DigiFest, organised by Chalk, will showcase the town’s digital talent and give visitors the opportunity to chat with digital professionals, make new connections, find work opportunities, and build partnerships.

Speakers at the event include Grace Prior, programme director at Silicon Brighton, is passionate about championing diversity, equity and inclusion in the technology sector. Diverse Sussex, an initiative powered by Silicon Brighton, aims to bring the industry together to build a comprehensive understanding of DEI in Sussex’s tech sector.

Will Callaghan, from TechResort, is co-founder and product lead for LocalGov Drupal, a web publishing platform built and used by 35 councils.

Phil Jones, of Wired Sussex, serves on the board at Brighton Digital Exchange, the advisory board of the Creative Industries Policy & Evidence Centre, and advises the DCMS on clusters and regions policy.

Organisers Chalk Eastbourne – a business-led initiative started in 2020 and run by custom software specialists Switchplane - also hope the event will kick-start a push to grow the total of digital jobs in Eastbourne to 10,000.

Sarah Cronk, DigiFest event organiser, said, “Eastbourne DigiFest is not just about celebrating the thriving digital sector in our town, but also about supporting its growth and contributing to the local economy.

“Our aim is to establish digital as a third sector after hospitality and tourism, and to create more employment opportunities and innovative businesses in the area.

“With a target of 10,000 digital jobs in Eastbourne, we believe that events like DigiFest can help to achieve this goal by bringing together businesses, professionals, and students to showcase the best of what our town has to offer.”

Josh Babarinde OBE, the town’s prospective parliamentary candidate for the Lib Dems, added, “DigiFest will bring together local tech innovators to share best practice and forge new partnerships to pave the way for even more digital jobs in our town. Packed full of energy and ideas, DigiFest will well and truly prove that Eastbourne is on the up and at the forefront of the economy’s growing digital sector.”

Whether you’re a digital professional, a local business, a student taking your first steps on the career ladder or a company looking for a new tech partner, Eastbourne DigiFest invites you to be inspired, learn something new and discover our beautiful town. There will be talks, workshops, tours, and an exhibition, as well as the opportunity to network and enjoy a drink with other attendees.

Workshops cover everything from sector studies, starting up and finding talent, to diversity in tech and how to make your digital business greener.

If you’re new to Eastbourne and wondering why there’s such a buzz about the town this year – join the tour and find out why!

Digifest is being organised by custom software specialists Switchplane, and supported by PRG, Recursive, Racquet Studios, Eastbourne Chamber, Josh Babarinde OBE, East Sussex Careers Hub, and Bees Homes. Sponsors include the Birchwood Group, East Sussex College and FOUNDRY.

The event takes place on Friday September 22 at Eastbourne’s Welcome Building, BN21 4BP. Tickets cost £17.50 and include a sandwich lunch. To book, and for more information, see the website: www.eastbournedigifest.com/