If you work in tech, you don’t need us to tell you the importance of change and innovation.
The industry continues to grow and develop with new insights and technologies leading the way. The way you keep up with the curve is to listen to your peers, network and discuss industry trends. To make sure you don’t miss a thing, these are 10 of the best tech conferences across the UK.
Pick your tech conference
And see the best of the city
When you travel for work, often you only see the inside of the conference hall and your hotel room. But not this time. In our guide to the best tech conferences in the UK, we’re helping you to see more. We’ve covered where to get your coffee in the morning before you delve into the talks and discussions at the conference.
We’ve found some of the best restaurants in the local area to enjoy a bite to eat with your fellow attendees, whether you’re looking for budget options to keep within your business spend or splashing the cash on your company credit card. Plus, we’ve also listed the best local attractions that are within walking distance or a short taxi ride away. This time you will see some of the city.
The top tech conferences in the UK
Whether you’re an AI professional, founder or agency leader, these are some of the best tech conferences across the UK to check out at the back end of 2024 and into 2025.
Big Data LDN
Big Data LDN is one of the UK’s leading free data, analytics and AI conferences. Held at Olympia in West Kensington, the two-day conference offers an opportunity for the data community to learn and share best practice, build relationships and discover new tools.
During your two days in London, take some time out with your fellow attendees and grab a bite to eat at local restaurants. We love Bite Café for its affordable lunches and delicious pastries. Kitchen Bee is ideal for breakfast, whilst Crypto Burgers will satisfy your hunger with their stacked burgers and delicious fries. Espress-Mo has you covered for your morning coffee.
And when it’s time to clear your head from the big data talk, check out local sites including the Italian Gardens at Kensington Gardens, Leighton House and Japan House.
Suited for:
- AI professionals
- Big data professionals
- Analytics professionals
IoT Tech Expo
London’s Olympia will host this leading Internet of Things series across two days in February 2025. The global event explores the latest innovations within the Internet of Things and covers the impact it has on many industries including manufacturing, transport, supply chain, logistics, automotive, construction, government, energy, utilities, insurance, healthcare and retail.
During your stay at the conference, grab your morning coffee from Debbie Jo and head out in the evening to eat at Kampai Sushi Bar, Miran Masala or Shandeez. And if you get the chance to discover local attractions head to Kyoto Garden, the Design Museum or Shepherd’s Bush Market.
Suited for:
- Heads of Innovation and Technology
- CEOs / CTOs
- Investors / VCs
Cultural Fact File
London has 116 free museums and attractions
The city is home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites
There are nearly 200 cultural festivals in London every year
Retail Technology Show
If you work in the retail sector, this tech conference is an essential one to attend. The Retail Technology show brings together some of Europe’s most forward-thinking retailers and leading tech innovators. Across two days in March, it showcases more than 400 exhibitors and over 100 speakers. More than 13,000 retail and brand professionals are expected to attend.
Whilst staying close to the ExCeL in London, get your morning coffee at Little Hudson (the breakfasts are epic too). After a long day, wind down with some tapas at Tapa Tapa, cutting edge Italian cuisine at Zero Sette or a taste of China at China Palace. Local sights in the area always worth checking out include Thames Barrier Park to clear your head in nature, Trinity Buoy Wharf for some art and culture, and Royal London Docks for intriguing events.
Suited for:
- Retail professionals
- Brand directors
- Agency leaders
Tech Show London
Tech Show London is held at the ExCeL in London across two days in mid-March. It’s the place to come to hear from the brightest minds in tech and discover the disruptive technologies reshaping your market. If you want to know what Big Tech can do for your organisation, this is it.
Before you delve into the world of tech, enjoy a morning coffee from HEJ Café in the ExCeL. And to carry on the conversation in the evening or at lunch don’t miss some top restaurants in the area. We love Kaboom for its Middle Eastern delights, Salento for pizza and Salt Port Restaurant & Deli for its light bites.
Top attractions to check out include Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park and The Tide at Greenwich Peninsula. And if you really want to push the boundaries how about climbing the O2?
Suited for:
- CTOs
- Investors / VCs
- Startups
Insider tip:
Travelling for a conference doesn’t have to be all work and no play. Aside from the conference itself, take some time to explore the local area. If you’ve got a budget to stick to, look for free attractions, whether that’s a stroll around a local park or a quick trip to see a famous monument. With time away from the conference, it will even help those industry insights sink in too.
QCon London
QCon London is an international software development conference focused on emerging trends in the industry. Over three days at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, you’ll hear how senior software developers are adopting emerging trends. You’ll learn the trends, explore use cases and understand best practices.
Pick up your morning coffee from Nostos Coffee and let the emerging trends sink in with a meal after the conference at the likes of Peri Fellas, Abokado or Chez Antoinette Victoria. And for a little R&R, visit local attractions including Westminster Abbey, The Churchill War Rooms at the Imperial War Museum, or enjoy a city cruise along the Thames.
Suited for:
- Software developers
- CTOs
- Agency leaders
FinTech Week London
This week-long series of events in London highlights and celebrates the city’s innovative fintech scene. There’s a flagship conference too, which brings together more than 1,000 decision makers from leading fintechs, banks, investment firms, regulatory bodies, media companies and service providers.
Whether you come just for the flagship conference or stay for a week to check out the full programme of events, don’t forget to explore the local area too. Stroll through Hyde Park to the Diana Memorial Fountain. Take a tour of the Royal Albert Hall or relax in Chiswick House & Gardens.
And when it’s time to continue the fintech discussions in the evening and carry on networking, head to local restaurants including Zia Lucia, Chez Maiss and Apadana. Don’t miss Popin in West Kensington for your morning coffee.
Suited for:
- CFOs
- Agency leaders
- Finance professionals
Infosecurity Europe
Held at London’s ExCeL from 3-5 June, Infosecurity London connects attendees with some of the best minds in cyber security. Exhibiting and speaking at the conference will be experts and engineers, innovators and industry leaders. You’ll stay up to date with everything in information security, learning from the past, navigating the present and protecting the future.
Away from the conference, continue networking at local restaurants including S’more for a delicious taste of Asia and Salento for pizza. Or visit Fox in the ExCeL for a burger, salad or pizza. Mrs Bee Coffee is the place to go for your morning caffeine fix.
And if you get some time to relax, don’t forget to check out St Katharine Docks or Lee Valley. And for some adrenaline action, why not climb high with Wire and Sky?
Suited for:
- Cybersecurity professionals
- Agency leaders
- CEO / CTOs
Women in Business & Tech Expo
The Women in Business & Tech Expo returns to Manchester Central in 2025 to inspire once again. The award-winning female-led event set up by Karen Brady provides inspiration, guidance, recruitment opportunities, and services to help grow your professional journey within the technology and business sectors.
If you’re travelling to Manchester to attend this women in tech conference, enjoy a morning coffee at 92 Degrees. Stop for lunch at either Ezra & Gil, Albert’s Schloss or Tampopo. And don’t miss top local sites including the John Rylands Library, Castlefield Gallery and the People’s History Museum.
Suited for:
- Women in tech
- Women in business
- Those looking for jobs in either sector
Cultural Fact File
There are more than 123 art galleries and museums in Manchester
The Emmeline Pankhurst statue is the first female statue in the city since Queen Victoria
Don’t miss local dishes like Manchester tart
London Tech Week
Held at London’s Olympia from 9-13 of June, the 12th edition of London Tech Week brings together innovators, investors and tech giants. Over 90 countries are represented, with talks and exhibitions focussing on big tech and the technology that is set to enrich our daily lives.
Whether you’re attending a couple of days or here for the full conference, make your morning coffee pit stop at Alma (if you have time check out the breakfasts too). In the evening, dine in local restaurants including Best Mangal for Anatolian delights, The Latymers in Hammersmith for pub grub or Cacciari’s in Earls Court for Italian fayre. Local sites worth checking out during your downtime include the UK’s only Upside Down House, The Natural History Museum (it’s free to attend) and Ravenscourt Park.
Suited for:
- CTOs
- Startups
- Agency leaders
Turing Fest
Named after the iconic Alan Turing, Turing Fest brings together leaders from across product, engineering, growth, revenue, leadership and company-building together in a fun environment to discuss all things big tech. Held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre in the Scottish capital, it has more than 40 speakers and is attended by over 1000 people.
In your time in the city away from the conference, don’t miss Edinburgh Castle, the Scotch Whisky Experience and the National Gallery of Scotland. Grab your morning coffee every day at Ben’s Bagel by Le Petit Café, and enjoy local restaurants including Phriends Food, Bread Meats Bread and Fresh Mex.
Suited for:
- Tech leaders and C-suite
- Software engineers
- Early-stage investors
Now you know where to get the best industry insights when it comes to tech conferences across the country. Plus, this time you’ll get out and explore more than your hotel room too.
Looking to travel to a tech conference? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.
