Early bird tickets to be released for Eastbourne DigiFest
A showcase to celebrate all that the digital community in Eastbourne has to offer is being launched this month with the opportunity to snap up early bird tickets at a discount.
DigiFest, organised by Chalk, will take place all day on Friday September 22 to showcase the town’s digital talent and give visitors the opportunity to chat with digital professionals, make new connections, find work opportunities, and build partnerships.
Organisers Chalk Eastbourne – a business-led initiative started in 2020 and run by custom software specialists Switchplane - also hope the event will kick-start a push to grow the total of digital jobs in Eastbourne to 10,000.
Carrie Hall, Donna Fielder, Sarah Cronk from Switchplane.
Sarah Cronk, DigiFest event organiser, said, “Eastbourne DigiFest is not just about celebrating the thriving digital sector in our town, but also about supporting its growth and contributing to the local economy.
“Our aim is to establish digital as a third sector after hospitality and tourism, and to create more employment opportunities and innovative businesses in the area.
“With a target of 10,000 digital jobs in Eastbourne, we believe that events like DigiFest can help to achieve this goal by bringing together businesses, professionals, and students to showcase the best of what our town has to offer.”
Josh Babarinde OBE, the town’s prospective parliamentary candidate for the Lib Dems, added, “DigiFest will bring together local tech innovators to share best practice and forge new partnerships to pave the way for even more digital jobs in our town.
“Packed full of energy and ideas, DigiFest will well and truly prove that Eastbourne is on the up and at the forefront of the economy’s growing digital sector.”
Whether you’re a digital professional, a local business, a student taking your first steps on the career ladder or a company looking for a new tech partner, Eastbourne DigiFest invites you to be inspired, learn something new and discover our beautiful town.
There will be talks, workshops, tours, and an exhibition, as well as the opportunity to network and enjoy a drink with other attendees.
Donna Fielder and fellow digital enthusiasts at a previous Chalk event.
Speakers include Will Callaghan from TechResort, Phil Jones from Wired Sussex, Charlie Mercer from COADEC, Ethan Brierley from TrueLayer, Adam from PRG, Grace Prior from Diverse Sussex/Silicon Brighton, Dan Wallman from Technative Digital, Kim Byford from Talent Accelerator, Donna Harfield from East Sussex College, Lewis Hobden from Switchplane and Russ Miles. The compere will be Garry James from Eastbourne Scoop.
Workshops cover everything from sector studies, starting up and finding talent, to diversity in tech and how to make your digital business greener.
If you’re new to Eastbourne and wondering why there’s such a buzz about the town this year – join the tour and find out why!
Digifest is being organised by custom software specialists Switchplane, and supported by PRG, Recursive Digital, Racquet Studios and Eastbourne Chamber, Josh Babarinde OBE, East Sussex Careers Hub, and Bees Homes.
Sponsors include the Birchwood Group and East Sussex College.
The event takes place on Friday September 22 at Eastbourne’s Welcome Building, BN21 4BP.
Early bird tickets, which cost £15, are on sale from April 24. Other tickets cost £17.50.
All tickets include a sandwich lunch. To book, and for more information, see the website: https://www.eastbournedigifest.com/
A limited number of free student tickets are also being made available next week, for youngsters studying locally.
If you are interested in sponsoring or exhibiting, email: hello@chalkeastbourne.com
Chalk Eastbourne is run by custom software specialists Switchplane with support from businesses and organisations across the town.
The overall aims are to change the perception of Eastbourne, provide a supportive network to help grow talent locally, and to make recruitment easier for local businesses.
