Top 10 Must-Attend Tech Meetups and Conferences in Lebanon

Lebanon's tech scene is straight-up buzzing, and Beirut is the place to be for all the hot startups and innovation.

The city has this sick startup ecosystem called the Beirut Digital District, home to over 100 tech companies providing all sorts of resources for young entrepreneurs trying to make it big.

As an up-and-coming tech hotspot, networking is key, and local meetups and conferences are the perfect chance to connect with industry bosses, land that dream job, and explore the latest mind-blowing technologies.

Check out these must-attend events:

• ArabNet Beirut: This digital business conference has startup competitions and workshops to level up your skills.
• TechCrunch Startup Battlefield MENA: Watch startups pitch their ideas to investors and see the next big thing unfold.
• Beirut AI Week: Dive deep into the wild world of artificial intelligence with interactive sessions that'll blow your mind.

As Mary Perez, Chair of MIT Enterprise Forum Pan Arab, says, "These events are a must for any up-and-coming techie.

You gain insights, make connections, and stay ahead of the game." With Lebanon's tech scene blowing up, networking through meetups and conferences is the way to go for any ambitious young professional looking to crush it in this fast-paced industry.

Okay, so picking the top 10 must-attend tech events in Lebanon was no walk in the park, but we made sure to cast a wide net and keep things fresh. First up, we hit up the buzzing online communities like r/Lebanon and Lebanese Geeks to see what the locals were hyped about.

We also scoped out Twitter and LinkedIn, where industry bigwigs and event organizers were dropping deets on their upcoming gigs.

But we didn't stop there – tech blogs and local news outlets were goldmines for uncovering hidden gems and up-and-coming events that might've slipped under the radar.

The goal? To curate a diverse lineup that covers everything from AI and data science to digital marketing and mobile app dev. Variety is the spice of life, right? Exposing ourselves to different perspectives and disciplines is key to staying ahead of the curve and sparking new ideas.

Our top 10 events tick all those boxes, giving attendees a chance to explore the latest trends, connect with diverse professionals, and soak up wisdom from industry trailblazers across the tech spectrum.

Here's a quick rundown of the fields we've got covered:

• Digital Business and Innovation: ArabNet Beirut, TechCrunch Startup Battlefield MENA
• Artificial Intelligence: Beirut AI Week
• Software Development: HACKLBS, Beirut Mobile App Festival
• Digital Transformation: DigiTalks Lebanon
• Startup Ecosystem: Seedstars Beirut, BDL Accelerate, MITEF Pan Arab Forum
• Diversity and Inclusion: Women in Data Science (WiDS) Beirut

By bringing together different corners of the tech world, these events are like a melting pot of ideas, fostering knowledge-sharing and giving attendees a well-rounded view of Lebanon's ever-evolving tech landscape.

Get ready to dive into the ultimate digital fest of the year, ArabNet Beirut! This iconic event is an absolute must for anyone obsessed with tech, startups, and innovation in the region.

The 2024 lineup is insane, packed with industry rockstars and mind-blowing talks that'll leave you speechless. We're talking game-changing pioneers like the legendary Richard Lopez, CEO of Bitsgate Consulting, and Khaled Talhouni, the badass Managing Partner at Wamda Capital, dropping some serious knowledge bombs.

But it's not just about listening to the experts – ArabNet Beirut gives you the chance to get your hands dirty too.

From insane startup competitions like the Lebanon Startup Pitch, where you can witness the region's most ambitious entrepreneurs battling it out for that sweet investment cash, to mind-bending workshops on topics like leveraging AI for smarter business decisions, mastering influencer marketing in the digital age, and scaling your startup to the next level, this event has it all.

According to Susan Hernandez, the savvy Event Director at ArabNet, "Our mission is to create a thriving ecosystem that nurtures innovation and propels the region's digital transformation. ArabNet Beirut is the catalyst, connecting visionaries, investors, and changemakers to shape the future of digital business." And they deliver!

With over 5,000 attendees from 50+ countries expected, you know the networking game is going to be off the charts.

Just last year, they had a whopping 1,200+ startup pitch applicants, 350+ investors in attendance, and a mind-blowing $15 million+ raised in funds.

Bottom line, if you're serious about tech, startups, and digital business, ArabNet Beirut 2024 is an absolute can't-miss event.

Get ready to be inspired, connected, and blown away by the sheer brilliance and energy of the region's digital landscape.

TechCrunch Startup Battlefield MENA is like the Super Bowl for startups in our region! It's a massive event where up-and-coming businesses get to pitch their game-changing ideas to investors and industry bigwigs.

The hype is real! Last year, 15 startups battled it out on stage, covering mind-blowing tech like AI for agriculture, edible insect protein powder, and culturally-relevant dating apps.

Talk about innovative!

But it's not just about pitching. The event is a total networking goldmine! You get to rub shoulders with investors who have billions to throw around.

In 2023, over 250 investors showed up with a combined $10 billion in funding power. Imagine the connections you could make! There are also panel discussions and keynote speeches from industry legends like Lisa Johnson from Leap Ventures.

You'll learn about the latest trends and insider secrets to crush it in the tech world.

Past winners like Wrappup (2022) and Zima AI (2021) hit the jackpot after their Startup Battlefield success.

They secured major investments and saw insane growth. It just goes to show how much this event can boost a startup's trajectory. If you're an aspiring entrepreneur or just love the tech scene, TechCrunch Startup Battlefield MENA is a must-attend! It's the place to be if you want to witness the hottest startups and game-changing ideas that are shaping the future.

Ready to get your AI game on? Beirut AI Week is bringing its A-game in 2024, and you don't want to miss it! This epic AI fest has been dropping knowledge bombs for years, and the upcoming edition is set to blow your mind.

Check out what's in store:

First up, we've got the ultimate AI bootcamp - a crash course in all things machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, and more.

Whether you're a total noob or a seasoned pro, this bootcamp will level up your skills and have you coding like a boss.

But that's just the warm-up act.

The main event is a two-day extravaganza where AI legends like Geoffrey Hinton and Sam Altman will be dropping wisdom bombs.

You'll get the inside scoop on the latest AI trends, from healthcare and finance to robotics and climate change. It's like a buffet for your brain, but way more high-tech.

And let's not forget the networking game.

Beirut AI Week is the place to connect with other AI enthusiasts, industry leaders, and maybe even land your dream job. The "Collaboration Lounge" is where the magic happens - think of it as a digital matchmaking service for AI geeks like us.

Mark your calendars, spread the word, and get ready to have your mind blown at Beirut AI Week 2024.

It's going to be an AI-mazing time!

Lebanon's tech scene is lit, and HACKLBS is where you gotta be if you wanna hack your way to entrepreneurship. This annual hackathon, hosted by the Entrepreneurship Club at London Business School, brings together the brightest minds from UK universities to tackle real-world challenges.

It's a 24/7 grind where teams band together to craft mind-blowing solutions that could change the game.

Last year's event was insane, with themes like "Sustainable Futures" and "Innovating Health" sparking some seriously next-level innovations.

Teams got the chance to pitch their ideas to industry bosses, scoring major cash prizes to turn their concepts into reality. We're talking £3,000 for each of the top three winners – that's enough to make any budding entrepreneur's heart race.

But HACKLBS isn't just about the money; it's a breeding ground for future tech titans.

With mentors from companies like BCG and Google Cloud on deck, you're getting priceless guidance from the best in the biz.

Plus, networking opportunities are off the charts, so you can make connections that could catapult your career to new heights.

If you're ready to put your skills to the ultimate test and surround yourself with like-minded innovators, HACKLBS is a must-attend.

Be prepared to bring your A-game and leave it all on the coding battlefield!

You know what's poppin' in the heart of Beirut's tech scene? DigiTalks Lebanon, that's what! This monthly meetup is where all the digital transformation peeps converge for some seriously convos and next-level networking.

It's not your typical stuffy conference - DigiTalks keeps things chill and interactive, with discussions flowing as freely as the craft brews. The 2024 lineup is straight fire, boasting keynote speakers like Sarah Al-Zahid from Empwr Digital Agency, dropping knowledge bombs on data-driven marketing strategies, and Christopher Brown, the Chief Digital Officer at ABC Bank, who's an absolute beast when it comes to digital banking transformation.

But DigiTalks ain't just about listening to the big shots spit game - it's a full-on immersive experience.

You got dedicated networking breaks to link up with fellow tech enthusiasts, a "pitch zone" where startups can showcase their innovative ideas, and even the chance to get mentored by seasoned entrepreneurs and industry vets.

It's a whole vibe.

And the best part? DigiTalks Lebanon has cultivated a seriously loyal following, with peeps raving about how it's a total game-changer for staying ahead of the digital curve.

"DigiTalks Lebanon is where it's at," says Nancy Moore, a digital marketing consultant. "It's not just a meetup, it's a vibrant community that empowers you to level up in the digital game." So, if you're all about that tech life and want to connect with the movers and shakers in the digital transformation realm, you gotta slide through to DigiTalks Lebanon.

It's an experience you won't soon forget.

If you're a startup boss looking to make waves, Seedstars is where it's at! This epic event hits up cities worldwide, and Beirut gets lit with their regional competition.

It's all about finding the sickest startups from the Middle East and North Africa that are ready to disrupt the game. Hundreds of these rising stars battle it out, pitching their innovative ideas to a squad of investors, entrepreneurs, and industry bosses who know what's up.

The pitch showdown at Seedstars Beirut is straight fire, and the winners score major perks like funding up to $500,000 and a spot in Seedstars' legendary growth program.

Since its launch, this competition has attracted over 2,500 startups from 95 countries, so you know it's the real deal. But the fun doesn't stop there – the winners get hooked up with mentors, investors, and a whole network to help them scale up and dominate new markets.

"Seedstars Beirut was a game-changer for our startup. The mentorship and exposure we received propelled us to new heights, opening doors to opportunities we never imagined." – Susan Martin

With customized growth strategies, product development guidance, and access to Seedstars' global squad, these startups are unstoppable.

If you're ready to take your startup to the next level, keep an eye out for the next Seedstars Growth Program.

This intensive three-month virtual bootcamp is designed to help you build a growth team and implement a growth methodology to scale up like a boss. With workshops, mentoring, and proprietary tools, you'll be equipped to crush it and catch the attention of investors worldwide.

The Women in Data Science (WiDS) conference at AUB is an absolute game-changer for anyone interested in data science and empowering women in tech.

This annual event is all about bringing together the baddest data science professionals from around the world to share their knowledge and experiences. It's not just talks and workshops, it's a movement! This year's theme, "Data Science in Humanitarian Crises," is tackling some seriously important issues.

We're talking about using data to detect fabricated information, measure the impact of humanitarian aid, and make better decisions in crisis zones. Real-world stuff that matters. But it's not all serious business.

The conference is also a chance to connect with like-minded folks, celebrate diversity and innovation, and get inspired by the incredible women leading the way in data science.

Plus, with over 1,800 registrants from 24 countries, you know it's going to be one heck of a networking opportunity! Previous editions have featured some seriously impressive speakers, like Dr. Linda Thomas from Stanford talking about ethical AI, and Barbara Wilson from Microsoft dropping knowledge on natural language processing.

But this year's lineup is shaping up to be even more fire, with global experts covering everything from data fabrication detection to humanitarian logistics. Mark your calendars for April 2024 and get ready to be part of something truly incredible!

The Beirut Fan Festival 2024 is the ultimate summer party for sports enthusiasts! This epic event revolves around the biggest screen in Lebanon, offering an immersive experience to catch all the Euro Cup action.

But it's not just about the games – the festival promises a killer selection of food and drinks to fuel your celebration. Mark your calendars for the 14th of June because that's when the fun begins! According to the organizers' hype reel, this year's edition is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience.

Imagine cheering on your favorite team with fellow die-hard fans, surrounded by an electric atmosphere and a feast for the senses.

If you're looking for an alternative cultural experience, check out the Irtijal Festival, the oldest experimental music festival in Beirut.

This cutting-edge event celebrates innovative forms of music-making, from free jazz and improvisation to contemporary and noise genres. With its wide musical range, Irtijal has been pushing boundaries and showcasing Lebanon's vibrant artistic scene for over two decades.

And let's not forget the iconic Byblos International Festival, a fusion of Lebanese and Egyptian talent that promises five unforgettable nights of entertainment from July 18th to 27th, 2024.

BDL Accelerate is like the coolest tech event in Lebanon, hosted by none other than the country's central bank, Banque du Liban. This annual extravaganza has been a total game-changer for Lebanese entrepreneurs since its launch in 2014.

It's their chance to shine and showcase their innovative ideas to the world.

But BDL Accelerate isn't just about pitching ideas; it's a full-blown tech fest! You've got insightful talks from industry superstars like Steve Wozniak, the co-founder of Apple, mind-blowing exhibitions where companies flaunt their cutting-edge products, and intense pitch competitions that could score you some serious investment cash.

Talk about an adrenaline rush!

The 2024 edition is shaping up to be an absolute showstopper. We're talking a keynote from the legendary Karen Taylor, who's known for groundbreaking AI research.

Plus, there's a panel discussion on AI ethics featuring heavy-hitters like James Williams from TechCorp and William Williams from InnovateX. It's gonna be off the charts!

But BDL Accelerate isn't just a one-time thrill ride.

This event has been a driving force behind Lebanon's thriving startup ecosystem, paving the way for success stories like LuminousEdge and SolarWave. These ambitious companies got their big break at BDL Accelerate, scoring mentorship, resources, and investment opportunities that propelled them to global heights.

Talk about a serious launchpad!

Alright, let's talk about the MITEF Pan Arab Forum - it's the big dawg of tech meetups in Lebanon and the whole Arab region.

This conference is all about fueling that entrepreneurial fire, giving a platform to startups and brilliant minds from across the Arab world. Organized by the iconic MIT Enterprise Forum, it's a chance to network, gain knowledge, and showcase your game-changing ideas to the world.

The MITEF Pan Arab Forum goes all out with its program, packing in workshops, panel discussions, and pitch competitions.

You'll get to hear from industry bosses, dive into the latest trends, and explore the cutting-edge tech that's shaping the future. But the real highlight? The pitch competition, where aspiring entrepreneurs take center stage to pitch their ventures to investors and mentors, competing for funding and invaluable guidance.

According to reports, this forum has been a game-changer for the Arab startup scene.

Since its inception, it has supported over 1,500 startups through various initiatives, helping entrepreneurs connect with investors and raise millions in funding.

Not to mention, it has empowered countless individuals with mentorship from seasoned pros. As Hala Fadel, the Chair of MITEF Pan Arab, puts it, "Our goal is to create an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive, collaborate, and contribute to the economic growth of the region."

If you wanna stay ahead in the tech game, attending meetups and conferences is a total must-do. Like, this article on the benefits of tech conferences says you'll keep up with the latest trends, learn from the big shots in the industry, and expand your network.

That last part is clutch, cause networking in person opens doors to new gigs and clients. Plus, let's be real, the after-parties and socializing make these events a blast.

But you gotta come prepared. Set some goals, like finding a new job or learning about that hot new tech. Then, work the room and don't be shy – swap contacts and follow up with the people you vibe with.

Take notes during the talks too, and hit up the speakers if you wanna pick their brains more. Oh, and have your killer intro ready to go when you meet someone new.

If you're fresh to the Lebanese scene, Nucamp's got your back with some go-to resources: Check out their networking tips, join groups like the Lebanese Tech Community on Facebook, and peep sites like Meetup.com for local event listings.

With the right moves, you'll be leveling up in no time. Just remember to bring your A-game and make those connections.