Birmingham Tech Week offers a packed schedule of events designed to connect tech professionals, startups, investors, and industry leaders. Whether you're a founder, developer, or simply interested in the tech ecosystem, this week-long event provides multiple opportunities to build relationships, learn, and grow. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key events and their focus:
- Future Tech Talent: Connects emerging innovators with investors and industry leaders through interactive talks and discussions.
- Opening Tech Social: A relaxed evening event to meet over 8,000 attendees, including global investors and international delegations.
- ScaleUp Summit: Tailored for scaleup businesses and leaders, focusing on challenges like funding and operational growth.
- Engineering & Developer Conference: A hands-on day for developers and engineers featuring workshops, live coding, and networking.
- Women in Tech Day: Empowers women in tech with panels, workshops, and collaborative activities.
- Workshop and Data Centre Tour: Offers insights into Birmingham’s digital infrastructure with behind-the-scenes access.
- Connecting Birmingham Platform: A year-round digital tool to sustain connections made during the week.
Pro Tip: Focus on 2-3 events that align with your goals, prepare in advance, and follow up promptly to maximise the benefits of networking.
Birmingham Tech Week 2024
1. Future Tech Talent
Future Tech Talent stands out as a top-tier event designed to spotlight up-and-coming tech innovators and bridge the gap between fresh talent and established industry leaders.
Target Audience
This event draws a vibrant mix of participants, including budding entrepreneurs, investors, and agencies. For startups, it’s an invaluable chance to connect with potential funders, gain mentorship, and explore strategic partnerships.
Networking Format
The event’s structure is dynamic and engaging, featuring TED-style lightning talks, thought-provoking 'future questions' to ignite debates, and discussions shaped by audience input. This interactive setup not only sparks meaningful conversations but also opens the door to real business opportunities for startups.
Key Benefits for Startups
Startups benefit from direct exposure to cutting-edge trends, fresh ideas, and a platform to connect with both investors and established companies.
Unique Value for Attendees
What sets this event apart is its emphasis on discovery rather than self-promotion. It fosters a genuine learning environment, with industry professionals attending specifically to identify and support the next wave of tech talent.
2. Opening Tech Social
The Opening Tech Social kicks off Birmingham Tech Week with a welcoming evening designed to bring the city's tech community together. Hosted at BOX on The Waters Edge, Brindley Place, the event runs from 18:00 to midnight, offering six hours of laid-back networking and connection-building. It’s the perfect way to set the tone for a week packed with exciting opportunities.
Target Audience
This event is open to everyone participating in Birmingham Tech Week, creating an inclusive space for networking. Expect to see a mix of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, tech professionals, and enthusiasts. With over 8,000 attendees expected - including international delegations and global investors - startup founders can meet established scaleups, while tech fans can connect with seasoned professionals.
Networking Format
The evening offers a relaxed vibe with bandeoke, music, drinks, and snacks, creating a natural environment for conversations. The extended six-hour duration ensures there’s plenty of time for meaningful interactions, avoiding the rushed feel of typical networking events.
Key Benefits for Startups
For startups, this event is a golden opportunity to tap into Birmingham Tech Week’s diverse network early on. It’s a chance to meet key players, set up follow-up meetings, and start building relationships in a low-pressure setting. Whether practising pitches, gathering feedback, or connecting with potential mentors, investors, and partners, the relaxed atmosphere makes it easier to break the ice. Plus, with global investors and international delegations in attendance, the event opens doors to connections that go far beyond the local scene.
Unique Value for Attendees
The Opening Tech Social isn’t just about networking - it’s about creating a sense of community. It brings together the West Midlands’ tech scene, encouraging collaboration and celebration. The timing and format of the event help establish common ground among attendees, sparking conversations that can carry through the rest of the week.
3. ScaleUp Summit
The ScaleUp Summit is designed for businesses ready to take their growth to the next level. Fitting seamlessly into the week’s focus on varied networking opportunities, this summit zeroes in on the challenges that come with scaling. It’s the perfect space for companies that have moved past the startup stage and are navigating hurdles like expanding operations, securing funding, and entering new markets.
Target Audience
The summit caters specifically to scaleup founders, CEOs, and senior leadership teams from fast-growing companies. It also welcomes investors, advisors, and service providers who actively support these businesses. This carefully chosen group ensures that everyone in the room is dealing with similar challenges, such as managing rapid growth, building systems that can scale, or preparing for funding rounds. The result? A highly focused environment where meaningful connections are made.
Networking Format
The event’s structured approach includes breakout sessions tailored by industry and growth stage. Attendees participate in roundtable discussions and panels that dive into critical topics like expanding internationally, attracting top talent, and improving operational efficiency. Local success stories are often highlighted during panel discussions, followed by networking breaks and one-on-one meetings designed for forging targeted connections.
Key Benefits for Startups
Emerging scaleups gain a wealth of practical knowledge, from understanding investor expectations to learning how to avoid common scaling pitfalls. Companies in the early stages of scaling can refine their approach to securing funding, while more established businesses explore ways to optimise their systems - whether in recruitment, technology, or operations.
Standout Value for Attendees
What sets the ScaleUp Summit apart is its laser focus on the challenges of growth and scaling. Attendees walk away with actionable strategies tailored to their specific stage of development. Even better, they leave with new connections - peers and mentors who can provide ongoing guidance. These targeted sessions also set the tone for deeper networking opportunities throughout Birmingham Tech Week.
4. Engineering & Developer Conference
The Engineering & Developer Conference brings Birmingham's developers and engineers together for a full day of interactive learning and meaningful networking. This isn't your typical conference with endless presentations - it's a hands-on experience designed for direct engagement among technical professionals.
Target Audience
This event caters to a diverse group of tech professionals. Whether you're a junior developer eager to sharpen your skills, a seasoned engineer looking for fresh perspectives, or a technical founder seeking to expand your network, there's something here for everyone. The conference is tailored to professionals at every career stage, making it a must-attend for anyone in the tech field.
Networking Format
One of the highlights of the conference is the Expo area - a vibrant hub for networking with companies and fellow attendees throughout the day. Beyond this, the event features workshops, hacklabs, pairing zones, live coding sessions, panel discussions, and demos. These interactive formats are designed to encourage collaboration and foster connections that are essential for both personal growth and startup success.
Key Benefits for Startups
For startup founders, this conference is a goldmine. It provides direct access to Birmingham's rich technical talent pool, allowing founders to not only meet potential recruits but also see them in action. With 87% of attendees favouring conferences that offer interactive formats, this event is perfectly positioned to create connections that can drive the growth of innovative ventures.
Unique Value for Attendees
The focus here is on practical, actionable experiences. Pairing zones often lead to long-term partnerships and mentorships, giving attendees the chance to apply new insights immediately. With a full-day schedule packed with opportunities to connect - and 84% of participants noting that conferences greatly enhance their professional networks - the Engineering & Developer Conference is a standout event during Birmingham Tech Week, offering one of the most impactful networking environments around.
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5. Women in Tech Day
Women in Tech Day is dedicated to empowering and connecting women within Birmingham's tech community through a full day of interactive sessions and focused networking opportunities.
Target Audience
This event attracts a wide range of participants, including professionals, industry leaders, and supportive allies from Birmingham's tech scene. Attendees share a common belief that diverse perspectives are key to driving forward-thinking solutions.
Networking Format
The day's programme features interactive elements such as panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and collaborative activities. These formats encourage meaningful conversations and purposeful connections, blending seamlessly into the broader tech week while promoting an inclusive networking culture.
Key Benefits for Startups
Startups gain practical value from Women in Tech Day, with actionable insights and strategies shared by women leaders in the industry. Beyond learning, the event offers opportunities to build mentorship networks and form collaborations. For startups, it’s also a chance to demonstrate their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion - qualities that are increasingly important for attracting and retaining top talent in tech.
Unique Value for Attendees
The event goes beyond a single day by fostering empowerment and building a lasting network of connections. Attendees leave with a mix of professional growth, expanded networks, and actionable insights, ensuring they’re better equipped to advance their careers and contribute to the tech community.
6. Workshop and Data Centre Tour
Expanding on earlier interactive sessions, this tour offers a deeper dive into the digital infrastructure that underpins Birmingham's tech development. The Workshop and Data Centre Tour combines educational workshops with a guided exploration of cutting-edge facilities, providing a hands-on look at the backbone of the city's digital innovation.
Target Audience
This event is tailored for business leaders, IT directors, engineers, and sustainability professionals eager to gain practical knowledge about enterprise-level digital infrastructure. It’s also a valuable opportunity for tech startups and innovators aiming to scale effectively, as well as industry partners exploring collaboration opportunities.
Networking Format
The guided tour and expert-led discussions create a natural setting for networking. Attendees, including business leaders, IT specialists, and innovators, can connect and exchange ideas while addressing shared challenges in digital infrastructure.
Key Benefits for Startups
For startups, this tour delivers crucial insights into scaling. Entrepreneurs gain a clear understanding of how a strong digital foundation can drive growth and efficiency. The event provides practical advice on building infrastructure that supports rapid, secure expansion.
Unique Value for Attendees
One of the standout features of this event is the exclusive behind-the-scenes access to Six Degrees' Birmingham Data Centre - one of the most advanced digital hubs in the city. As part of Birmingham Tech Week 2025, and in partnership with nLighten, Six Degrees is offering this tour in October 2025 to highlight the facility’s recent transformation following a significant investment and rebranding project. Attendees will explore the revamped data centre and hear directly from experts at Six Degrees and nLighten about advancements in connectivity, resilience, and sustainability. This real-world demonstration underscores how robust digital infrastructure supports innovation, efficiency, and business growth, further enhancing the Birmingham Tech Week experience.
7. Connecting Birmingham for Tech Talent
Birmingham Tech Week is packed with in-person networking opportunities, but the connections you make shouldn't stop there. Connecting Birmingham is a year-round digital platform designed to strengthen professional ties within Birmingham's tech community. It helps sustain the energy of the week and fosters long-term relationships in the city's thriving tech ecosystem.
Who Is It For?
This platform is for every kind of tech enthusiast. Whether you're a fresh graduate eager to land your first role, a seasoned developer seeking new challenges, or a startup founder navigating Birmingham's expanding tech scene, there's something here for you. Even established professionals can explore opportunities with both up-and-coming startups and established tech companies in the region.
How It Works
Connecting Birmingham streamlines networking by offering verified company profiles and detailed role insights. This gives professionals a better understanding of company culture and direct access to hiring teams. Weekly job updates keep users informed about the latest opportunities, ensuring they never miss a chance to advance their careers.
Why Startups Love It
For those in the startup world, Connecting Birmingham is a goldmine of information. It provides up-to-date details on local companies actively hiring, along with insights into their missions and roles. This helps candidates make well-informed decisions, saving time and improving the chances of finding the right fit in Birmingham's fast-moving startup environment.
Keeping the Momentum Going
The platform stands out with its rigorous vetting process, ensuring all listed opportunities come from reputable companies in Birmingham's tech sector. For attendees of Birmingham Tech Week, it's the perfect tool to maintain and build on the connections made during the event. By offering insights into company cultures and roles, it ensures professionals can continue their networking journey long after the week wraps up, keeping Birmingham's tech community connected and thriving.
Making the Most of Birmingham Tech Week
Birmingham Tech Week is packed with networking opportunities, but making it worthwhile requires careful planning and focused engagement. With events ranging from Future Tech Talent to Women in Tech Day, each gathering serves a unique purpose. A clear strategy will help you get the most out of your time and effort.
Start by defining your objectives. For instance, Future Tech Talent is ideal for recent graduates or those exploring career changes. Meanwhile, the ScaleUp Summit attracts senior professionals and investors, and the Engineering & Developer Conference is perfect for connecting with potential co-founders or technical experts. Once you’ve nailed down your goals, plan your schedule accordingly.
Instead of trying to attend everything, focus on 2-3 events that align closely with your objectives. This way, you can have meaningful conversations rather than rushing from one session to the next. Also, leave some buffer time between events to allow for deeper discussions and connections.
Preparation is key. Before attending, review the list of speakers and attendees, especially for events like the Workshop or Data Centre Tour. Doing some research in advance will help you craft thoughtful talking points and make a stronger impression.
Don’t underestimate the importance of follow-ups. After exchanging LinkedIn details, send personalised messages within 48 hours. Reference specific points from your conversation to keep the connection fresh and relevant.
The Opening Tech Social is a great way to start the week. Its relaxed setting makes introductions easier and helps you identify individuals you’d like to reconnect with later. Use this event as a foundation for building relationships throughout the week. Follow up promptly and engage digitally to keep the momentum going.
Speaking of digital engagement, platforms like Connecting Birmingham can help you continue conversations started during the events. They’re also a great tool for researching companies and people you plan to meet.
When it comes to networking, quality beats quantity. Three in-depth conversations will likely bring more value than twenty superficial ones. Focus on understanding others’ challenges and needs rather than immediately pitching your own ideas. This approach fosters genuine relationships that can last far beyond Birmingham Tech Week.
FAQs
How can attendees make the most of networking opportunities during Birmingham Tech Week?
To get the most out of networking at Birmingham Tech Week, it’s important to start with a plan. Think about what you want to achieve - whether that’s meeting potential collaborators, exploring new industries, or simply expanding your network. Take some time to review the event schedule and attendee list beforehand. This way, you can pinpoint key sessions to attend and identify people you’d like to connect with.
Once you’re at the event, make an effort to join conversations, ask meaningful questions, and listen closely to others. Arriving early can be a smart move, as it often allows for more casual interactions before things get busier. Don’t forget to exchange contact details, whether that’s through traditional business cards or digital tools. After the event, follow up with a short, personalised message to the people you met. It’s a simple step that can help keep the connection alive and meaningful.
How does Connecting Birmingham help professionals build lasting connections after Birmingham Tech Week?
Connecting Birmingham ensures that professionals can keep building and strengthening their networks well beyond Birmingham Tech Week. It provides a range of tools and opportunities for ongoing interaction, including verified company profiles, job listings, and insights into workplace culture. These features help users stay up-to-date with Birmingham's tech scene.
The platform also organises regular networking events and online initiatives, offering spaces where professionals can reconnect, collaborate, and discover fresh opportunities. By prioritising genuine connections, Connecting Birmingham plays a key role in supporting career growth and collaboration within the city's thriving tech community.
What are the main advantages of attending 'Women in Tech Day' for startups and professionals?
Attending Women in Tech Day offers a fantastic chance for startups and professionals to expand their networks and build their skills. The event centres on essential topics like tackling career obstacles, honing leadership abilities, and delving into the latest technologies shaping the industry.
Beyond personal and professional development, the event champions gender equality in STEM fields, inspiring more women to succeed in tech careers. This boost in diversity not only enhances individual growth but also sparks fresh ideas and creativity, benefiting the entire tech industry.
