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TechFest: AI, Technology & The Future

Tech Industry Alliance TechFest 2026

AI, Technology & The Future: Innovation, Intelligence, and Human Impact

Join us for TechFest 2026, the South West of Ireland’s leading technology conference, taking place on Thursday, 21 May at the Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork.

TechFest 2026 will convene technology leaders, policymakers, innovators and industry experts for a high impact, in-person experience focused on one of the defining issues of our time: how AI and emerging technologies are reshaping business, society and public trust.

This dynamic one day conference will feature high-profile keynote speakers, expert panel discussions and real world industry case studies. The programme is designed to provide both strategic insight and practical application, addressing not only the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, but also the governance, regulatory and ethical frameworks required to scale it responsibly.

From AI-related societal risks, cybersecurity and criminal misuse, to regulation, innovation enablement and enterprise adoption, TechFest 2026 offers a balanced, forward looking agenda. Attendees will hear from leading voices across technology, academia, law enforcement, cybersecurity and government, alongside organisations already deploying AI solutions in live environments.

TechFest brings together all business and technology enthusiasts in the South West Region. Connect with like-minded professionals, potential partners, and investors who share a passion for leveraging technology to drive positive change. TechFest 2026 is designed to spark meaningful conversation, foster collaboration, and highlight how AI can be responsibly scaled for positive human and economic impact.Whether you’re a technology professional, entrepreneur, investor, or enthusiast, this is a must-attend event for anyone looking to stay ahead in the ever evolving world of tech.

TechFest Keynote: Jamie Bartlett, Award Winning Technology Writer and Broadcaster

Jamie Bartlett is the author of four books: The Missing Cryptoqueen (2022), The People Vs Tech (2018) about data and democracies (Winner of the 2019 Transmission Prize), Radicals (2017) about political outsiders and the best-selling The Dark Net (2014) about internet subcultures and online crime. His books have been translated into 15 languages.

He founded the Centre for the Analysis of Social Media at the think-tank Demos, where he specialised in online social movements and using machine learning to study the impact of technology on society. He is a regular commentator on national and international media outlets, and a regular writer on technology for The Spectator.

Bartlett’s TED talk ‘How the mysterious dark net is going mainstream’ has been watched over 5 million times. His main topics are cyber security and privacy online, cryptoscams and online fraud, internet subcultures, and the impact of technology on politics.

In 2017, Jamie Bartlett presented the two-part BBC TWO documentary series The Secrets of Silicon Valley about how technology was changing politics and society, including Cambridge Analytica’s role in the 2016 US election.

In 2019 he wrote and presented the award winning BBC podcast series ‘The Missing Cryptoqueen’ which exposed the biggest ever cryptocurrency fraud, which reached number 1 in the iTunes chart.

Jamie is currently writing a new book for Penguin Random House called “How to Speak to AI” (April, 2026). This book will take the reader inside the machine: showing how Large Language Models like ChatGPT are changing the way we live, feel, and think. It will help the reader make the most of these incredible new technologies, without succumbing to new powers of manipulation and control.

TechFest MC: Jonathan McCrea

Jonathan McCrea is a master trainer who is on a mission to help professionals, teams and businesses safely harness the power of AI platforms like CoPilot, ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude. As the founder of Get Started with AI , Jonathan has successfully guided hundreds of small businesses, freelancers, and professionals through practical, hands-on AI training. His approach focuses on actionable use-cases, empowering participants to implement AI tools directly into their workflows and enhance productivity.

His ability to simplify complex AI concepts and deliver them in an engaging, accessible manner has earned him widespread recognition as a master trainer in the field.

Jonathan’s training expertise is backed by years of experience as technologist and founder of Whipsmart Media, a communications consultancy specialising in the medical, pharma, and science sectors. His clients include the Department of the Taoiseach, AIB, Docusign and Grant Thornton.

With a passion for making AI accessible to everyone, Jonathan is dedicated to equipping individuals and teams with the skills to leverage AI tools, streamline operations, and stay competitive in today’s fast-evolving landscape.

TechFest Tickets

Tickets can be booked directly through Eventbrite and ticket prices are outlined below:

Tech Industry Alliance Member Ticket – €239.8
Non-Member Ticket – €362.85
Members Offer: 3 x Ticket Bundle – €664.20

All ticket prices are inclusive of VAT. Ticket sales will be on a first come first served basis with priority given to all Tech Industry Alliance members. For ticket orders exclusive of VAT and ticket orders that require PO numbers please email us directly at: info@techindustryalliance.ie

Agenda Overview

TechFest 2026 delivers a curated, high-impact programme exploring the full spectrum of artificial intelligence, from innovation and enterprise adoption through to risk, governance and societal impact.

Bringing together leading voices from technology, policy, cybersecurity and industry, the agenda is designed to provide both strategic perspective and practical insight. Across keynote sessions, panel discussions and showcases, attendees will gain a comprehensive view of how AI is shaping business, society and public trust and what it takes to scale it responsibly.

TechFest Programme

09:00 – 10:00 | Registration & Networking

10:00 – 10:15 | Opening Remarks

10:15 – 11:05 | TechFest Keynote: AI and the Future of Crime

Delivered by Jamie Bartlett, Award Winning Technology Writer and Broadcaster

11:05 – 12:00 | Panel Discussion – The Dark Side of Intelligence: AI, Crime and Control

Dr Deirdre Leahy | Lecturer and Researcher | MTU
Jamie Bartlett | TechFest Keynote | Award Winning Technology Writer and Broadcaster
Robert McArdle | Director | TrendAI
Facilitator: Jonathan McCrea |Founder | Get Started with AI

12:00 – 13:00 | Refreshments, Networking & Exhibition Stands

13:00 – 14:00 | Panel Discussion: AI in Action

Adrian O’Flaherty | Director (AI & Data) | Accenture
Catherine Drysdale | Partner (Projects, Transformation & Change) | Barden Ireland
James Baldwin | Director (Architecture & Security)| PepsiCo Ireland
Facilitator: Aryana Collins Jackson | Data Staff Engineer | Quest Software

14:00 – 14:30 | Fireside Chat: AI & the Future of Work

Professor Barry O’Sullivan | School of Computer Science & IT | UCC
John Lonsdale | Chief Executive Officer | CeADAR
Facilitator: Jonathan McCrea | Founder | Get Started with AI

14:30 – 15:30 | Showcase: Ireland’s Tech Future

Speakers & Pitchers:

Denis Ryan | Technology Sector Specialist | AIB
Hrvoje Smolic Founder and CEO | Graphite Note
Paul Martin| Founder and CEO | SmartOffice
Stephen Dooley | Founder | Roamr
Stephen Stack | Founder and CTO | rConfig
Sean McGrath | Head of Commercial | Skillnet Innovation Exchange
Facilitator: Larry O’Donoghue | CEO | AxisBIC
Facilitator: Yvonne Murphy | Regional Development Executive | Enterprise Ireland

Discover more about our speakers here: TechFest Speakers

Key Tracks

AI, Crime and Control

Led by keynote speaker Jamie Bartlett, this track explores the evolving intersection of artificial intelligence, crime and security. The keynote “AI and the Future of Crime” and panel “The Dark Side of Intelligence: AI, Crime and Control” examine AI-enabled threats, cybercrime, misinformation and the growing need for effective governance and regulation.

In his keynote Jamie Bartlett will show how ‘large language models’ and other generative AI is transforming crime – including how to ‘jailbreak’ chatbots, and how dark net forums are currently discussing the potential of new AI-powered criminality. He will explain what professionals and companies might do to stay one step ahead.

AI and the Future of Work

This fireside chat focuses on how AI is transforming the workplace—from automation and augmentation to shifting skills requirements. It offers practical insight into how organisations and individuals can adapt, enhance productivity and remain competitive in an AI-driven economy.

AI in Practice

The “AI in Action” panel showcases how organisations are deploying AI in real-world environments. Expect tangible use cases, lessons learned and a clear view of what it takes to successfully implement AI at scale.

Ireland’s Tech Future

This showcase highlights the innovation shaping Ireland’s technology ecosystem. Featuring emerging and established players, it provides a forward-looking perspective on Ireland’s role in driving global tech advancement.

What to Expect

TechFest 2026 delivers a high-impact, insight-led experience for professionals operating at the intersection of technology, business and policy. Attendees can expect:

Strategic insights into how AI and emerging technologies are reshaping business, society and public trust
Expert-led discussions featuring leading voices from technology, academia, cybersecurity, law enforcement and government
Networking Opportunities connect with like-minded professionals, potential partners, and investors who share a passion for leveraging technology to drive positive change
Real-world case studies showcasing how organisations are deploying AI in live environments
Balanced perspectives addressing both the opportunities and risks associated with AI adoption
Practical takeaways to support decision-making, innovation and risk management
A strong focus on responsible AI, including governance, ethics and regulatory considerations

TechFest 2026 Sponsors:

TechFest: AI, Technology & The Future