In-person, Virtual, or Hybrid: Choose Your Tech Event in 2021
May 12, 2021
It’s not news that COVID-19 dramatically transformed the event industry. Although in 2021, many events will remain in the digital format, some of them decided to go back offline or switch to hybrid. We’ve collected the 12 most exciting tech events of 2021 to match everybody’s taste and even the most diverse interests. Choose wisely!
Virtual Events
Date: May 18-20, 2021
Ticket price: free
Google I/O undoubtedly is the trendsetting event in the Android world. For 13 years in a row (except 2020) Google I/O gathers developers from all over the globe to listen to the new Google accomplishments, participate in thoughtful discussions and learn more about Android, Google Pay, Machine Learning, or Firebase trends. This year, Google will surprise attendees with its latest products, with a slight difference: the 2021 event is free of charge. Don’t miss it.
Date: May 25-27, 2021
Ticket price: TBA
If building software with Microsoft is your passion, then Microsoft Build is the go-to event to pump your skills. The event organizers promise the 2021 event will be nothing but a full package of emotions and new experiences. Leading speakers such as Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, Amanda Silver, CVP of Product and Developer Tools, and others will share secrets on how students can find new opportunities, how to make your product exclusive, how to find good solutions from terrible situations or how to sharpen your skills to become an outstanding developer.
Date: September 7-9, 2021
Ticket price: TBA
This event promises to give low-code inspiration and motivation to your team. It doesn’t matter what your job title is, Mendix is open for everyone: from entrepreneurs and company founders to architects and developers. In the past, Mendix boasted over 20 product announcements. In 2021, the founders promise the event will be nothing like boring Zoom presentations. What’s included? A unique digital experience that will make you forget you are actually on the coach.
Date: October 12-14, 2021
Ticket price: Starter pass – free; Powerhouse pass – $69
INBOUND is well-known not as a simple conference, but a place with exhilarating entertainment and priceless experience. Among the event’s former speakers were Reddit Co-Founder Alexis Ohanian, legendary journalist Katie Couric, and social justice titan Bryan Stevenson. INBOUND gathers people from various industries to answer the ultimate question of “what’s next”. This event is a great opportunity for many entrepreneurs to enhance their work, company, as well as educate the team.
Hybrid Events
Date: June 28-July 1, 2021
Venue: Barcelona, Spain + Virtual
Ticket price: TBA
Last year the Mobile World Congress was canceled because of the pandemic. In 2021, the organizers want to take full advantage of the “hard times” and adapt the format to the current reality. All MWC presentations and satellite events will revolve around topics like technology and pandemic recovery, the new workplace, information spread and misinformation, digital health services, etc. Keynote speakers such as Anne Boden, CEO of Starling Bank, Sarah Wilkinson, CEO of NHS Digital, Nick Read, CEO of Vodafone, and many others will share their insights on how 5G will transform our world. The primary idea of the congress is to allow virtual connection to be easier and closer to face-to-face interaction.
Date: July 31-August 5, 2021
Venue: Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas + Virtual
Ticket price: in-person pass from $1595; virtual pass from $995
Black Hat USA presents a unique hybrid event experience, offering a cybersecurity community a choice between a virtual and live event in Las Vegas. The biggest hacking conference in the world provides 4 days of training with fully interactive classes and labs taught by experts from around the globe. Briefings are also a major part of the event: attendees get to know the latest research in information security risks, developments, and trends. Security themes include critical information infrastructure to IoT, applied security, network defense, and such. Choosing Black Hat means being ready to meet thousands of security professionals and find answers to all your pressing questions.
Date: September 30-October 1, 2021
Venue: Amsterdam, Netherlands + Virtual
Ticket price: digital pass €100, in-person + digital – starting from €800
Having fun in the fresh air can be coupled with a global digital conference. Still in doubt? Visit TNW to see it with your own eyes. The event unites international tech executives, policy-makers, and top-tier investors. TNW is created to boost communication of global tech ecosystem actors by networking and collaboration in times of pandemic. TNW former speakers include Kate Freebairn, Design Director at Google Nest, Rebecca Roth, Social Media Specialist & Imaging Coordinator at NASA, and Peggy Alford, EVP Global Sales at Paypal, etc. In 2021, any member of the tech community is invited to join TNW either in person or online.
Date: October 7-9, 2021
Venue: Lviv, Ukraine + Virtual
Ticket price: TBA
In 2021, one of the key tech events in Eastern Europe – IT Arena – returns as a hybrid event. With former speakers like Esther Dyson, Oobah Butler, Richard Stallman, Alexander Nix, and others, IT Arena aims to maximize offline networking opportunities while expanding its audience via the event’s flagship web and mobile platform. Three jam-packed program days, the world’s top brands, stellar speakers, hottest early-stage startups, and festival spirit make IT Arena the event you can’t miss.
In-Person Events
Date: August 16-19, 2021
Venue: Orlando, Florida, USA
Ticket price: starting from $1395
Data Center World offers both informative events and technology providers with solutions for your enterprise. The event will include demos on vital security issues, sessions on electrical power and data center design, and talks about real-world projects from companies like Tractor Supply Co., Banner Health, Facebook, and Google. Visit the event to discover new tech products that will help you or your organization run cost-effectively.
Date: September 3-7, 2021
Venue: Berlin, Germany
Ticket price: TBA
IFA Berlin welcomes top manufacturers, developers, retailers, buyers, etc., to take part in the world’s leading trade fair for consumer and home electronics. In 2021, this global tech platform returns to Berlin as a full-scale in-person event, adding such satellite events as Tech Up for Women Conference and Berlin Photo Week. Connect with mentors, clients, and investors, get inspired by cutting-edge technology, exciting product presentations, and interactive exhibitor rooms at IFA Berlin 2021. The event attracts international trade visitors from more than 100 countries, and you can become one of them.
Date: September 23-24, 2021
Venue: Budapest, Hungary
Ticket price: starting from €311
JSConf invites you to have an outstanding learning experience by working on the things you like. The conference provides the JavaScript community with space where everyone can go deeper into new technologies, ideas, and culture. In 2019, attendees were amazed by presentations from speakers like Benedicte Raae who discussed privacy trackers, Kat Kitay with Web Norms of the World, and Javascript Performance by Taylor Fairbank. Don’t miss the event this time!
Date: November 9-11, 2021
Venue: Santa Clara, CA, USA
Ticket price: starting from $495
AWE USA is a large-scale event for gamers and one of the key AR/VR events and expos. The event is also called the epicenter of the Spatial Computing industry as the top innovators, developers, and product leaders are gathering in one place. It is a great opportunity to unravel the secrets of such companies as Facebook, Disney, Johnson & Johnson, and dive into the atmosphere of immersive and enabling technologies.
