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Call-out for companies to get involved in TechNExt's fringe festival

THE organisers of a major new festival to promote and celebrate the north east’s growing tech sector have issued a call-out for companies to get involved in the festival’s key fringe programme.

Organised by regional tech network Dynamo and its partner Sunderland Software City, TechNExt Festival will be held throughout the north east from June 19-23 this summer.

Four key ‘anchor’ events have already been confirmed: An industry dinner at the Radisson Blu Hotel Durham (Tuesday, June 20); a conference in City Hall, Sunderland (Wednesday, June 21): A tech talent fair hosted in Gateshead (Thursday, June 22) and a festival party at Revolucion de Cuba, Newcastle (Thursday, June 22).

Now organisers have called on local tech companies and venues to get involved in the festival’s showcase fringe programme, which will be run throughout the week and is seen as a vital part of the TechNExt Festival.

Laura Kennedy, Operations Manager at Sunderland Software City, explained: “We’re looking for 30 or more events, activities, workshops, experiences or talks to be spread throughout the week of TechNExt Festival. The events can be held morning, noon or night and anywhere in between, and we’re already working with venues to host our fringe events.

“The fringe programme is going to be a massive part of the week and we’re confident it will help us to engage with those who are already working within the sector, and those who aren’t – yet.

“The fringe events can be in-person, virtual or a hybrid and we’re looking to host activities across the region. We’re really keen to hear ideas from companies, groups or individuals.”

One company that has already confirmed its interest in organising and hosting fringe events is independent technology consultancy Opencast, which has confirmed that it will be a headline sponsor of the festival.

Opencast Chief Executive Tom Lawson said: “We don’t just want to support the festival from the side lines: we want to be a big part of it. Our team is planning a range of events and activities at our Hoults Yard offices in Newcastle as part of the fringe programme.

“We’re excited and proud to be supporting the first TechNExt as a headline sponsor. June’s festival week promises to be massive for the region.

“Promoting and growing the North East technology sector has been an Opencast priority since we were founded in Byker in 2012 – as has been our work to improve the lives of people living and working in the region.”

Laura added: “We’re delighted to have Opencast as a headline sponsors and are thrilled they’ll also be part of our fringe programme.

“We’re asking other tech companies and organisations to throw their doors open and shine a light on the amazing tech we have in this region. We want organisations to come forward to suggest ideas for our fringe events – we want to involve as many as possible from the sector.

“If companies have an idea about a fringe event, or have a speaker suggestion, but are struggling to find the right sort of venue, we can help match up activities, speakers and venues.

“We want our fringe programme to create a bit of buzz and excitement around the possibilities and opportunities our brilliant tech sector can offer.”

A newly-launched website and social media channels will keep people informed about the festival. The website also has contact details if you have an idea or suggestion for the fringe festival.

TechNExt is an ambitious, north east wide festival celebrating and showcasing the strength and breadth of north east tech. Headline sponsors are Sage, Opencast, Newcastle Strategic Solutions and Digital Catapult.

Dynamo members will receive discounts to ticketed events.

Dynamo North East is made up of tech organisations, large corporate employers in the region, consultants, technology hubs, education providers, local government and suppliers to the industry. Dynamo relies on the support of the region’s tech organisations to help achieve regional growth in the sector, promote the region externally, develop skills and education, and support regional research and development.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Hoults Yard .