BUSINESS NEWS
BATH DIGITAL FESTIVAL RETURNS THIS JULY
Bath Digital Festival ( BDF ) is returning to the city this summer to bring you a stellar selection of engaging workshops , keynotes and panel sessions .
Organised by techSPARK , the largest tech network in the West , the week-long event will take place from Monday 10th - Friday 14th July . The full schedule for the festival is set to be announced soon , but in the meantime make a note in your diary for a week which promises to be filled with exploration , innovation and inspiration . The festival will showcase the groundbreaking tech and digital innovation which is fostered in the city , with sessions hosted across multiple iconic locations .
A key belief behind BDF is that tech conferences should be fun , engaging and open to all , regardless of experience . From exploring ways in which innovation can save our planet , to storytelling in tech , BDF will be encouraging everyone to participate through interactive seminars , workshops and activity .
This year , BDF will be covering five essential themes : Curiosity , Creativity , Collaboration , Critical Thinking & Celebration , and Climate . Each topic will define a different day , meaning attendees can fully immerse themselves . Across the week , the themes will highlight the diversity and vibrancy of Bath ’ s tech community .
Lucy Paine , techSPARK Community Manager for Bath , said , " We are really excited to be curating the Bath Digital Festival in 2023 . Our key ask to the community is : What conversation are you going to start ? There are keynote sessions , workshops , showcases and celebrations all in planning to ensure there is something for everyone . The festival will appeal to anyone working in or interested in the digital and tech space including those looking to work in the industry . It ' s going to be an amazing week .
" We ’ re particularly excited to see how individuals and organisations across the city will interpret our five themes ."
THE FIVE THEMES IN MORE DETAIL ...
Curiosity - Let ’ s investigate the future and explore new worlds . This could be science fiction or what ’ s in action already , using old tech in new ways , forming an idea vs the reality of executing it . Monday could be crystal ball gazing or demonstrating practical applications for exciting new solutions . Let ’ s get excited about the future , starting now .
Creativity - Technology is nothing without the story . We are a city of creatives . Tuesday we ’ ll be unpacking how the story has changed , our relationship with audiences , and how we will engage in the future , online and in person . Let ’ s use this day to share our visions , showcase solutions and get creative .
Collaboration - We can change the world if we work together . We are a tech community built around collaboration , bringing ideas and passion together . On Wednesday , let ’ s look at the world differently , help and listen to each other to build strong conversations .
Critical Thinking & Celebration - What do we need in place for our technology revolution ? The vision needs a strategy , it needs to be secure , well considered and ready for whatever the future brings . On Thursday we ’ ll be getting into the details and debate the challenges .
Climate - Building a better world . Our climate ranges from our mind to our planet , from micro changes at a personal level to global conversations . What can we do today for a better tomorrow ? On Friday we bring the week together into the how . What are the next steps for us all ?
Sharing his thoughts on techSPARK curating the festival for 2023 , techSPARK Managing Director , Ben Shorrock , said , “ Bath is techSPARK ’ s home , the place it all started for us , and we ’ re so pleased to be curating Bath Digital Festival this year .
“ Expect the usual techSPARK flavour for the week . We ’ ll be bringing the brightest minds in South West tech together , facilitating valuable connections and building core relationships , all against the backdrop of an exciting festival .
" Thanks to the solid foundations of BDF , we know it ’ s set to be an awesome week full of sharing knowledge and we ’ re looking forward to putting a techSPARK spin on the festival . " After the success of curating the Bristol Technology Festival ( BTF ) in October 2022 , the whole techSPARK team are delighted to be taking on BDF . With the likes of BT and Google Garage scheduled to deliver events , it ’ s already shaping up to be a fantastic week ."
As part of the week , techSPARK ’ s regional tech award scheme , the SPARKies is to be hosted in Bath on Thursday 13th July . The annual event will once again bring people , businesses and innovators from across the South West together to celebrate innovation , start-ups and scaling businesses .
Ben , added , “ It ’ s been 11 years since we held our first ever SPARKies in the centre of Bath , and we can ’ t wait to be returning the party to its roots this year . Keep an eye out for nominations opening soon !”
If you ' re interested in getting involved in Bath Digital Festival email Lucy Paine at : lucy @ techspark . co
To find out more about the SPARKies visit : www . sparkies . techspark . co
For more info : www . techspark . co / bdf ./
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