Ladies and gentlemen, the moment is almost here: TNW Valencia is next week!
In case you’ve been living under a rock (or are you traitor if you’re constantly visiting another tech site), we’re taking our beloved festival on the road. After 16 fabulous years in Amsterdam, we’re bringing the show to the Mediterranean coast of Spain – and you’re all invited.
We’re not just here for the sun, sea and sand – far from it, in fact. Valencia has one of the fastest growing innovation ecosystems in Spain, and the highest number of startups per capita in the country. On March 30 and 31, we will showcase the best of the region’s technology in front of over 2,000 guests.
Over the course of two days, attendees will enjoy inspirational talks, networking events, learning opportunities and the same festivities as our Amsterdam flagship. The entire editorial team will be there too, looking forward to your company, ideas and, of course, abuse.
Valencia is one of the most exciting tech centers in the world.
In total, we are hosting over 100 speakers, 75 investors, 90 exhibitors and 3,000 meetings. Of course, this created one big problem: You can’t catch them all. To help you find your way through a jam-packed agenda, here are eight of the highlights of TNW Valencia.
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1. Official Opening Ceremony and Party
While the main agenda begins on March 30, the fun begins a day earlier, at our opening party.
Our guest list includes a wide variety of political heavyweights. These include Diana Morant, Spain’s Minister of Science and Innovation; Sandra Gómez, Deputy Mayor of Valencia; Arcadi España García, Finance Minister of the Generalitat Valenciana; and Borja Sanjuan, Vice Mayor of Economic Development in the City of Valencia.
Join them (and us) at Zeus Valencia from 19:00 for drinks, bites and networking. To register for the party, click here.
2. Paddle Game
The Opening Party is one of 10 side events, offering a healthy mix of learning, networking and partying. On March 31, you can also join in a paddle tournament at the Valencia Tennis Center. I’m waiting on the court, so you better bring your f-game on.
3. Unacceptable Speaker
We’ve assembled a dazzling array of keynote speeches, fireside chats, panel discussions and workshops. With more tech giants than at the PayPal reunion, it’s hard to rank the speakers — but here are five of my favorites:
Henny Zachariassen, Founder and CEO, Vivino
Zachariassen created the world’s most downloaded wine app and the largest online wine marketplace. His company has made wine more accessible – and I’m speaking from experience. My use of Vivino has become alarmingly frequent, but at least it’s finding me quality planks at affordable prices.
Our speakers will shine a light on sustainability, AI, deep tech and more.
Katika Roy, Founder and CEO, Pipeline Equity
An award-winning economist and former Global 500 executive, Roy founded Pipeline Equity in 2017. In Valencia, she will discuss how to close the innovation gap.
Miguel Angel Leal, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at LaLiga
As a digital flagship in LaLiga, Ángel brings innovation to a renowned football league. His role combines the best of both tech and sports, which sounds like a dream job to me – apart from my position at TNW, of course.
Jen Carter, Global Head of Technology at Google.org
Carter leads the pro bono initiative at Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Big G. Having spent six years in the organization and a decade on Google’s Trust & Safety team, Carter has a unique understanding of how to use technology for good.
Alex Roca, Ambassador at FC Barcelona
It’s not just tech leaders who are taking the stage. One of our most intriguing speakers is Alex Roca, who recently became the first person with a 76% physical disability to complete a marathon. At TNW Valencia, he will make his first public speech after achieving the feat.
4. FT Power Hours
Our dear overlords at the Financial Times are bringing their best minds to Valencia. In a series of sessions called FT Power Hours, he will discuss the hottest business trends in tech with industry leaders.
5. Startup Pitch Battle
It’s not all fun and games. While we at TNW don’t condone violence, we do love a pitch fight – and this one is sure to get fierce. Some of the world’s most exciting startups will present their ideas to our distinguished jury.
The stakes of the startup will be high.
Challengers will compete for the attention of top investors, a collection of prizes, and — most importantly — a profile by your favorite editorial team. I mean, like.
And if you need to sharpen your skills, check out the Startup Pitching Workshop on Thursdays at 12:30PM.
6. TNW Ferris Wheel Ride
It wouldn’t be a TNW celebration without our favorite Ferris wheel. As well as offering fun rides and stunning views, carriages are the perfect place for private meetings – partly because your interlocutor can’t leave.
7. Stroll the Trading Floor
Our exhibition floor hosts a vibrant mix of ideas and products.
The 92 organizations in the business hall include big brands such as Mercadona, HubSpot and HelloPrint; Valencian tech players such as Sesame HR, Social Nest and Delivers.ai; and government agencies including Spain Up Nation, Valencia Activa, Generalitat, Invest in Valencia.
There’s a lot to see, but our floor plan should ease your way through the space.
The amphitheater is dotted with stages, exhibitors and lounges
I could go on, but my schedule is already strained. Hopefully, these seven tips are enough to help you enjoy your festivities.
If they are not, feel free to give me feedback in the bar. I’ll take an agua de valencia, por favor.
Source: thenextweb.com
