8 unmissable highlights of TNW Conference 2023: Day 1
Drum roll please! The moment we’ve been waiting for has finally arrived: TNW Conference 2023 takes place this week, on June 15 and 16 — and you’re all invited.
This year we will not only discover what’s next in technology, but also recapture the future and join forces to explore how technology can help us build a more sustainable, equitable and inclusive world.
As usual, we bring together the entire tech ecosystem: from startups and investors to industry leaders, C-level executives and policymakers.
Over the two days, attendees will enjoy inspiring talks, pitches, networking events, learning opportunities and, of course, the festival vibes our conference is known for.
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Don’t miss your chance to be part of Europe’s leading technical event
With over 200 speakers, 6,000 companies, 1,500 startups and 240 investment firms, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed – but we’ve got you covered. To help you navigate the packed agenda, we’ve collected eight highlights from the first day of the event. Stay tuned for what not to miss on day two.
1. The opening ceremony (and opening party)
Start your TNW experience bright and early with the Opening Ceremony at 10am. Expect a surprising live performance to create the buzz and be inspired by the enlightening words of our CEO and co-founder. Mark Rutte, the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, will also make a special appearance.
If you happen to be in Amsterdam on June 14, come to our opening party in Reguliersdwarsstraat — one of Amsterdam’s most famous streets, right behind our headquarters in the city center. The fun starts at 5:00 PM, grab a drink and enjoy the atmosphere.
2. Essential speakers
We’ve put together a sensational lineup of keynote speeches, fireside chats and panel discussions. It’s a challenge to pick just a few of the tech greats who will take the stage, but here are four of our favorites:
Nick Foster, designer, futurist and former head of design at Google X
As a design pioneer with an impressive background from Google, Sony, Nokia and Dyson, Foster will explore how the intersection of technology, imagination and design will shape the future of human experience.
Barbara Belvisi, founder and CEO of Interstellar Lab
Barbara Belvisi is an entrepreneur with a passion for space, hardware, biology and AI. Now a multiple award winner, Belvisi was founded Interstellar laboratory in 2018 with the mission to preserve life on Earth and expand into space. To do this, the company has developed AI-powered, environment-controlled modules.
Dr. Thomas Furness III, founder and president of Virtual World Reality
The pioneering inventor, professor and entrepreneur who is celebrated as the “grandfather” of virtual reality and augmented reality will share his awe-inspiring 55-year journey exploring the humanitarian potential of extended reality (XR).
David Heinemeier Hansson, co-founder and CTO at Basecamp
Heinemeier Hansson is not only co-founder of Base campbut also the visionary inventor of Ruby on rails and the spirit behind it HI. At the TNW Conference, he shares his insights into building successful SaaS startups and offers advice on how to thrive in the competitive tech landscape while making a lasting impact in the world of software.
3. A game of padel or a yoga session
Make the most of our many side events! Whether you want to have fun with your colleagues or take networking to the next level, a game on our EY padel court will do the trick. And if you want to relax for a while, join a 20-minute yoga session under the disco ball! Make sure you register in time.
4. The Meeting
It sounds serious and it is. Working with our overlords at the Financial Times, the Assembly will bring together policy makers, government leaders, businesses and founders to find common ground for a balance between regulation and innovation. It’s an invite-only event, so check if you meet the criteria and join.
5. The startup pitch hour
Prepare for a fiery battle! Over the two days of the event, 12 impact-driven startups from the Amsterdam tech scene will compete for an eye-popping array of prizes, including a pod at TNW Conference 2024, a booth at IFA Next and a feature article from our beloved editorial team.
6. A walk through the company floor
Our exhibition floor is the place for inspiration, connections and business deals. The 77 exhibitors cover the full spectrum of the tech ecosystem, including global brands, startups, investors, accelerators and government agencies.
7. Top level networking events
The entire conference is an opportunity for networking, but if you’re looking for something extra, join the Corporate Innovators Meetup, IFA Social or the Startup Genome Leadership Ecosystem Forum — depending on your business needs. And here’s a tip: the Discoball Garden is the perfect place to make connections.
8. The Karaoke Cruise
The first day of TNW Conferece ends with a bang! Board the karaoke cruise from Taets to Amsterdam Central Station at 6:45 PM and get ready to sail and sing! If you are a VIP or speaker, you can also enjoy a happy hour drink in the VIP Village from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM.
Bonus tip: the map is your best friend
With so many things to see and do, don’t forget to use our map to help smooth your experience and keep track of your activities:
Are you ready for a journey to the heart of technology? Then see you in Amsterdam!
If you’d like to join the event (and say hello to our editors!), we’ve got something special for our loyal readers. Use the promo code READ-TNW-25 and receive a 25% discount on your business pass for Applied Sciences Conference. See you in Amsterdam!
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