TechNExt brings everyone together, businesses, founders, students, and tech professionals from across the North East for a week of all things tech. With events taking place across multiple locations and a wide range go themes, it can be difficult to know where to start. We have compiled these 12 must do experiences to help you plan your week.
Events & Opportunities at TechNExt 2026
1. Grab a cocktail and meet everyone at the Festival Party.
The Festival Party takes place at Revolución de Cuba Newcastle on Thursday 18th June. It brings together attendees, speakers, and organisers in one space for the main social moment of the week.
2. Talk to companies that are actually hiring.
The Tech Careers Fair is hosted at the Crowne Plaza Newcastle by Dynamo North East on Wednesday 17th June. Employers attend to present roles and speak directly with candidates.
3. Kick things off with the biggest ideas of the week.
The Festival Launch takes place at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead on Monday 15th June. It features talks from technology leaders and introduces the key themes of the week.
4. Try, test and experience creative tech in action.
The Creative Tech Hub is held at Sheepfolds Stables in Sunderland on Friday 19th June. It includes demos and talks focused on creative technology and applied digital projects.
5. Chat to tech leaders over dinner.
The Industry Dinner is held at the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art rooftop on Tuesday 16th June. It brings together founders, business leaders, and senior professionals for structured networking over dinner.
6. Jump into the topics you actually care about.
TechNExt is organised around four hubs: Data & AI, Creative Tech, Tech for Good, and Tech Startups. Each hub groups sessions by topic, allowing you to follow a clear theme throughout the week. See the full programme here.
7. Put your own event on the TechNExt map.
You can organise a Fringe Event as part of the festival. You are responsible for the venue, speakers, and attendee communication via the TechNExt platform. Limited funding may support venue or catering costs. Events must be planned in advance, include named speakers, follow a clear schedule, and be free to attend.
Submit your fringe ideas here.
8. Be in the same room as the people shaping the festival.
Sponsors Drinks takes place in Newcastle on Monday 15th June. It is open to sponsors and organisations that have signed the TechNExt Pledge, and is designed for direct networking between partners and contributors.
9. Step up and run your own hub session.
You can submit a session within a hub (Data & AI, Creative Tech, Tech for Good, Tech Startups). Sessions last 30 to 90 minutes and can be a keynote, panel, or workshop. The festival covers venue costs, and sessions are scheduled by the hub team.
10. Be part of what inspires the next generation.
The Schools Challenge takes place at Morpeth Leisure Centre on Wednesday 17th June. Students complete activities with tech employers and learn about key themes and careers in the sector.
11. Bring your whole team into the festival.
Organisations signing the TechNExt Pledge commit to sending team members to events during the week, giving them the opportunity to gain new insights, make new connections and celebrate our vibrant tech sector.
12. Put your brand at the centre of it all.
There are still opportunities to sponsor TechNExt 2026 and put your name against this thriving celebration of North East tech. There are multiple levels of sponsorship available, you can find out more here.
Final Thoughts
Explore the full TechNExt 2026 programme to browse all events and plan your schedule in advance to make the most of the week. We also encourage organisations to get involved beyond attending, whether by signing the Pledge, submitting a session, or hosting a Fringe event. Each of these contributes to building a stronger and more connected tech ecosystem across the North East. To find out more or get involved, visit the TechNExt website to drop us a message.
