Eastbourne DigiFest's fourth year, on AI at work, was its most successful, organisers say. Speakers, photos and what the MP said. Updated November 2026.
Eastbourne DigiFest 2026, the town’s one-day business and technology conference, was its most successful yet, its organisers say. The fourth annual event was held at the Kings Centre on Wednesday 14 October, under the theme “Working and Leading in the Age of AI”.
The organisers describe “fantastic attendance and outstanding feedback from delegates, speakers and exhibitors”. They have not published an attendance or ticket figure.
DigiFest is a not-for-profit, business-led conference for firms and people working across Sussex. It grew out of Chalk Eastbourne, the community that has brought the area’s digital and tech sector together in recent years. Its stated aim is “to inspire Eastbourne’s growth in the world of digital and tech”.
Who spoke
The keynote came from Michael Gietzen, chief executive of Identity Group, who was born in Eastbourne. The organisers say he told the story of building a local business into a global events company. He also spoke about how AI is changing live events.
Tom Fielder, co-founder and managing director of Switchplane, looked at practical ways businesses can use AI to get more done. Rhianna Stacey, founder of Roo Media Marketing and Foundher Social, described how she used AI to build her own business management platform.
The organisers chose the theme to show that the day was for every kind of business, not only people who work in technology. Talks were joined by an exhibition hall, which they describe as packed, and a networking lunch.
3 photos, swipe or scroll. Photos: supplied by Eastbourne DigiFest
What the MP said
Josh Babarinde, the MP for Eastbourne, 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.”
He added: “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.”
Who backed it
Switchplane and East Sussex Growth Hub were the headline partners, with other sponsors and exhibitors. The organisers thanked the speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers and everyone who came.
Coming back in 2027
DigiFest will return in 2027. Its website, checked on 5 November 2026, calls next year’s event “our fifth anniversary conference”. No date has been announced yet. Updates are posted at eastbournedigifest.com.
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