Events

What began in 2013 as a simple meetup in a Copenhagen park has blossomed into one of Scandinavia’s largest and most anticipated Tech events. “TechBBQ started as a networking event for local entrepreneurs, and it has grown because of the need to connect the Danish and Nordic ecosystem with the rest of the world,” says TechBBQ’s Head of Marketing, Vera Liscinska. Now, the event serves as a vital hub, offering founders world-class networking, media exposure, and opportunities to engage with investors and like-minded peers. “We want TechBBQ to be where every fifth handshake is relevant and impactful.” . 📸 Photo: PR / TechBBQ 2024 Theme: “One Giant Leap” The theme for TechBBQ 2024, “One Giant Leap,” is inspired by the challenges and rewards of being an entrepreneur. “We believe that ‘One Giant Leap’ embodies that feeling of being a founder; a constant leap of faith in something you believe in,” according to TechBBQ’s Head of PR & Communications, Keyvan Thomsen Bamdej. The theme highlights how small steps contribute to broader leaps in innovation, sustainability, and equity, reflecting the urgency of today’s challenges. “Together, small actions propel us toward a brighter future.” Maintaining a ‘Hyggelig’ Atmosphere Amid Growth TechBBQ is renowned not only for its size but also for its welcoming, down-to-earth atmosphere. “The way we do business in the Nordics is very informal, and it’s important that our event reflects these values,” says the team. Despite its growth, the event remains cozy and inclusive, emphasizing collaboration and diversity. “Our team comes from various cultural and educational backgrounds, which makes us more empathetic and inclusive in our interactions.” Beyond the Summit: Year-Round Support for Startups TechBBQ offers more than just an annual summit. Throughout the year, it runs various initiatives aimed at supporting startups. “We always have side projects that engage and support our target audience: startup founders,” they explain. One standout program is their Hero Academy, which offers tailored courses for seed and pre-seed startups. “Hero Academy helps startup founders establish themselves on the market and access crucial resources,” the team shares. . 📸 Photo: PR / TechBBQ Sector-Specific Focus: UrbanTech and Life Science The 2024 event will also feature expanded focus areas like UrbanTech and Life Science. “We foster innovation and growth in the UrbanTech ecosystem, accelerating the development of smart, green cities,” the organizers explain. The Life Science area will focus on both Planetary Health and Human Health, showcasing innovation in these crucial fields. “We are bringing back our Life Science area to showcase the best of the local ecosystem.” Opportunities for Investors: Nordic Investor Day and Matchmaking Investors have plenty to look forward to at TechBBQ 2024. Nordic Investor Day, held on September 10th, focuses on the state and future of Nordic ventures. “We will highlight and discuss the opportunities of today and the challenges of tomorrow,” says the team. Additionally, an LP/VC Matchmaking event will facilitate connections between limited partners and venture capitalists. Finally, TechBBQ just launched, in collaboration with Lab08, their newest AI matchmaking tool, TechBBQ Vicinity, to assist investors in their effort to meet the most relevant startups during the event. “All investor and business angels ticket holders can upload their thesis, get a list of the most relevant startups for you, and connect with them on our networking app, Brella.” Advice for First-Time Attendees to TechBBQ For those attending TechBBQ for the first time, the team offers simple yet impactful advice: “Network as much as possible with anyone relevant to your business growth.” Whether it’s a future investor, supplier, or co-founder, connections are key. “It doesn’t need to be a big sales pitch each time. A quick LinkedIn connection can lead to deeper meetings post-summit.” Finally, they add with a smile, “don’t forget to try our BBQ!” . 📸 Photo: PR / TechBBQ

#KEEPBUILDING: How to Web 2024 Focuses on Resilience The theme of the How to Web Conference 2024, #KEEPBUILDING, emphasizes resilience in the face of economic and geopolitical challenges. The event’s organizer highlights, “The key is to keep building, regardless of external circumstances.” This powerful message is designed to inspire entrepreneurs and innovators to stay focused on their vision and persevere despite external obstacles. Actionable Insights from Keynote Speakers The How to Web Conference features keynote speakers with deep expertise in product development, UX design, engineering, marketing, team development, investment, and startups. These industry leaders deliver actionable insights in their 40-minute talks. By combining the wisdom of seasoned experts with fresh perspectives from emerging voices, the conference offers a dynamic blend of experience and innovation, catering to both established entrepreneurs and newcomers. The Evolution of UX in Business Growth Fonz Morris, Product Design Lead at Netflix, shares valuable insights into the critical role of UX design in his keynote, “UX for Business Impact: A Netflix Story.” Morris stresses that in today’s digital landscape, product design is essential for driving business growth. Additionally, product positioning expert April Dunford highlights the importance of effective positioning, stating, “Strong positioning isn’t just about branding, it’s about ensuring your message resonates with the right audience.” How To Web 2024 Break Barriers for Eastern European Startups For many startups, especially in Eastern Europe, securing funding is a significant challenge. How to Web tackles these issues through its Spotlight and Dealflow programs, designed to connect founders with investors and mentors, fostering growth and long-term relationships. The conference also utilizes AI-powered networking tools to help attendees forge meaningful connections that lead to valuable outcomes like partnerships and funding. Strategic Partnerships Driving Innovation and Growth Strategic partnerships with major companies such as Google and Stripe enhance the How to Web Conference experience. These partnerships provide attendees with access to cutting-edge tools and personalized mentorship. As envisioned by the organizer, the conference aims to become the premier platform connecting global and regional tech players, driving continuous innovation and growth within the Eastern European tech ecosystem.

S-Tron Shanghai 2024, China’s largest tech innovation event, expects over 12,000 attendees from 20+ countries. Featuring 150 speakers, 2,000 startups, and 1,500 investors, it’s a key platform for entrepreneurs to access vital resources. “We aim to help entrepreneurs succeed by connecting them with innovation resources,” said organizer Sean. This year, S-Tron focuses on fostering collaboration, sparking ideas, and creating opportunities to launch startups onto the global stage. From Slush China to S-Tron The shift from Slush China to S-Tron is a strategic rebranding, but the mission remains the same. Organizers say, “The world needs more connections in the post-pandemic era.” The rebranding reflects a push for a more independent identity while keeping close ties with Slush. S-Tron still aims to foster innovation and global tech entrepreneurship. Dare to Disrupt The theme for S-Tron Shanghai 2024, “Dare to Disrupt,” encourages startups and corporations to challenge the status quo. Organizers say it’s designed to push both large companies and entrepreneurs out of their comfort zones. This theme will be central, from keynotes to pitch competitions, urging attendees to embrace disruptive innovation in tech. Balancing Content and Engagement S-Tron Shanghai 2024 is structured to offer a balanced experience between showcasing innovative startups and providing valuable content for all attendees. The event will feature 120 startup booths and four stages dedicated to pitching and sharing insights from industry leaders. “S-Tron’s event is akin to a carnival, ensuring that every attendee can participate in a way they prefer,” the organizers note. This approach fosters a dynamic exchange of ideas, creating an environment where tech innovation can thrive. Beyond the Event S-Tron offers ongoing support for startups, extending its impact beyond the annual event. “We host a variety of ecological activities every month, tailored for startups, large corporations, entrepreneurial communities, and university students,” the organizers highlight. These activities include monthly pitching sessions, innovation community parties, and closed-door forums with industry leaders. By providing continuous support, S-Tron ensures its influence extends well beyond the two-day event, helping startups connect with investors and industry leaders. Empowering Grassroots Innovation Organizing a large-scale innovation event like S-Tron comes with unique challenges, especially in balancing governmental involvement with the needs of the international startup ecosystem. “In China, it’s rare to have events driven by young people and volunteers like ours,” the organizers admit. Despite these challenges, S-Tron has cultivated an independent and vibrant atmosphere, distinguishing itself from other officially organized activities and enhancing its appeal to the global tech community. S-Tron’s Global Aspirations Looking to the future, S-Tron aims to solidify its position as a key hub for global tech innovation. The organizers are committed to maintaining the event’s grassroots nature, driven by youth and volunteers, while also expanding its international reach. “We hope S-Tron will continue as a youth-led event, becoming a key hub for global tech innovation,” they share. With plans to enhance its global presence and continue supporting young entrepreneurs, S-Tron is poised to become one of the most dynamic and engaging innovation events worldwide.

OIW, founded in 2004 by Oslo Business Region, has become a key event in the global startup ecosystem. Its mission is to support Oslo’s growing startups and connect them with public organizations. Celebrating 20 years in 2023, OIW now hosts over 70 events, attracting more than 16,000 attendees worldwide. “What started as a local initiative has grown into a global platform for innovation, collaboration, and sustainability,” an OIW representative shared. Key Highlights from Recent Editions of OIW Oslo Innovation Week fosters a strong sense of community and continuous collaboration. Notable companies like Kahoot!, Oda, No Isolation, and Strise have participated in OIW, contributing to the ecosystem. “Seeing startups that once pitched their ideas now hosting their events is a true testament to the power of this community,” said the OIW team. This growing collaboration has positioned OIW as a platform for emerging leaders and problem-solvers. Themes Driving OIW Each year, Oslo Innovation Week adopts a theme aligned with global innovation trends. The 2024 theme, “Pioneers,” celebrates individuals and organizations pushing the boundaries of innovation. “We engage with the ecosystem daily to ensure our themes resonate with the startup and innovation community. Climate innovation and sustainability have always been core,” an OIW organizer explained. This focus on addressing climate change has been a consistent driver behind OIW’s success. A Global and Industry-Agnostic Event Oslo Innovation Week attracts diverse participants, including startup founders, investors, and public leaders. OIW is industry-agnostic, with events spanning sectors from health and life science research to the blue economy to ClimateTech and SportsTech. 30% of attendees come from outside Norway, reflecting OIW’s growing global presence. “It’s important to engage with international participants to expand Oslo’s reach beyond the Norwegian bubble,” the OIW team noted. International Collaboration and Global Outreach Managed by the Oslo Business Region, Oslo Innovation Week actively engages with the international innovation community. This involves collaboration with embassies, investors, and Nordic neighbors, and attending events in the UK, Germany, and the US to attract talent and investment to Oslo. “This year, we will welcome back a team from Hokkaido, Japan to the program, hosting an event to support initiatives for female entrepreneurship in the Hokkaido prefecture,” an organizer shared. OIW’s international collaborations continue to strengthen its global reputation. Commitment to Sustainability and Diversity Sustainability is central to OIW, with every event supporting at least one United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). The event has implemented practices like the Zero Waste Takeaway project to reduce waste,” As an umbrella event, we collaborate with over 200 organizers to create sustainable events, promoting vegetarian meals, environmental impact reduction, and providing the City of Oslo’s Climate and Environment Guide for guidance. Additionally, OIW emphasizes diversity and inclusion, requiring gender balance among speakers and hosting DEI workshops, “Last year 52% of all speakers were female. This year, we’ve added a workshop on diversity and inclusion for all event organizers by Diversify, which organizes the  Diversify Nordic Summit, emphasizing the importance of DEI in growing successful companies.” “Our goal is to ensure that every attendee finds value in the event while promoting sustainable and inclusive practices,” stated an organizer. OIW continues to evolve, connecting global innovators with Nordic pioneers and expanding its impact. For more information on Oslo Innovation Week : ➡️ Visit the Oslo Innovation Week program for details on events. ➡️ Sign up for the Oslo Innovation Week newsletter to learn about becoming an OIW event organizer.

B2B Rocks is celebrated as the 3rd largest SaaS event in the world and the 1st in mainland Europe. Held at Station F in Paris, this event connects over 1,600 attendees from 40+ countries, offering unparalleled opportunities for networking, learning, and growth in the SaaS industry.

Maya Noël, General Director at France Digitale, unveils the exciting plans for FDDay 2024. From co-hosting CES 2024 Tech Trends to facilitating networking and collaboration among attendees, this event promises to be a game-changer in the European startup scene. Dive in to discover more about this innovative gathering.

VivaTech 2024, held from May 22 to May 25 at Paris Porte de Versailles, has again proven to be a global epicenter for tech innovation and sustainable advancements. With more than 400,000 business connections made and over 13,500 startups participating, this event has solidified its place as a crucial meeting point for entrepreneurs, investors, and tech enthusiasts worldwide. This VivaTech 2024 recap will highlight the standout moments and key innovations that defined the event.

Join us to discover cutting-edge innovations in artificial intelligence, sustainability, and mobility taking center stage during VivaTech 2024 in Paris.

Join us as we explore how the Waves of Change 2024 Forum fosters dynamic collaboration and sustainability, creating a unique platform for impact-driven organizations to turn connections into action.

Dive into a decade of innovation and growth at the EU-Startups Summit. Attracting thousands of attendees, millions in funding raised, and top industry speakers, it's a must-attend event. Get ready for practical insights, networking opportunities, and the vibrant spirit of Malta.

Joanna Kirk, Tech & Event PR Expert, co-hosted an interactive panel discussion on how to deal with the press in 2024 with journalist Anna Heim (TechCrunch).  In the fast-paced world of technology and startups, staying ahead of the curve requires insight, innovation, and collaboration/community/collective. This ethos was at the forefront of the recent Sesame Summit 2024, held for the first time in the picturesque coastal city of Biarritz, France. As an exclusive gathering of 50 handpicked guests from across Europe and beyond, including VC heads of communications, tech event organizers, and industry experts, the Summit served as a beacon of inspiration, a catalyst for change and a vibrant community gathering.  During the Summit, participants delved deep into the evolving landscape of tech events, exploring key trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of the industry. Throughout informal discussions and debate panels, the Summit provided a platform for thought leaders to exchange ideas, share best practices, and forge meaningful connections. Insights from the PR Panel Discussion: Navigating the Changing Media Landscape During the panel discussion on “How to Deal with the Press in 2024,” we delved deep into the evolving media landscape. Here are a few key takeaways from our discussion: Blurred Boundaries: As communication channels multiply and digital landscapes evolve, the once clear-cut lines between PR and communication are blurring. Navigating this ambiguity demands a nuanced understanding of evolving media dynamics and a willingness to adapt strategies accordingly. AI’s Impact: AI tools have impacted communications and media workflows, automating certain tasks and streamlining processes. Some of the tools mentioned include Otter.AI, Descript or ContentAI. Yet, with this efficiency also comes an inundation of content and a heightened demand for differentiation, challenging communications and PR professionals to cut through the noise and deliver truly impactful narratives. Content Avalanche: Anna mentioned that the exponential surge in content volume has left journalists grappling with an avalanche of pitches and stories, amplifying the competition for attention. Standing out amidst this deluge necessitates a commitment to quality, relevance, and authenticity in storytelling. Events are an important means of connecting with journalists and building meaningful relationships.  Evolving Partnerships: Traditional media partnerships are undergoing a lot of change, with brands and media outlets seeking innovative collaborations that transcend traditional boundaries. This evolution presents both opportunities and challenges, requiring brands to navigate shifting landscapes and forge authentic connections with their audiences. How to create the best experience for journalists at events: Some key considerations include providing journalists with key information ahead of the event, avoiding scheduling conflicts with other events, facilitating interviews and networking, having a dedicated press lounge, ensuring moments of connection with speakers, providing guidance to meet key players & startups, providing moderation opportunities, avoiding spamming, curated content, and a local ecosystem press tour.  Conclusion Beyond the panel discussions, participants had the opportunity to connect with like-minded peers and contribute to the collective advancement of the industry. From candid conversations to spirited debates in breakout sessions, we were able to talk about the realities, challenges, and opportunities that define the tech event landscape.  While the Summit provided a platform for immediate dialogue and exchange, the impact also lies in the ongoing conversations and collaborations that continue after the event has concluded.  As someone who attended all eight Summit editions and took part in their inception, I was curious to see if the Summits’ essence, which consisted of informal discussions, community connections, and lively debates addressing collective topics in our industry, was still relevant. The end of the Summit confirmed the feeling I had the first few minutes I set foot at Biarritz Aquarium at the welcome event, which is that there is still a need for moments/gatherings/a dedicated platform like this. And of course, communities, event formats, and challenges continuously evolve, but I believe that may be the exact reason why the essence of the Summit is alive and kicking. 

Over three days, ChangeNOW 2024 actively united innovators and changemakers, directly tackling global challenges with a collaborative spirit. The event thrived on opportunity, networking, and learning, inspired by a shared commitment to change. The Sesamers team, delighted to participate, is proud to present this concise summary, highlighting the event’s impactful and forward-thinking activities. Key figures Showcasing 1,000 Solutions ChangeNOW 2024 impressively featured 1,000 solutions across multiple sectors, highlighting innovation in addressing global challenges. The event included exhibitions and conferences covering a wide array of topics like ecosystem acceleration, biodiversity, and circular economy. Additionally, it emphasized sectors like education, energy, fashion, and health. Each area demonstrated unique approaches and technologies, aiming to foster a sustainable and inclusive future. Here are some of the main exhibitors of this year’s event: Bpifrance, Microsoft, Space4food, Necense, Urbyn, Housing-now, JOA, Schneider electric, Kering Generation Award, French red cross, Kinome, Rofim, Mixity, Enso, Wayout, Rebond For the whole list. Connecting Innovators At ChangeNOW 2024, networking was facilitated through an app, allowing attendees to schedule meetings and connect. The event also featured exclusive lounges for premium and investor pass holders, promoting interaction among executives and investors. Spontaneous meeting points throughout the venue were set up to encourage impromptu discussions and collaborations. Artistic Expression The “Art for Change” initiative at ChangeNOW 2024 showcased artists’ critical role in social and environmental change, featuring multidisciplinary art exhibitions and interactive discussions. Furthermore, the initiative offered insights into eco-friendly art production, emphasizing sustainable practices. This highlighted art’s ability to both reflect and influence shifts towards sustainability. Here are some of the speakers included in this session: Lémofil, Artist; Nicolas Dhers, CEO, FLUCTUATIONS; and Guila Clara Kessous, Artist for Peace, Peace Ambassador&Executive Coach, UNESCO. Full list of speakers. Diverse Learning and Innovation ChangeNOW 2024’s extensive program, boasting over 100 thematic conferences and workshops across seven stages, spanned a wide range of topics, including art, culture, biodiversity, and sustainable urban development. Moreover, the program’s diversity was evident in its variety of formats, such as conferences, pitches, and workshops, each uniquely highlighting different ecosystem aspects. Here are some speakers include in this session: Cyril Garcia, Head of Global Sustainability Services and Corporate Responsibility, Capgemini; Ritu Raj, Global Head of Sustainability Technology, Unilever; and Anatol Poyer-sleeman, Associate Counsel, Founders Law. Want more from Sesamers? Stay tuned for all the tech talk! Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X to keep up with more news and behind-the-scenes moments from various tech events ✌️