Tech conference returns with industry backing

A North East technology conference is returning for a second year with backing from some of the industry’s biggest names.

Amazon Web Services (AWS), CGI, Scott Logic and TrueNorth have joined North East digital consultancy Leighton in supporting the AWS North Community Conference, which will take place at Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead on October 15.

Founded and organised by Leighton, the one-day event was launched last year to bring together developers, engineers, businesses and technology leaders from across the North of England.

Its inaugural edition attracted more than 150 attendees, including 24 speakers and six AWS Heroes, with this year’s event aiming to build on that success through a programme focused on cloud technology, modernisation, migration, serverless computing and artificial intelligence.

Claire Cundill, chief commercial officer at Leighton, said: “The North East has a thriving technology community, with talented people and ambitious businesses doing exciting things with cloud technology.

“Bringing organisations together to share knowledge and experience is an important part of helping that community continue to grow.

“We’re delighted to have AWS, CGI, Scott Logic and TrueNorth on board alongside Leighton.

“Their support reflects a shared commitment to the region and to creating opportunities for people and businesses working across the technology sector.

“Last year’s conference was a fantastic success, with a 100 per cent satisfaction rate among respondents to our feedback survey and more than 92 per cent saying they planned to return.

“We’re looking forward to building on that response and delivering another valuable day for the community.”

This year’s conference will bring together AWS practitioners, technical experts and industry leaders from across the UK and beyond, with discussions covering cloud technology, modernisation, migration, serverless computing and artificial intelligence.

The event is being shaped by a group of North East AWS advocates, including AWS Community Builder Steve Morland and AWS Serverless Hero and Leighton AWS practice lead Lee Gilmore.

They are joined by principal solutions architect Mark Sailes and AWS User Group leader and solutions architect Dan Pudwell.

Organisers say the conference will help strengthen collaboration across the North East’s growing technology sector while giving businesses and professionals access to expertise closer to home.

Attendees will hear from speakers across the AWS ecosystem, explore practical approaches to technology challenges and connect with industry peers.

Usman Shahid, associate director at TrueNorth, added: “At TrueNorth, we believe the tech sector is at its strongest when its people come together to share ideas, build relationships and learn from one another.

“We’re proud to sponsor AWS North Community Conference and support an event that brings some of the region’s brightest technology leaders, developers and innovators together.

“It closely reflects our own commitment to strengthening the local tech communities in the areas we serve, and creating more opportunities for its people and businesses to thrive.”

Colin Eberhardt, chief technology officer at Scott Logic, added: “The North East has a fantastic technology community, and events like AWS North play an important role in bringing people together to share ideas and explore how technology is evolving.

“At Scott Logic, we’ve always valued that kind of open exchange, especially when it's in our home city of Newcastle, so we’re really pleased to support this year’s conference.

“I’m also looking forward to being part of the speaker line-up and joining some great conversations around the future of software engineering and AI.”

The conference is open to businesses, developers, engineers, industry leaders, academics and students.

Tickets are now on sale via Eventbrite, with a social impact allocation available for underrepresented groups, not-for-profit organisations, students and those early in their careers. Please contact community@leighton.com.

More information, including the full speaker line-up and ticket details, is available at www.northcommunityconf.com.

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