Dorset’s tech community came together for re:connect 2024.

Described as an intimate conference bringing together modern, innovative and ambitious talent, the event was held at Bournemouth and Poole College.

It spotlighted the breadth and diversity of tech and tech enabled businesses in the county.

Organisers Seemin Suleri and Sharon Jones first met through Digital Dorset’s Dorset Coding Day initiative.

Seemin said: “re:connect is not just a conference, it is a movement to set an example of how to bring together tech communities.

“It is diverse by nature, attracting a varied set of ages, ethnicities and genders.

Seemin Suleri opening the conference.

“We welcome and celebrate the individual contributions from everyone.

“It shows us, that even with limited resources, what is possible when you set your mind to it.”

The day was a mixed programme of keynote speakers, panel discussion, networking and hands on workshops.

Supported by Equal IT and Head Channel, there were also stands and input from the College, Dorset LEP, STEM Returners and Dorset Council, demonstrating the focus of local support to upskill and enhance opportunities in the area.

Highlights of the day included:

• Sally Goble’s humorous account of Managing through Large Scale Organisational Change
• Andy Stanford Clark outlining the groundbreaking Mayflower (400) autonomous ship and how degree 4 autonomy has been achieved
• Ana Avaliani, Director of Enterprise at the Royal Academy of Engineering, highlighting the rapid and relentless pace of advances in technology and innovation

The workshop and panel sessions featured Dorset-based organisations and innovation, from spatial computing and extended reality, through intelligent traffic systems and cybersecurity.

Sai Kamisetti provided the data to challenge gender inequality in tech, and empowered participants to stand their ground, and continue the mission to make STEM fields more welcoming and inclusive for women and minorities.

Mark Oliver, Senior Software Developer, who joined this session, said: “It will take everyone to improve the gender gap in IT as currently it is estimated it will be 169 years before the gap is gone.

“The more diverse your team is the more productive and effective they are.

“The data to back that up was staggering and is a problem at all ages of a person’s life.”

Sharon and Seemin, who believe Dorset is leading the way in building an inclusive tech community, are actively seeking sponsors and volunteers to build on the first intimate conference and deliver more in 2025.