Now in its third year, TechNExt returned in June 2025 with its most ambitious edition yet, celebrating innovation, talent and collaboration across the North East’s thriving tech sector.
As delivery partner for the festival, BeaconHouse Events worked closely with Dynamo North East and Sunderland Software City to bring a refreshed format to life, managing all operational delivery across five days of activity.
At the heart of this year’s programme was a new hub model, featuring community-led content concentrated in key locations and centred around four themes: Sustainability in Blyth, Data and AI in Newcastle, Immersive Tech in Gateshead, and Tech Startups in Durham.
Five flagship events anchored the week. The festival launched with the Main Stage Conference at the Crowne Plaza Newcastle, featuring BBC Technology Editor, Zoe Kleinman and the former COO of Monzo, Tom Foster-Carter. Tech Talent Live at Sunderland City Hall welcomed over 480 attendees, whilst the Industry Dinner brought together over 100 senior leaders at the iconic Spanish City in Whitley Bay. The Festival Party took place at the BALTIC Riverside, and the Schools Challenge closed the week with a celebration of young innovation in South Shields.
As part of TechNExt’s Good Festival Ambition, we facilitated food bank donations at every event and partnered with Olio to redistribute 44 surplus meals to 18 families – a small but meaningful act of community impact.
With over 3,000 attendees and 50+ sessions across multiple locations, BeaconHouse Events was proud to help deliver this complex, values-led festival that was both impactful and community-focused.
“I just wanted to extend a MASSIVE (and I mean huge!) thank you for everything the team did to make TechNExt 2025 such a success both in the weeks and months leading up but particularly during the week of activities…. Your leadership and customer focused approach were really visible and appreciated, and it made working with you a real pleasure.” Adam Hill, Director of Operations, Sunderland Software City
