In just a few days, Ukraine’s leading tech event, IT Arena, will kick off in Lviv. This year, it celebrates its tenth anniversary, paying tribute to a decade of technology. Over the years, despite all the challenges, such as the pandemic and the onset of full-scale war, the conference has expanded and outgrown its previous venue at the Arena Lviv stadium. Attendees can expect to be amazed by new vibrant locations, of course, taking into account and adhering to maximum safety measures.
Lviv IT Cluster, as tradition goes, has prepared an extensive program for IT Arena guests: more than 100 top speakers, 50 various meetups outside the main venue, and networking events. It takes a lot of work to choose from multiple topics and events. Lesia Mandzevych, the Event Director of Lviv IT Cluster, shares her favorites.
The first day of the conference will begin with the Opening Ceremony, traditionally led by the symbol of IT Arena – an AI prototype, Arina. She will kick off Ukraine’s most significant tech event and invite participants to explore the program.
“This year, we’re returning with the traditional 4 tracks: Business, Product, Tech, and Startup. Each of them will have its full and independent program, developed with the help of the conference’s program committee that includes experts and our partners from the Ukrainian and global tech community,” says Lesia Mandzevych.
The Business Track will delve into tech market trends, the impact of the global economic recession on tech businesses, and attracting investments in challenging, crisis times.
“Gauthier Vasseur’s presentation from Berkeley on artificial intelligence and its impact on the tech industry is a community event. Additionally, Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov will deliver an intriguing presentation, followed by a discussion involving representatives from the Ministry, the business sector, and the public sector. The topic under consideration is whether Ukraine can leverage the current crisis as an opportunity to establish itself as a global defense hub,” Lesia shares.
The Product Track will be equally captivating. One of IT Arena’s keynote speakers, Stephanie Musat from WARNER BROS, will open it. She will discuss how to develop digital products, using examples from her experience. Additionally, many experts will discuss planning, branding, the impact of artificial intelligence, and gamification on product development.
“We will wrap up with a high note, hosting a panel discussion featuring representatives from the Ministry of Digital Transformation, PROZORRO, and Medychni Zakupivli. They will explore strategies for enhancing the efficiency and speed of developing state services,” explains the Lviv IT Cluster’s Event Director.
The heart of the tech conference, the Tech Track, will unfold at the third venue. This year, it includes two activities. The first is traditional presentations and panels that will be held on stage. Alex Dantas, a speaker from Silicon Valley will open the day, discussing “Collaborative Manufacturing and the Titanium Economy – Unlikely Sources of Innovation in Robotics and the Local Production Revolution.” Simultaneously, a number of workshops will take place.
“With prior registration, every IT Arena attendee will have the opportunity to delve deeper into various technological aspects. The industry’s best experts will share their knowledge over several hours. Alongside them, everyone will have the chance to learn something new, practical, and perhaps even code,” Lesia Mandzevych explains.
The day will conclude with a networking event. New acquaintances and partnerships are guaranteed.
The second day on the Business Track will be dedicated to global tech markets. Speakers will discuss how companies can operate in Asia, the USA, or the United Kingdom. One of the critical panels will focus on Ukraine and doing business during times of war, featuring Laurent Dupuch, Chairman of the Board of UKRSIBBANK BNP Paribas Group.
“Another interesting panel discussion will involve the Mayor of Lviv, Andriy Sadovyi, and former Mayor of Palo Alto, Patrick Burt, discussing how to develop communities and cities to make them technological hubs,” adds Lesia Mandzevych.
Simultaneously, on the Product Track, there will be discussions about Ukrainian products already making their mark in new markets. The Tech Track will focus on information and cybersecurity.
One of the main events of the second day of IT Arena will be the Finals and Awards of the Startup Competition. Over two days, startups will compete for cash prizes, mentorship, and potential investments.
After awarding the winners, everyone can look forward to the grand closing ceremony of IT Arena. The Lviv IT Cluster’s Event Director mentions that the team is preparing surprises for conference participants.
“At the ceremony, a Ukrainian artist who skillfully blends technological sounds with Ukrainian folk elements will be performing,” shares Lesia.
Day 3: 50+ Meetups for every interest
The conference’s third day goes beyond traditional tracks and will be dedicated to meetups. This year, there will be approximately 50 diverse meetups covering various topics related to business, product development, technology, and startups. IT Arena meetups will take place in the city’s most vibrant cafes, restaurants, and pubs.
“Meetups are more informal. After IT Arena attendees have already had the chance to get to know each other, together, they can explore the city and engage in interesting discussions over coffee,” shares Lesia.
Lesia recommends attending the meetups dedicated to women in tech and Ukraine’s brand. Additionally, there will be events about new sales methods and technological markets. The full list of meetups is available on the website. Please note that each location has limited seating, so prior registration is mandatory.
It is just a tiny part of what the Ukraine’s leading tech event has in store for its visitors. You can check out the complete IT Arena program on the website. Tickets can be purchased here.
Main Partners of IT Arena: USAID, Ukrsibbank, SoftServe, BMW
Exclusive Partners of IT Arena: Linkup Studio, Sigma Software
Gold Partners of IT Arena: N-iX, Avenga, Vector Software, Squad, Eleks, Simply Contact
Media Partners of IT Arena: The Kyiv Independent, AIN.Capital, NV, LMF
In just a few days, Ukraine’s leading tech event, IT Arena, will kick off in Lviv. This year, it celebrates its tenth anniversary, paying tribute to a decade of technology. Over the years, despite all the challenges, such as the pandemic and the onset of full-scale war, the conference has expanded and outgrown its previous […]
https://itcluster.lviv.ua/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/golovna_novyna.png
