Eastbourne DigiFest celebrates its most successful event yet

Held at the Kings Centre on Wednesday, October 14, the fourth annual event brought together businesses and professionals from across Sussex for a packed day of inspiring talks, practical insights, networking and innovation.

With this year’s theme, ‘Working and Leading in the Age of AI’, the conference explored how artificial intelligence is transforming businesses of all sizes and sectors, demonstrating that Eastbourne DigiFest has something to offer everyone, not just those working in technology.

A highlight was the keynote presentation from Eastbourne-born entrepreneur Michael Gietzen, CEO of Identity Group, who shared the remarkable story of building a local business into a global events company, alongside insights into how AI is shaping the future of live experiences.

Other standout speakers included Tom Fielder, Co-founder and Managing Director of Switchplane, who explored practical ways businesses can use AI to improve productivity, and Rhianna Stacey, founder of Roo Media Marketing and Foundher Social, who shared her inspiring journey of using AI to develop her own business management platform.

Beyond the speaker programme, a packed exhibition hall and popular networking lunch provided valuable opportunities for businesses to connect, share ideas and build relationships.

The event was supported by headline partners Switchplane and East Sussex Growth Hub, alongside a host of other valued sponsors and exhibitors.

Organisers thanked everyone involved, from speakers and sponsors to exhibitors, volunteers and attendees, for making this year’s Eastbourne DigiFest such a success.

Eastbourne MP Josh Babarinde said: “This year’s theme of Eastbourne DigiFest is incredibly timely. The rapid growth of AI brings huge opportunities, including for our town and our region, but also comes with some risks and challenges that we need to manage and address.

“Having conversations about these issues is super important and I was delighted to hear Eastbourne DigiFest was facilitating this. I’m determined that Eastbourne and the South East region continue to be part of this important conversation, helping to shape the future of technology.”

Eastbourne DigiFest will return in 2027, continuing to bring businesses together to explore innovation, share knowledge and celebrate the region’s thriving business community.

For updates on Eastbourne DigiFest 2027, visit www.eastbournedigifest.com.