Top 7 Tech Events for Volunteering in Europe

Want to boost your tech career and dive into Europe's thriving tech scene? Volunteer at these top events:

1. Web Summit (Lisbon, Portugal)
2. Slush (Helsinki, Finland)
3. WeAreDevelopers World Congress (Berlin, Germany)
4. EuroSTAR (Various European cities)
5. ESPC (European SharePoint Conference) (Stockholm, Sweden)
6. Techsylvania (Cluj-Napoca, Romania)
7. GitNation Events (Various European cities)

Volunteering at these events offers:

• Free access to world-class tech conferences
• Networking with industry leaders and peers
• Hands-on experience in event management
• Exposure to cutting-edge tech trends and innovations

Ready to level up your career? Here's how to get started:

1. Pick an event that matches your interests
2. Apply early - spots fill up fast
3. Come with an open mind to learn
4. Network smartly and follow up after the event
5. Apply what you learn to your career

Don't wait - your next big break in tech could start with a volunteer application!

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Web Summit

Web Summit is a big deal in the tech world. It's one of Europe's biggest tech conferences, happening every year in Lisbon, Portugal. If you're a software engineer looking to dive deep into the tech scene, volunteering at Web Summit is a golden opportunity.

The next Web Summit is set for November 11-14, 2024. Here's the kicker: volunteers get a free ticket to the whole event. That's right - you'll get to see all the keynotes, sessions, and talks without spending a dime.

What can you do as a volunteer? Lots of stuff. You might help with media support or work behind the scenes in operations. Pick what suits you best.

But here's the real magic: the connections you'll make. Web Summit is like a melting pot of tech minds. You'll rub shoulders with industry bigwigs, innovators, and other tech geeks like yourself. These connections could be game-changers for your career.

Want in? They're taking applications now. And get this - they want people from all over the world. It's like a mini United Nations of tech.

Here's how to make the most of it:

1. Don't drag your feet: Spots fill up fast. Jump on the Web Summit website and get your application in ASAP.
2. Roll with the punches: You might not get your first choice of role, but every job is a chance to learn something new.
3. Brace yourself: Web Summit days are long and packed. But they're also exciting and full of opportunities.
4. Network like a pro: Use every spare moment to chat with other volunteers, attendees, and speakers. You never know who might help you land your next big gig.

Volunteering at Web Summit isn't just about getting a free pass to a cool event. It's a chance to dive headfirst into the tech world, boost your skills, and build a network that could supercharge your career. While you're helping run one of Europe's biggest tech shows, you're also investing in yourself. It's a win-win.

2. Slush

Slush isn't your average tech event. It's a winter wonderland for startups and investors in Helsinki, Finland. From a humble 250 attendees in 2008, it's exploded to 13,000 participants in 2023. That includes 5,000 startup founders and 3,000 investors. No wonder people call it "the world's leading startup event."

But here's the twist: Slush runs on volunteer power. You can be part of the magic. With over 1,500 volunteering spots up for grabs, there's room for everyone.

Henri, a Team Lead at Slush, nails it:

"The world's leading startup event is built by volunteers, led by volunteers."

What's in it for you? A lot:

You get insider access to one of Europe's biggest startup events. You'll network like crazy with future innovators and industry heavyweights. And you'll pick up skills, whether you're managing media events or helping with construction.

Daria Babanina, a Slush volunteer veteran, says:

"If you are still thinking 'to be or not to be' volunteer at Slush, I would definitely say go for it!"

Slush isn't all work. When you're off-duty, you can catch talks from top-notch entrepreneurs, watch pitching battles with huge cash prizes, or network till you drop.

Want in? Here's how:

Hit up talent.slush.org and throw your hat in the ring. Apply for specific teams or go for all of them to up your chances. And brace yourself for some intense days - Slush hosts over 10,000 separate meetings!

3. WeAreDevelopers World Congress

Want to volunteer at a MASSIVE tech event? Look no further than the WeAreDevelopers World Congress in Berlin, Germany.

This isn't your average conference. It's a tech extravaganza that brings together 15,000 attendees from July 17-19, 2024, at the Messe Berlin South Entrance & CityCube.

What makes it special? How about 300+ sessions across 11 stages, covering AI, Cloud, DevOps, Cybersecurity, and more? As a volunteer, you'll be right in the thick of it.

The speaker lineup? Top-notch. Previous years saw Steve Wozniak and Sir Tim Berners-Lee on stage. For 2024, expect industry big shots like Douglas Crockford talking "JSON and Beyond" and Rajeev Rajan, Atlassian's CTO, on "Developer Experience in the Age of AI."

As a volunteer, you could:

• Help with event setup and teardown
• Handle attendee registration
• Support speakers and workshops
• Join the catering team

Each role gives you a unique view of how a world-class tech event comes together. Plus, you'll rub shoulders with folks from all over the globe.

The perks? Huge. Just ask Joel Spolsky, Stack Overflow's founder:

"WeAreDevelopers is my favorite conference. It's the best event you can go to if you are a developer!"

Or David Singleton, Stripe's CTO:

"WeAreDevelopers is the place where you meet everyone else in the industry and learn about the latest things."

But don't take their word for it. Picture yourself helping run a Twilio workshop on WhatsApp integration, or making sure everything's smooth for Peter Bosch, Cariad's CEO, talking about AI in vehicle software.

It's not all work, either. Past events had booth crawls with free beer and food, games hosted by Doom co-creator John Romero, and even on-stage karaoke!

Remember, volunteering here isn't just helping out - it's investing in your future. The people you meet and things you learn could kickstart your next big career move.

Ready to jump into Europe's tech scene? Keep an eye out for volunteer applications for WeAreDevelopers World Congress 2024. It's more than an event - it's a tech celebration, a networking hub, and your potential career launchpad.

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4. EuroSTAR

EuroSTAR is the go-to conference for software testing enthusiasts. It's been bringing testers together since 1993, and some even call it the "Disneyland for software testers."

What's cool about EuroSTAR? It moves around. In 2024, it's in Stockholm, Sweden (June 11-14). Next year? Edinburgh, Scotland (June 3-6, 2025). This keeps things fresh and lets pros from all over Europe join in.

But EuroSTAR isn't just about talks and presentations. It's about people. Lorraine Banks, the General Manager, puts it this way:

"Our conferences have always been community-driven, rather than content-driven – our events are about learning and connection, and understanding the profession, the craft and the challenges."

As a volunteer, you're in the middle of all the action. You might:

• Run sessions in the Huddle (that's where all the good hallway chats happen)
• Help out in the Test Lab (where people tackle real testing problems)
• Lend a hand in the Test Clinic (where experts give advice)
• Be a Cadet (supporting the conference in various ways)

And when you're not volunteering? There's tons to do. Over 60 sessions, including talks from big names in testing. Plus, with more than 1,000 people from over 350 companies, you'll meet plenty of new faces.

Want in? Here's the scoop:

For Stockholm 2024, check the EuroSTAR website (conference.eurostarsoftwaretesting.com) for volunteer sign-ups. Thinking about Edinburgh 2025? Applications open in January 2025.

Most roles cover the whole event, but there might be options for specific days. Don't wait to apply - spots go fast!

Volunteering at EuroSTAR isn't just about giving back. It's a chance to grow your skills and get the inside scoop on what's hot in software testing. As Lorraine Banks says:

"The big challenge for those who attend is to do as much as possible in the time available."

So, ready to jump into the EuroSTAR community and take your testing skills to the next level?

5. ESPC (European SharePoint Conference)

Love Microsoft tech, especially SharePoint and Microsoft 365? Then ESPC is your jam. It's the biggest independent European event for Microsoft tech fans.

ESPC24 hits Stockholm, Sweden from December 2-5, 2024. Four days of non-stop learning, networking, and tech goodness.

What's the big deal? Over 120 sessions. More than 115 speakers. Microsoft bigwigs and product team members. You'll get the lowdown on SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, AI, and tons more.

Lily Griffin from BindTuning says:

"Microsoft 365 is now a must-have for businesses of all sizes."

As a volunteer, you're in the thick of it. You might:

• Run sessions
• Guide attendees
• Help speakers
• Keep things running smooth

But it's not all work. When you're off the clock, soak up knowledge from expert talks and big-picture keynotes. Get inspired, find new solutions, and chat with the pros.

Money tight? No sweat. Regular folks pay €1495 to €1695, but volunteers often get in free or cheap. There's even a community discount code (ESPC24Cust) that saves you €250.

Heather, who organizes the event, nails it:

"ESPC gives you top-notch learning and networking without breaking the bank."

Bonus: ESPC isn't just about tech. They're teaming up with Mimis African Charities (MACONA) for a clothing drive. So you're boosting your career AND doing good.

Want in? Keep tabs on the ESPC website for volunteer gigs. But don't drag your feet - spots vanish fast. This could be your shot to dive into Europe's top Microsoft tech event, grow your network, and level up your skills - all while giving back to the tech world.

6. Techsylvania

Techsylvania is a hidden tech gem in Eastern Europe. It happens every year in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, and has been connecting Eastern Europe with the West since 2014.

What's so special about Techsylvania? It's not just another tech event. It's a platform for growth that's been getting bigger and better. In 2022, they had over 50 speakers on 4 stages, with more than 5,000 people showing up.

Vlad Ciurca, who helped start Techsylvania, says:

"When we kicked off Techsylvania in 2014, we dreamed of a global event where people could explore tech, share what they know, and grow their networks."

And they've made it happen. Now, Techsylvania is like a doorway for investors, companies, and founders from all over to check out what's happening in Romania and Eastern Europe's tech world.

In 2024, Techsylvania is set for June 9-12. As a volunteer, you'll be right in the middle of all the action. You might:

• Check tickets and greet people as a "Smile Provider"
• Handle supplies as a "Logistics Hero"
• Help with tech stuff as a "Tech Wizard"

But it's not just about work. Volunteering at Techsylvania comes with some sweet perks:

1. Free Pass: You get to enjoy the whole event for free in exchange for your help.

2. Learn New Skills: Get hands-on experience in running events and snag a diploma and practice certificate.

3. Meet People: Rub shoulders with industry big shots, founders, and tech fans from all over Europe.

The Techsylvania team wants go-getters who can get things done. They like people who show up on time, can be trusted, and work well with others. They say:

"We want proactive people who can come up with ideas and make great experiences happen."

What's in store for Techsylvania 2024? While we don't know all the speakers yet, past events have had some heavy hitters. In 2023, they had John Caspers, who started Adyen (a $45B payment company), and Drew Banin, who co-founded dbt Labs (a $4B data company).

Techsylvania isn't just about talks. They've got a B2B matchmaking area, a Start-up Alley, and even a Hackathon. There's something for every tech lover.

Want to dive into Eastern Europe's tech scene? Keep an eye on Techsylvania's website for a chance to volunteer. But don't wait around - spots fill up fast. This could be your shot to be part of a booming tech event while exploring the cool city of Cluj-Napoca.

7. GitNation Events

GitNation runs JavaScript and Python conferences across Europe. These events are a big deal for web developers, especially those into front-end and full-stack work.

In 2023, GitNation held three major conferences in Amsterdam:

• JSNation
• React Summit
• C3 Dev Fest

These events were HUGE. We're talking over 70 speakers, 3,500+ people there in person, and another 20,000+ joining online. That's a lot of tech enthusiasts in one place!

Now, here's where it gets interesting: You can volunteer at these events. And it's not just about helping out. You get some sweet perks:

• Free pass to the conference
• Online access to all the talks
• Cool swag
• Chances to meet industry pros

Damilola Majek, who volunteered before, said:

"Volunteering with GitNation was an incredible experience. I've always admired the people behind the scenes at events I've attended, and being part of that team was both rewarding and eye-opening. I met some amazing people and played a role in making sure the events ran smoothly."

As a volunteer, you might:

• Help set up the event
• Check people in
• Keep discussions on track
• Lend a hand in workshops

But it's not all work. When you're off duty, you can watch talks and chat with other tech folks. Abdulbasit Said Ibrahim, another volunteer, shared:

"I met some cool people, increased my network, and got career advice from more experienced engineers. And I will be happy to volunteer again."

Want in? Here's the scoop:

1. How to apply: Fill out the form on GitNation's website.

2. When to apply: About 1-1.5 months before the event.

3. Getting ready: You'll have online training calls before the event.

GitNation's got some big plans for 2024 and 2025:

• JSNation US 2024: November 18-21, 2024
• React Summit US 2024: November 18-22, 2024
• React Day Berlin 2024: December 13-16, 2024
• Node Congress 2025: February 2025
• JSNation 2025: June 12-16, 2025
• React Summit 2025: June 2025

Volunteering at these events isn't just about helping out. It's a chance to dive into the tech world, learn from the pros, and maybe even jumpstart your career. As GitNation puts it:

"We believe everyone should have the chance to connect, learn, and grow in the tech world."

So, if you're itching to get into Europe's tech scene, keep an eye on these events. It's an opportunity you don't want to miss.

Conclusion

Volunteering at tech events in Europe isn't just about helping out. It's a smart move to boost your tech career. Here's why you should do it:

Network Expansion: You'll make real connections, not just collect business cards. One GitNation volunteer said:

"I met some cool people, increased my network, and got career advice from more experienced engineers. And I will be happy to volunteer again."

Hands-On Experience: You'll get to try different roles, from event production to speaker support. It's like a mini-internship in the tech industry.

Show Your Commitment: Volunteering proves you're serious about tech. It makes you stand out when job hunting. MustardSeed points out:

"In today's competitive job market, volunteering helps you acquire valuable skills, build a robust professional network, and demonstrate your passion and commitment to potential employers."

Learn New Stuff: You'll get front-row seats to talks and workshops. It's like peeking into tech's future.

Low-Risk Exploration: Try out different tech areas without changing jobs. It's a safe way to figure out your next career step.

Want to get started? Here's what to do:

1. Pick an Event: Choose one that fits your interests. Web Summit in Lisbon or Slush in Helsinki are good options.

2. Apply Soon: Don't wait. Most events open applications about a month before they start.

3. Be Ready to Learn: Come with an open mind. Lisa Huang, who loves tech conferences, says:

"Think of a tech conference like a supercharged, multi-day Meetup with a buffet of talks for you to feast on!"

4. Network Smart: Have real conversations. Follow up after the event.

5. Use What You Learn: Think about how to apply your new knowledge to your career.

Volunteering at these events is more than resume padding. It's a springboard for your tech career. It's your chance to be part of the tech community while growing your skills and network.

So why wait? Europe's tech scene is calling. Your next big break might start with a volunteer application. Take that first step. You could end up right in the middle of Europe's next big tech innovation.