MakeLoveNotPorn founder Cindy Gallop (centre) will be speaking at Inspirefest on Friday, following Ignition talks from Gender Gap Grader co-founders Elena Rossini and Elian Carsenet (right). Photo by Conor McCabe Photography
A new type of sci-tech conference has come to Dublin, spanning three days and incorporating an outdoor film festival with music, film and a dash of comedy.
The truly unique aspect of Inspirefest 2015 is that 75pc of the speakers at this conference are women, a conscious decision made to debunk the myth that there aren’t enough female leaders in these innovative sectors to change the gender ratio seen to-date at sci-tech conferences.
On Wednesday night, speakers and guests enjoyed a pre-launch gathering in Farmleigh, Dublin, the official Irish State guest house, before the conference begins in earnest today, Thursday.
Highlights from day one of the event include a selection of out-of-this-world keynotes from astrophysicist Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, Spacehack.org founder Ariel Waldman and Space Technology Ireland founder and MD Susan McKenna Lawlor.
Today will also see the next generation of Irish tech talent take the stage in front of the crowd at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, including 10-year-old EU Digital Girl of the Year Lauren Boyle.
From Friday’s schedule, Cindy Gallop’s keynote on making money while doing social good has been cited by many attendees as a can’t-miss affair, while the panel discussion on wearables and the internet of things promises a few surprises.
Stay tuned to Siliconrepublic.com for full coverage of Inspirefest, and follow live updates from @InspirefestHQ on Twitter.
Inspirefest 2015 is Silicon Republic’s international event running 18-20 June in Dublin, connecting sci-tech professionals passionate about the future of STEM with fresh perspectives on leadership, innovation and diversity.
