makes this conference extra special is its focus on hands-on experience.

Attendees can join interactive workshops covering everything from new technologies to food safety considerations. It's amazing to see how emerging trends like AI and food-as-medicine are reshaping our industry.

Plus, there's a pre-conference dinner and networking event at the Crowne Plaza Hotel - perfect for connecting with industry leaders and fellow food science enthusiasts.

The conference is worth attending if you're into food science or tech.

Early-bird tickets are available until August 14, with special rates for students and IFST members. Between the case studies, expert presentations, and networking opportunities, it's basically two days of non-stop learning and career-building possibilities.

Tech meetups and conferences are absolute game-changers for anyone trying to break into or level up in the tech world. These events, like mega conferences and local meetups, are where the real magic happens - you're not just learning, you're literally putting yourself in rooms full of opportunities.

The connections you make at these events can completely transform your career path. According to recent industry research, face-to-face networking at events leads to way more meaningful connections than just connecting on LinkedIn.

The best part? These events aren't just about listening to talks - they're interactive spaces where you can actually get hands-on with new tech and meet the people behind the innovations.

Studies show that 76% of attendees save money in the long run by learning about efficient solutions directly from experts rather than through trial and error.

Whether you're into cybersecurity, web development, or artificial intelligence, there's literally an event for everyone. Plus, these gatherings are perfect for finding mentors who've already walked the path you're on.

They can give you real, practical advice that you won't find in any online tutorial. It's seriously the fastest way to get ahead in tech - you're learning, networking, and building your personal brand all at the same time.