Leeds Digital Festival is to return in April and May 2019.
Following a record year in 2018, when 20,000 people heard from 660 speakers at 170 events, the UK’s largest digital sector event outside London Tech Week will return from Tuesday 23rd April to Friday 3rd May.
There are already 60 events listed including Women in Leeds Digital, a full day conference which will showcase the range of female activity within the digital sector; Super Connect Venture Lab for start-ups; and the return of Code in the Dark.
The festival has also attracted record levels of sponsorship for 2019, with leading tech businesses BJSS and Crisp Thinking taking their place alongside the University of Leeds and Leeds City Council as lead sponsors.
Other sponsors include Sky Betting and Gaming, digital agency Tall, law firm Womble Bond Dickinson, and the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership.
Delegations from Estonia, the United States, China and Hong Kong have announced their intention to attend.
Festival director Stuart Clarke said: “Leeds Digital Festival has grown rapidly in recent years to become one of the most significant digital events in the UK.
“Its reputation in the tech sector, like that of Leeds itself, has also grown internationally which we are seeing represented again in 2019.
“One of the keys to that success has been the open platform structure which allows anyone who is interested in digital and tech to organise, host and attend any events they like.
“This has helped to foster a hugely collaborative and inclusive environment where people come together to create the best experience possible.
“So, if you have an idea and want to get involved, we say come and play and let’s make 2019 the biggest year yet.”
Adam Hildreth, founder and CEO of Crisp Thinking, added: “The Leeds Digital Festival has gone from strength to strength over the last few years and has put the spotlight on the incredible tech talent and innovation in the city.
“As a fast-growing tech firm based in Leeds and working across the globe, we’re really pleased to a be main sponsor this year.”
Mike Buck, head of delivery at BJSS, also commented: “As one of the largest technology companies in Leeds, BJSS is thrilled to be supporting the largest digital festival in the North.
“We’re looking forward to collaborating with the over 20,000 contributors, global experts and delegates that the Leeds Digital Festival attracts, and we can’t wait to see the amazing events that are planned for this year.”