Estonia – the ideal destination for an IT event

When Estonia regained its independence in 1991, less than half its population had a telephone line, let alone the internet or devices with which to use it. However, Estonian policy makers put their faith in the burgeoning possibilities of the internet, steering the country into a position where, two decades later, it could become a world leader in technology, making Estonia the ideal destination for an IT event or conference.

Renowned as being one of the most advanced digital societies in the world, Estonia espouses an enthusiasm for all things electronic. While Estonians may jest that internet access is a human right, from its beaches to bog land, free WIFI is available almost everywhere and boasts some of the fastest broadband speeds.

In 2007, Estonia became the first country to allow online voting in a general election. Today, Estonians enjoy a wide range of e-solutions every day. Citizens pay for parking spaces with their mobile phones and have their health records stored in the digital cloud. Using a locally-developed electronic ID card, which effectively acts as an online passport, a large proportion of Estonians can perform a range of tasks. From filing an annual tax return to paying for public transport online, Estonia implements a streamlined and modern approach to governance and daily life.

Often referred to as e-Estonia, the country’s digital success story developed out of a partnership between a forward-thinking government, a pro-active ICT sector and a tech-savvy population. With such a successful digital dynasty, what better location to host an IT associated conference or meeting.

Be inspired by Estonia’s digital imagination

Boasting a wealth of dynamic, digital professionals, Estonia is at the forefront of IT innovation. In fact, Estonia’s current generation of entrepreneurs built internationally successful companies like Skype. Most of the development team and 44% of all the division’s employees are still situated in Tallinn and Tartu.

The country’s IT industry fosters an atmosphere of shared ideas and information. Forward-thinking, friendly locals are always willing to network and make contact with other industry insiders. Being such a small nation, Estonia offers the ideal location for collaboration. Ranking third in Europe for the highest number of start-ups per capita, the country has created an accommodating environment to help ease the entrepreneurial process.

Enjoy Estonia’s cool, collaborative community

Being one of the smallest nations in Europe affords Estonia a unique advantage. In both Tallinn and Tartu, most hotels, restaurants, attractions and event venues are within walking distance. Tallinn’s airport is a mere 10 minute taxi ride away, ensuring your IT conference delegates don’t have to spend hours on public transport. Hours that can be better spent networking with colleagues, sharing ideas and enjoying the odd beer.

Delegates can head to popular haunts like the Telliskivi Creative City to hang out with like-minded locals. This old factory complex has become the heart of all things hip, operating as an umbrella organisation for creativity and innovation. In this former, derelict industrial park, you’ll find everything from fringe art exhibitions to fortnightly flea markets.

Expect state of the art event infrastructure

Your event will be in safe hands in Estonia. Conference hotels in Tallinn and Tartu offer good quality and good value for money. The food served in Estonia’s restaurants is astounding. Local, seasonal ingredients are used in most places and gourmet food is available at affordable prices.

Estonia is a Eurozone country which means that whether you are organising a conference or attending one, the experience is both easy and enjoyable. The Tallinn Creative Hub is an extremely popular venue for IT related meetings and conferences. The location offers out of the ordinary meeting rooms and provides networking opportunities, ensuring an unforgettable experience. It is also close to hotels, Tallinn’s Old Town and the trendy, Telliskivi hipster area.

Explore E-Estonia

If your conference delegates would like to know more about e-Estonia solutions, then treat them to a visit to Tallinn’s e-Estonia showroom. Delegates will experience a bespoke briefing that presents the e-Estonia concept. Visitors can enjoy the professional and innovative atmosphere, engage in discussions with specialists and gain a deeper understanding of how to create a digital society. During a visit, delegates will also have the opportunity to network with IT industry insiders.

Still not convinced?

Then don’t just take our word for it. Many IT events and conferences have already been held in Estonia with great success. The Association of Internet Researchers (AoIR) recently held its annual conference at the University of Tartu. In November, the Startup Nations Summit will gather a network of entrepreneurship policy shapers from around the world to meet in Tallinn’s Creative Hub.

In December, 2500 delegates are expected to descend on Tartu for sTARTUp Day 2017. The event’s theme is “From Zero to Hero” and will be packed with amazing speakers, exciting seminars, countless pitches and interesting ideas.

Latitude 59 is Estonia’s flagship start-up and technology event which takes place every year. The 2017 event welcomed 2000 participants, including 200 international investors. Next year’s event promises equal inspiration for both start-ups and corporates.

Similarly, the annual GeekOut event enjoys increasing success and popularity. Started as a single day event, GeekOut is a Java technology conference that has grown into a full-blown, two day show for developers that takes place in Tallinn’s Creative Hub.

Tallinn also plays host to the annual Digital Elite Camp which is a two day event on growth, conversions and traffic. Elite Camp unites Europe’s top practitioners to enable delegates to learn from them and start getting similar results.

With so many industry insiders choosing Estonia as their host destination, it makes sense to follow in their digital footprints. If you’d like further information on Estonia or suitable venues to host your next IT event or conference then please contact us today.