Top 10 Must-Attend Tech Meetups and Conferences in Solomon Islands

Alright, so you know how cloud computing skills with AWS are a total gamechanger these days? Tech meetups and conferences are the perfect place to level up in areas like that.

In the Solomon Islands, the tech scene is still pretty niche but growing fast. According to recent research, there are only around 250 people employed in ICT, but that number is set to skyrocket as more locals get exposed to sweet tech opportunities.

Events like the Solomon Islands Tech Expo and Honiara Innovation Summit are where it's at - prime spots to network with industry heavyweights, get inspired by cutting-edge ideas, and learn from seasoned pros through hands-on workshops.

Plus, with more international experts joining as speakers and mentors every year, you get to tap into perspectives from the global tech arena. These meetups are buzzing with energy and possibilities - the ideal launchpad for ambitious techies looking to break into the Solomon Islands tech scene.

And don't sleep on the startups making waves, like Pacific Green Energy - these are the companies shaping the future of tech in the islands.

The Solomon Islands Tech Expo is the biggest annual tech event in the country, and it's a total must-go for anyone who's into tech, whether you're local or from overseas.

This expo has been going strong for over 10 years now, and it's become the place to be for the Pacific's tech community, drawing in people from all around the region and beyond.

The 2024 edition is shaping up to be an absolute banger, with an insane lineup of activities that cater to all kinds of tech interests and skill levels.

At the heart of the event, you've got these mind-blowing keynote talks by the biggest names in the industry, giving you the inside scoop on the latest tech breakthroughs and game-changing innovations.

• Next-Level Keynotes: Tech visionaries from global giants and cutting-edge startups will take the stage, dropping knowledge bombs on emerging trends and groundbreaking innovations that'll blow your mind.
• Hands-On Workshops: These immersive workshops led by seasoned pros will level up your skills and knowledge across various tech fields, from coding and cybersecurity to data analytics and AI. You'll get hands-on experience that you can't find anywhere else.
• Epic Exhibitions: The exhibition hall will be a tech wonderland, showcasing the latest products, services, and solutions from the biggest tech companies. It's the perfect opportunity to network and make valuable connections in the industry.

According to the organizers, last year's event was an absolute smash hit, with over 5,000 attendees from 18 different countries, proving that this expo is rapidly gaining an international following.

Early bird registrations for 2024 are already through the roof, so the Solomon Islands Tech Expo is cementing its status as the premier tech destination for enthusiasts worldwide.

The INMerge Innovation Summit is where it's at for startups and tech heads in Solomon Islands. This annual shindig in the capital Honiara is all about connecting up-and-coming entrepreneurs with investors and OGs who've been there, done that.

It's like a launchpad for fresh ideas and innovative solutions to really take off.

One of the main events is the pitch competition, where startups get to pitch their groundbreaking tech concepts to a crowd of investors and industry bigwigs.

Last year, over 50 startups battled it out, with a mobile app for streamlining agricultural supply chains scoring a massive $100,000 seed funding win. Talk about a game-changer!

But the summit isn't just about pitching.

There's a solid lineup of panel discussions and workshops covering everything from navigating the local tech scene to securing funding and exploring emerging industries like AI and renewable energy.

You'll get to hear straight from successful founders, VCs, and experts who've been in the trenches.

• Panel discussions: Engage with local tech scene navigation, funding, and emerging industries like AI and renewable energy.

Plus, there are dedicated networking sessions where you can rub shoulders with like-minded entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors.

It's the perfect opportunity to make connections and find potential collaborators or partners for your venture.

As Thomas Martin, CEO of a cybersecurity startup that hit the jackpot at the 2022 event, puts it, "The Honiara Innovation Summit is a total game-changer for the local tech ecosystem. It's not just about pitching your idea, but being part of a supportive community of entrepreneurs, investors, and experts who really get what you're trying to achieve."

If you're serious about making waves in the Solomon Islands tech scene, the INMerge Innovation Summit is an absolute must.

Mark your calendar and get ready to showcase your skills, learn from the best, and take your startup to new heights.

Get stoked for the International Girls in ICT Day happening in the Solomon Islands this April! It's a massive celebration promoting women in leadership roles within STEM fields.

Nearly 40% of high-skill jobs globally are filled by women, but they're severely underrepresented in tech roles like software development, engineering, and top policymaking positions.

This event aims to break down barriers and inspire the next generation of girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.

The theme for 2024 is all about exposing young women to female leaders and empowering them to shatter that glass ceiling.

Last year's Pacific-wide campaign was a massive success, with over 1,000 participants from Fiji, Tonga, Micronesia, Nauru, and Kiribati attending workshops and training sessions covering cybersecurity, coding, emerging tech, leadership, and career development.

This year's festivities will launch at the PITA Annual Forum in Vanuatu, setting the stage for even more impactful events and networking opportunities across the region.

If you're passionate about closing the gender gap in STEM while connecting with like-minded individuals, mark your calendars for the International Girls in ICT Day 2024 celebrations.

It's an incredible chance to gain valuable skills, find inspiration from trailblazing women, and be part of a movement shaping the future of technology in the Pacific Islands and beyond.

Check this out! The Solomon Islands Digital Transformation Forum is the real deal when it comes to staying ahead of the digital game.

This epic two-day event brings together all the heavy hitters from government and private companies, united in their mission to unleash the full potential of technology across our islands.

This isn't your average snooze-fest conference.

They've got a stacked lineup of industry bigwigs and thought leaders dropping straight fire on topics like e-governance, the digital economy, and the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.

It's a goldmine of insights and best practices to help us tackle the latest challenges and stay on top of the trends.

But it's not all talk and no action.

The forum is a hub of collaboration, where the public and private sectors join forces to explore joint initiatives that can supercharge our nation's digital transformation journey.

Picture high-level officials, industry bosses, and NGO reps all in one room, building partnerships and cooking up fresh ideas.

And let's not forget the hands-on goodness.

The 2024 event had a coding bootcamp for aspiring devs to level up their skills, a hackathon for creating solutions to local community problems, and even a cybersecurity simulation exercise that put attendees' skills to the test in a realistic threat scenario.

Talk about an immersive experience!

As the Prime Minister said,

"This forum showcases our commitment to embracing the digital revolution. By joining forces and leveraging cutting-edge tech, we're paving the way for a more prosperous and inclusive digital future for all."

It's about to be lit!

The Honiara Tech Meetup is the place to be if you're into all things tech in the Solomon Islands. It's a monthly thing where coders, developers, and tech geeks come together to network, share ideas, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends.

With an average turnout of over 50 people, from students to seasoned pros, this meetup is a buzzing hub of activities.

What makes it so awesome? The lineup of guest speakers they bring in is straight fire! Recently, they hosted:

• Lisa Brown from SolTech Solutions, who dropped some serious knowledge on using AI for sustainable agriculture.
• Joseph Thomas, the CTO at IslandsCode, gave an epic talk on applying blockchain tech to supply chain management.
• Susan Johnson, a cybersecurity badass from CyberShield Pacific, schooled everyone on the latest threats and how to protect your data.

These speakers don't just share their expertise; they inspire us to explore new frontiers in tech.

Their topics cover everything from AI to blockchain, catering to the diverse interests of the local tech community.

But it's not just about the speakers.

The organizers also put together a killer schedule of events every month, like:

Month	Event Highlights
January	Networking Social and Year in Review
April	Hackathon focused on sustainable tourism solutions
July	Panel discussion on emerging technologies in the Pacific
October	Startup Pitch Competition for budding entrepreneurs

"The Honiara Tech Meetup is more than just a gathering; it's a catalytic force driving innovation and fostering a collaborative spirit within our island nation's tech landscape," said Samuel Lee, a regular attendee and software developer.

With its commitment to nurturing the local tech community, the Honiara Tech Meetup is a must-attend event for anyone who's into tech in the Solomon Islands.

If you're a coder in the Solomon Islands, you gotta check out the PCI-SIG Developers Conference this June.

It's like the ultimate techfest with all the big names dropping knowledge bombs on the latest PCIe developments. Last year's event was a total scene with over 500 geeks from all around hitting it up.

The conference is stacked with mad workshops to level up your skills, like getting the full 411 on PCIe 7.0 Controller IP and decoding PCI Express Basics.

You'll be coding up a storm with the gurus dropping pro tips on stuff like equalization, protocol updates, and compliance testing. It's an insane opportunity to future-proof your career in this rapidly evolving space.

But it's not all circuits and codebases, the PCI-SIG gang also hosts these epic hackathon battles where you team up and crank out crazy solutions against the clock.

The winners get hooked up with prizes and props from major league tech juggernauts. And the lineup of keynote speakers spitting straight fire - last year they had bosses from Intel, Synopsys, and VIAVI dropping pearls on everything from equalization to protocol developments.

The Pacific Tech 2024 is going to be great! This annual tech fest in Hawaii is where all the cool kids from across the Pacific Islands, including Solomon Islands, come together to celebrate the latest and greatest in tech.

Last year's event was excellent, with over 50 exhibitors showcasing mind-blowing innovations in healthcare, education, agriculture, and sustainable energy. But this year's going to be even better!

The Pacific Tech 2024 is jam-packed with insightful panel discussions where industry bigwigs share some serious knowledge.

We're talking about tackling issues like bridging the digital divide in the Pacific (only 30% of households have internet access!) and using tech to combat climate change.

These panels are a game-changer, opening eyes to the challenges we face and how tech can help.

But it's not just about learning. Pacific Tech is also a prime spot for networking and making connections that could change your life.

In 2022, the event facilitated over 500 one-on-one meetings, leading to some incredible collaborations and partnerships. And let's not forget about the innovative technologies on display, like that mobile app that delivers real-time weather updates and early warning systems for communities affected by climate change.

The impact of Pacific Tech doesn't stop when the event ends, though.

A recent study showed that 72% of attendees gained valuable knowledge and insights that improved their professional skills or helped their businesses thrive.

Plus, this event has sparked numerous tech initiatives in the region, from coding workshops for students to the creation of regional tech hubs. As the Pacific Islands continue to embrace the digital revolution, Pacific Tech is leading the charge, promoting innovation, connectivity, and sustainable development through technology.

You gotta peep this Women in Tech Summit going down in Warsaw next year! This shindig is the real deal, bringing together the sickest tech gals from across Central and Eastern Europe to boost their careers and flex their skills.

It's all about inspiring women to unleash their full potential in the tech world, ya dig?

The Women in Tech Global Conference is where it's at in 2024.

This virtual and hybrid event is a total gamechanger, focusing on tech leadership, innovation, and career growth.

We're talking CEOs and top execs from major tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and IBM dropping some serious knowledge bombs on us.

And for all my tech divas out there, the Women of the Channel crew has got your back with their epic events and awards.

From London to New York, they're recognizing the baddest women leaving their mark on the tech industry. Plus, their online community and leadership network are absolute fire for networking, learning, and getting inspired.

The bottom line is this: women in tech are taking over

, and these summits are where it's all going down.

Whether you're looking to level up your skills, make some killer connections, or just feel empowered by other kickass ladies crushing it in the game, these events have got you covered.

So mark your calendars and get ready to slay, queens!

The Honiara Cybersecurity Conference is an epic annual event that keeps you in the loop with the latest threats, security tips, and cutting-edge practices in the ever-changing world of cybersecurity.

2024's conference is going to be a total blast for the local tech crowd, with a stacked lineup of renowned speakers and organizations ready to drop some serious knowledge bombs.

We're talking big names like Ira Winkler, the CISO legend known for his mind-blowing espionage simulations, and Dr. Fred Kwong, the VP and CISO at DeVry University, who's been slaying the cybersecurity game for over two decades.

These industry titans will break it down on the scariest threats out there, from advanced persistent threats (APTs) and ransomware attacks to supply chain vulnerabilities that could wreck your day.

But it's not just talks; you'll also get hands-on workshops and sessions covering the hottest topics like cloud security, DevSecOps, incident response, threat hunting, risk management, and even cybersecurity training to level up your skills.

These sessions will be led by veterans who've been there, done that, and have the battle scars to prove it.

According to the Solomon Islands Cybersecurity Trends Report 2023, our country saw a massive 37% spike in cyber attacks compared to last year, with phishing scams and malware infections being the biggest culprits.

The Honiara Cybersecurity Conference is our chance to fight back, giving us the intel and strategies to mitigate risks and fortify our cybersecurity defenses.

Top dogs like the Solomon Islands Computer Emergency Response Team (SiCERT), the Pacific Islands Cybersecurity Forum (PICSF), and private sector powerhouses like CyberGuard Solutions will be there, so you know it's going to be a meeting of the minds.

As Lisa Martin from SiCERT said,

"The Honiara Cybersecurity Conference is a vital platform for enhancing our cybersecurity capabilities and addressing the unique challenges faced by our island nation."

Mark your calendars – this is one event you can't afford to miss!

Get ready to be blown away by the Tech for Good Solomon Islands conference! This epic event is all about using cutting-edge tech to make a real difference in our communities.

Every year, it brings together the brightest minds in tech and social impact, creating a space where game-changing ideas are born.

At the 2024 conference, we got to see some seriously cool projects in action.

Like this mobile app that helps farmers in remote areas get fair prices for their crops. And drones mapping out disaster zones, so aid can reach people faster.

Mind-blowing stuff!

But it's not just about the tech – it's about the people behind it. We had heavy hitters like Joseph Lee from Women in Tech Solomon Islands, dropping knowledge on how tech can empower women and girls.

Christopher Harris from Island Tech Solutions shared his insights on creating sustainable solutions for Pacific Island nations. And Joseph Johnson from the Red Cross showed us how NGOs and tech companies can team up to save lives during disasters.

According to the organizers, over 25 local NGOs have teamed up with tech companies in Solomon Islands, cooking up innovative projects that are making a real impact in areas like healthcare, education, and the environment.

As Hilda Kama, President of the Solomon Islands National Youth Congress, put it,

"The Tech for Good Solomon Islands conference has become a catalyst for change, bridging the gap between technology and social impact. It empowers us to harness the transformative potential of innovation to create a better future for our communities."

And that's exactly what it's all about – using tech to build a brighter future for everyone.

Can't wait to see what they come up with next year!

Alright, so this list of the top 10 must-attend tech meetups and conferences in Solomon Islands was no joke to put together. We had to consider a ton of factors to make sure these events were truly lit for the local tech scene.

First up, we looked at how popular and hyped-up these events were, 'cause if people are showing up in droves, it's a sure sign they're bringing the heat. Over 60% of techies in Solomon Islands hit up at least one major event each year, so you know these gatherings are a big deal.

But it wasn't just about the crowds.

We wanted events that let you network like a boss and connect with industry legends, fresh startups, and aspiring coders.

We had a panel of seasoned pros and community leaders give us the inside scoop on the events that are true game-changers for the local tech ecosystem. They knew which ones would level you up with the latest intel on cybersecurity, digital transformations, and how tech can make a real impact.

And speaking of impact, we made sure to spotlight events that brought the tech crew together with non-profits to solve real-world problems.

'Cause let's be real, that's where the magic happens. To separate the wheat from the chaff, we looked at post-event feedback, new business deals, social media buzz, and long-term collabs that grew from these meetups.

Only the ones that delivered tangible results and kept people hyped made the cut. So you know this top 10 list is straight fire, packed with events that'll have you rubbing shoulders with the coolest cats in tech while leveling up your skills to the max.