MIT Technology Review's European tech conference to be held as in-person event in Northern Ireland

MIT Technology Review’s European technology conference, EmTech is to be staged with in-person attendees in Belfast, Northern Ireland 1-2 July. Originally intended as a virtual event, organisers will host 100 guests in person, while also streaming the event online. The conference is the first of a three-year series all to be held in the Northern Ireland capital, thanks to support from Belfast City Council. The conference will return in 2022 and 2023. The conference is designed as a platform for sharing research and discoveries and organisers Belfast-based Aisling Events will be running the event at Titanic Belfast. “As our city begins to open up again, it is exciting to see events such as conferences return. We look forward to welcoming back audiences and to enjoying those real-life connections that are important to events like EmTech Europe,” said Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, director of Aisling Events. “It is fantastic to see EmTech Europe as the first in-person live event in Belfast…We look forward to welcoming back audiences and to enjoying those real-life connections that are important to events like EmTech Europe.” He added that the conference had not happened overnight, saying an enormous amount of work has gone in to ensure that the health and safety of all attendees as a main priority. “We will be consistently monitoring the Covid-19 situation in the lead up to the conference in early July and will ensure all appropriate measures are in place so all involved are safe and comfortable at the event.” Titanic Belfast reopened as a visitor attraction at the beginning of June with Covid safety measures in place.” Ó Muilleoir added: “EmTech Europe is a huge chance for Belfast to showcase its status as one of Europe’s thriving tech cities. With world-class speakers lined up including the co-founders of BioNTech and Moderna, the conference will be looking outwardly at how technology will assist and bolster our recovery post-pandemic. Being able to host the conference in-person is yet another example of our city grasping an opportunity to step forward in a new, post-pandemic world.” And, on 19 July, the Republic of Ireland is relaxing its regulations to welcome visitors again.