Leeds Digital Festival Returns This September For a Two Week Celebration of All Things Tech

· Kirsty Allen · Business

Which events will you be attending?

As one of the biggest tech events in the country, the Leeds Digital Festival lineup is hotly anticipated – here are our highlights!

Leeds Digital Festival is a joyous celebration of all things tech. Now in its eighth iteration, the two-week festival brings together experts from all across the city to share their knowledge, spark debate and fuel inspiration, while showcasing the Leeds tech ecosystem’s uniquely collaborative spirit. It returns from Monday 18th to Friday 29th September 2023 with over 200 events, but where do you start? We’ve rounded up our highlights to help you plan your visit.

Credit: Leeds Digital Festival

Considering Cyber: How to get Young People to Consider a Career in the Cyber Security Industry. It’s crucial we inspire the next generation to consider a career in cyber. This webinar explores the collective responsibility to build a resilient and inclusive workforce to safeguard our digital futures. Takes place online from 11am to 11:45am on Monday 18th September 2023.

Tech Growth UK – How to Land and Grow Your Tech Business in Leeds and West Yorkshire. Join this webinar to find out why Leeds is one of the best places in the UK to launch and grow your tech company – straight from a panel of experts who have done just that. Takes place online from 12pm to 1pm on Monday 18th September 2023.

How to Secure Investment for Your Tech Business. Looking for investment? Join experts from Gordons LLP and Mercia Asset Management for a working lunch and you’ll find out exactly what investors are looking for, how to prepare your business and how to protect your intellectual property. Takes place at Gordons LLP from 12:15pm to 1:15pm on Monday 18th September 2023.

Supercharging your SEO with AI Tools. With the rise of the likes of ChatGPT, the use of AI is increasingly commonplace in digital marketing. This insightful seminar will show you how you should be using AI to support your SEO strategy now, and what you can expect in the future. Takes place at Bobble Digital Limited from 1pm to 3pm on Monday 18th September 2023.

You’re Hired! – Check How Good Your CV is and Test Yourself in an Apprentice-Style Interview. Looking to land your dream job in digital? Attend this interactive session and a panel of experts will review your CV, while conducting mock interviews to help get you job-ready. Takes place at Computer Futures from 1pm to 5pm on Tuesday 19th September 2023.

How to Sell Your Technology Business. If you’re a looking to make a successful exit, this one’s for you. Learn all about the considerations and planning required before, during and after the exit stage of business ownership, while networking with likeminded people. Takes place at Banyan Bar & Kitchen from 3:30pm to 6:30pm on Tuesday 19th September 2023.

Is the Metaverse Dead? Two years on from Facebook’s infamous rebrand, Zuckerberg’s Meta utopia remains far from a (virtual) reality. But like all emerging tech, it’s only after the hype subsides that the innovative use cases emerge. Join a panel of experts as they ponder all things Metaverse. Takes place at Walker Morris LLP from 4:30pm to 7pm on Tuesday 19th September 2023.

Can Tech be the Catalyst for Growth in Women’s Sport? Following a hugely successful Women’s World Cup, join Digital Sport North’s engaging panel discussion digging into the current state of the sports industry for women. Can tech and digital help to offer further growth and opportunity for all? Takes place at The Wardrobe from 5pm to 7pm on Tuesday 19th September 2023.

How a 160 Year Old Building Society is Transforming its User Centred Design. Learn all about YBS’ journey to user-centred design in this insightful event, which also features the chance to get hands on yourself during an interactive ‘science museum’ session. Takes place at Yorkshire Building Society from 6:30pm to 8:30pm on Wednesday 20th September 2023.

Founder F*ckups. Running a startup is tough. This warts and all event will shine a light on the gritty reality behind founding and growing a business, as founders share their awkward stories, biggest mistakes and lessons learned the hard way. Buckle up, it’ll be a bumpy ride. Takes place at Department from 5pm to 7pm on Wednesday 20th September 2023.

HealthTech – Conception to Commercialisation. Learn all about the lifecycle of wearable tech products, from conception to commercialisation, as a trio of experts guide you through everything from product development and research to securing investment and staying compliant. Takes place at DLA Piper from 9:15am to 10:45am on Thursday 21st September 2023.

Demystifying the Barriers for Women in Digital. This fascinating panel discussion will explore how companies need to break down the key barriers stopping women from taking on tech roles, as told by women who have faced and overcome these issues to advance their own careers. Takes place at Leeds Building Society from 5:30pm to 8pm on Monday 25th September 2023.

Credit: Leeds Digital Festival

How to Justify Your Marketing Spend to Your Boss. Are you a marketing manager frustrated by budget restraints and push back? This one’s for you. Equip yourself with the tools and know-how to justify your budget, while learning how to align marketing objectives with overall business strategy.Takes place online from 10:30am to 11:30am on Thursday 28th September 2023.

Hack for Good. Join a day-long hackathon and help Leeds City Council in their mission to help Leeds become a better place to work for all. Whether you’re already in a team or you’re solo and need teammates, there’s plenty of chance to connect with fellow attendees at this inclusive, feel-good event. Takes place at Nexus from 9am to 5pm on Thursday 21st September 2023.

Catchphrase Brain Battle – Human Brilliance vs. AI Algorithms. Can an AI model out-wit a live studio audience at the classic game of Catchphrase? Find out during this engaging evening event, which blends food, drink, entertainment and demos to showcase the thrilling capabilities of AI. Takes place at BJSS from 6pm to 9pm on Thursday 21st September 2023.

Diverse by Design: Celebrating Neurodiversity in our Tech & Teams. After a recent EqualTech report showcased that neuro-inclusive teams make the most competitive tech, neurodiverse figures from the Leeds community share their experiences. Takes place at Glean from 12pm to 2pm on Thursday 28th September 2023.