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Speakers announced for TechFest 2021

it@cork has officially launched TechFest 2021, which will take place virtually, from 25th to 27th May.  The three-day technology festival will include speakers from around the globe, interactive panel discussions, technical workshops and one-to-one networking opportunities. Marcus Weldon, former President of Bell Labs and former Corporate Chief Technology Officer of Nokia; and Caroline Dowling, Non-Executive Director at UNICEFIreland, will deliver keynote addresses.

Other speakers confirmed include John Goulding, CEO of Workvivo; Cathal Wilson, COO of Nexalus; Steve Fleming, CEO of Voxxify; and Dr. Fiona Edwards Murphy, cofounder of ApisProtect. With more to be announced over the coming weeks, it@cork has also put out an open call for speakers, inviting those within the technology sector who have a unique perspective to share their expertise. Visit www.itcork.ie for more information.

Speaking on the launch of TechFest 2021, Gillian Bergin, it@cork Chairperson and Senior Consultant with DELL Technologies said: “The way we work and live has been transformed over the last year. Our willingness and ability to embrace future technologies will inform how we all move on from impact of the pandemic. We are so excited to bring back TechFest as a three day conference, showcasing legends, luminaries and thought-leaders on everything tech and future-forward.

“This year, we are inviting attendees and speakers from all over the world and from across different sectors to contribute their ideas and perspectives. From the experience of leading one of the world’s most successful industrial research and scientific development companies to being named in Forbes 30 under 30 list for 2021, attendees will hear from speakers that have adapted to succeed, as the world around them has changed.”

Tickets for TechFest 2021, priced at €20 for it@cork members, €30 for non-members and free for students, are on sale now at bit.ly/TechFest21. Broadcaster Jonathan McCrea will MC the event.

Ms Bergin added: “Over the three days, we have selected themes, topics and speakers that will inform, challenge and energise attendees. Our Innovate track on Day 1 will showcase the disruptive technologies that impact us all. With the theme Transform, Day 2 will explore how current and future transformative technologies will impact the nature of work, from immersive technologies and mixed reality to artificial intelligence and future networking.

“To Inspire on Day 3, we will be challenging attendees to dream and push the limits of what is possible, hearing from start-up founders who are changing the world, cybersecurity gurus and communications strategists.”

The conference is supported by partner organisations, Trend Micro, it@cork skillnet, KPMG, Cork City Council, Berkley Recruitment, Springboard Communications and Dell Technologies. it@cork is one of Ireland’s most established and connected technology clusters representing over 220 companies in the South-West of Ireland. A not-for-profit organisation, it@cork works with academia, private sector and state agencies to promote the region as a technology excellence hub.