Where Do You Need to Be This Year? The Top Tech Events in East Anglia

According to the most recent Tech Nation report, East Anglia is a blossoming area for tech. Both Cambridge and Norwich rank amongst the top 15 tech hubs in the UK, and the region is home to around 24,500 tech companies. 

Are you a developer, designer, engineer, tester, IT expert or a company offering tech services in Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk or Cambridgeshire? Here are the top 10 tech and digital events happening across East Anglia that you need to attend. Each one provides a unique opportunity to meet, mingle with and learn from the most knowledgeable tech leaders in the region.  

Tech East (and Tech & Toast) — Ongoing

Created to champion tech in the East of England, Tech East is a whole series of events, workshops, and meetups in Ipswich and Norwich. Key upcoming events include in-depth talks on data security, business networking for STEM employers, an AI for business masterclass, and a networking event for female founders and investors. 

And don’t forget Tech + Toast! This free breakfast event takes place every Friday and includes a lightning talk and Q&A, plus the opportunity to network with other tech specialists. The events can be attended virtually or in-person in Stowmarket or Norwich.

SynchIpswich — Ongoing

An excellent group created on Meetup, SyncIpswich is Ipswich’s tech and startup community. The community was created to facilitate “new ideas, new startups, and [to] push local growth”, and all technologists, creatives, entrepreneurs, and graduates are welcome. All of the events are 100% virtual and range from talks on funding and innovation to social meets and hackathons. 

Cambridge Tech & Beer — May 26

This year’s Tech & Beer is back at its inaugural home in The Bradfield Centre at Cambridge Science Park. Renowned for its ‘positive, curious, open and fun vibe’ the event is open to anyone working in tech, digital, science and innovation, and features industry-leading speakers, live panel sessions with Q&As and fun and friendly networking events. Expect music, beer, pizza and the chance to meet and hear from some of the most inspirational tech leaders in the region.    

Festival of Suffolk Business Expos — Throughout June and July

A far-ranging series of events organised by Innovation Martlesham, the Festival of Suffolk Business Expos consists of six business open days revolving around creating a ‘Stronger Sustainable Suffolk’. 

One event to watch out for is the Technology Day (June 21), which sees BT welcome attendees to its Innovation Labs at Adastral Park. The day is open to both tech professionals and those interested in a career in the industry, and features tech talks, a Career & Development Zone, a Business and Applied Research EXPO, and opportunities to meet the ​​Openreach Field Engineering team.

Nor(dev):con — June 16-17

Taking place at The King’s Centre in Norwich, the Norfolk Developers Conference promises “an eclectic bunch of the best of the East’s tech scene”. The conference includes talks ranging from the latest in tech news (Blockchain, NextJS, TypeScript, and more) to developer wellbeing and HR. There are also plenty of opportunities to network thanks to nor(dev): drinks, a wine reception and a special conference dinner.

CW Tech 2022 — June 22

Focusing on wireless telecommunication tech, the Cambridge Wireless Technology and Engineering Conference 2022 takes place at the Computer Laboratory at the University of Cambridge. This year’s conference takes an engineer’s look into the newest wireless technologies, including ground, air, space and hybrid networks. 

Innovation Hub @ Royal Norfolk Show — June 29-30

At this year’s Royal Norfolk Show, Agri-TechE is once again running its fantastic Innovation Hub. This year, the show celebrates its 175th anniversary, and the Hub will be focusing on showcasing the most innovative agri-tech available today. Expect stalls and displays from the likes of the University of Essex, the University of East Anglia, the John Innes Centre, the Sainsbury Laboratory, Crop Angel, PBD BioTech and more. The Hub will also be back in-person this year, after last year’s virtual event. 

Talk Tech 2022 — July 15

Talk Tech 2022 is a one-day conference by ACE Anglia, that takes place at the University of Suffolk. The conference focuses on technology that supports people with learning disabilities and covers access to services, safety, financial management, health, and travel. Previous attendees have included Recite Me, LeadingLives, Dimensions and Skills for Care.

Cambridge Tech Week — Throughout September

Following the CW Tech conference in June, the community launches the inaugural Cambridge Tech Week this September. The week includes a wide variety of activities with Silicon Fen’s finest, including talks from entrepreneurs, CEOs, engineers, scientists, and academics — as well as plenty of socialising and networking opportunities. 

Kicking off Cambridge Tech Week is CWIC 2022. Hosted at Hinxton Hall on the Wellcome Genome Campus, the conference aims to provide networking and discussion opportunities for leaders in wireless tech. 

Agri-Tech Week 2022 — November 7-11

Another fantastic series of events from Agri-TechE, Agri-Tech Week takes place at various venues around Norfolk throughout November. You’ll get the opportunity to meet and learn from local leaders in agri-tech, as well as network with potential collaborators and customers. The week also includes the REAP Conference on November 8th, featuring talks by a range of expert speakers, an exhibition and networking opportunities. 

Get yourself out and about! 

Showing your face and getting familiar with people in your sector is an important way of advancing your career. Connections matter. 

If you’re getting yourself ready for a new role or meeting a potential new employer, we understand it can be a challenge. Talk to us about improving your chances by calling us on 01473 550780 or emailing [email protected]. We’ll be happy to hear from you.