The 10 Must-Attend Climate Events in Europe
Read time: 4min
As you plan your year, you may be wondering which climate events to prioritize in 2024. Which ones are the best? đŻ
Climate events donât have to be big. If anything, the more niche the better to build meaningful connections and move your career, startup, or fund forward.
My Top 10 List of must-attend events in Europe (by chronological order and my personal favs âď¸):
1. Hello Tomorrow (Paris, France)
When: March 21-22nd
The largest Climate event in France. Donât miss meeting the startup finalists selected through the Hello Tomorrow Global Challenge or attending Investor Day (March 20th, the day before the event officially starts), a dedicated day for startups and VCs and CVCs to meet.
2. ChangeNow (Paris, France)
When: March 25-27th
All the top sustainability players from France attend. Itâs held at an awesome location, right at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. Good spot to meet the local ecosystem, which (letâs face it) is a bit more secluded than the rest of the Northern European ones.
3. Super Climate (Berlin, Germany)
When: June 4th
An event gathering specifically for climate investors. Many LPs attend as the event happens during Super Venture (the main LP-GP conference in Germany). This has grown into THE side event to attend for all Climate Tech funds. That said, as they're trying to keep the event size manageable, you'll most likely need a Partner or GP-level position to get an invite.
4. Unplug (Italy) âď¸
When: Winter edition on March 6th-9th + Summer edition (TBD)
If you want to join 50-60 climate afficionados (mostly European investors and founders) while having a blast hiking the Dolomites mountains and eating well, just sign up. Honestly, this climate event is my type of jam. No big conference rooms or lengthy talks, just a small group of people that know exactly what theyâre doing here, want to make the world a better place, and want to build solid quality relationships along the way. I've attended the summer retreat twice, which generally takes place in May-June, and I just loved it!
5. Hack Summit (Lausanne, Switzerland) âď¸
When: June 13-14th
Hack Summit has grown into one of the best Climate tech showcases with great speakers, most of whom are leaders in European Climate Tech. Donât miss the unique panel conversations and opportunities to start conversations. Note: Not to be confused with the Polish IT summit of the same name.
6. Climate Tech Summit (London, England)
When: June 12-13th
If you canât make it to the Hack Summit in Switzerland this is a great alternative on similar dates. This is a more professional event featuring global tech and energy leaders like IBM and National Grid. If you want to pitch to MNCs or be inspired by the companies leading in the climate tech space, this is the place to be.
7. Cambridge Tech Week (Cambridge, England)
When: September 9-13th
CTW brings knowledge, insight, and experience together to fuel innovation and foster connections to change how we do things for the better. Letâs face it, thereâs a TON of innovation coming out of Oxbridge, and this event would be hard to pass on.
8. The Drop (MalmĂś, Sweden) âď¸
When: Fall (dates TBD)
I love this event. It always feels like a big Climate Tech family reunion, filled with great people, engaging conversations, and tons of inspiration. An easy inclusion on this must-attend list. Always takes place in MalmĂś, generally in mid-September.
9. SOSV Climate Tech Summit (Global)
When: Fall (dates TBD)
This is an online event - no need to physically travel anywhere. While it's not in Europe, it has become a globally recognized event that is a must-attend for keeping a close eye on what's happening across continents, specifically in the US and Europe. And, the whole thing can be found on YouTube so you can watch anytime!
10. Slush (Helsinki, Finland)
When: November 20-21st
It feels like going in an underground club with beats, spotlights, and neon lights all over the place. The main objective is to attend the countless side events - thatâs where youâll build quality connections. It requires signing up ahead of time, so get on it!
Conclusion
So why did I choose these events?
Itâs all about QUALITY connections, not QUANTITY. Took me a while to TRULY understand that.
Quality connections compound, unlike frivolous met-once-exchanged-business-cards connections or regular meet-and-greets.
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