TechNExt 2024

TechNExt 2024: A Celebration of Innovation and Sustainability

TechNExt 2024 was a week-long technology festival held across the North East of England, showcasing the region's thriving tech sector. Co-organised by Dynamo North East CIC, Sunderland Software City, and delivered by BeaconHouse Events, the festival brought together over 3,000 attendees, including businesses, talent, and the wider community. TechNExt 2024 went beyond showcasing the region's tech scene, emphasising collaboration and sustainability.

A core objective was to establish TechNExt as a "Festival for Good." BeaconHouse Events proactively drove the sustainability agenda, developing the "Good Festival Ambition" and a "Sustainability Code of Conduct" to guide all stakeholders. This code addressed key areas like transport, venue selection, catering, and communication, encouraging sustainable practices throughout the festival.

Sustainability was deeply embedded in the TechNExt experience. A vegetarian-by-default approach was adopted at curated events, promoting more sustainable dietary choices. The festival minimised printed materials, opting for digital solutions and reusing existing resources. Furthermore, TechNExt prioritised collaboration with like-minded partners, working exclusively with North East suppliers and venues committed to sustainability.

TechNExt 2024 successfully showcased the North East's tech sector while demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability. The festival served as a model for future events, inspiring others to integrate sustainability into their planning and operations.

Key takeaways: • Sustainability was a core focus of the festival, driven by the "Good Festival Ambition" and a comprehensive Sustainability Code of Conduct. • Key sustainability initiatives included a vegetarian-by-default approach, minimising printed materials, and prioritising local and sustainable suppliers. • Challenges were experienced and solutions were found to overcome and develop new ways of running events to be more sustainable • TechNExt 2024 demonstrated that large-scale events can be both successful and sustainable. • BeaconHouse Events is advocating for industry wide progress, and acting as champions in driving sustainable change