Spotlight on UK tech talent at digital showcase DigiFest

A digital showcase to celebrate all that the south east tech community has to offer is taking place on September 22 in Sussex – with two of the UK’s foremost tech champions, with links to Microsoft, headlining the event.

DigiFest will show off the area’s digital talent and give visitors the opportunity to chat with digital professionals, make new connections, find work opportunities, and build partnerships.

Sarah Cronk, DigiFest event organiser, said: “Covering everything from sector studies, starting up, and finding talent, to diversity in tech and how to make your digital business greener, there’s really something for everyone.

“Or why not pop into one of our skills-based workshops to learn something new about coding or digital marketing?”

Speakers at the event, organised by Chalk – a business-led initiative started in 2020 and run by custom software specialists Switchplane – include Amali de Alwis MBE, who is a serial entrepreneur and tech startup business leader.

She was more recently CEO at Subak, the world’s first not-for-profit accelerator and data community that scales climate impact through data, policy, and public behaviour.

Prior to this, she was UK Managing Director of Microsoft for Startups, and CEO of multi award-winning social enterprise Code First: Girls.

Amali was named The Most Influential Woman in UK IT by Computer Weekly and awarded an MBE in 2019 for Services to Diversity and Training in the Tech Industry.

Her session will be a fireside chat, with Josh Babarinde OBE, on building tech into early-stage business.

Philip Fumey is Technology Strategist for the Professional Services Industry at Microsoft.

He is a CTO and consulting lead for UK High Tech companies and is passionate about how inclusive tech can transform businesses to offer sustainable and profitable businesses. His session will be Building Future Services – Digital Readiness from Cyber Security to AI.

Whether you’re a digital professional, a business, a student taking your first steps on the career ladder or a company looking for a new tech partner, DigiFest invites you to be inspired and learn something new.

There will be talks, workshops, tours, and an exhibition, as well as the opportunity to network and enjoy a drink with other attendees.

Digifest is being organised by custom software specialists Switchplane and supported by PRG Marketing Communications, Recursive, Racquet Studios, Eastbourne Chamber, Josh Babarinde OBE, East Sussex Careers Hub, and Bees Homes. Sponsors include Cloud ConnX, Birchwood Group, East Sussex College Group, FOUNDRY, Hetherington International Services, Bexhill College, and Switchplane.

The event takes place on Friday, September 22 at Eastbourne’s Welcome Building, BN21 4BP. Tickets cost £17.50 and include a sandwich lunch. To book, and for more information, see the website: https://www.eastbournedigifest.com/