A space for community, connection and continuous learning.
AWS North Community Conference returns to the North East on 15th October 2026, this time at the BALTIC in Gateshead. The event will bring together the North’s technology community with AWS practitioners and thought leaders from across the industry.
Ahead of the event we spoke to Dan Pudwell, Principal Solutions Architect at Leighton, AWS North East User Group Lead and one of the conference organisers, about the importance of community, connection and continuous learning.
AWS North Community Conference returns for a second year. How does it feel to bring the event back to the region?
It was such an amazing event last year so I’m thrilled we can do it again. The response from the community was fantastic, so being able to build on that and bring everyone together for a second year is really exciting.
What makes the North’s technology ecosystem distinctive, and where do you think its biggest strengths lie?
There’s a real sense of community in the North. People are willing to share what they’ve learned, help each other and have honest conversations about the challenges they’re facing. There’s also a huge amount of talent across established businesses, start-ups, universities, and the wider technology community. That combination of talent and collaboration is a real strength.
Why is it important for people in technology to come together in person when so much work can now happen remotely?
There is definitely a different feeling when talking to people in person and having those random hallway conversations. Personally, I also see people I’ve worked with over the years and get the chance to catch up. Those informal conversations can lead to ideas and connections that probably wouldn’t happen on a video call.
What did you learn from last year’s conference about what the community wants and needs?
The biggest thing was that people want practical, real-world knowledge and the opportunity to learn from people who are actually doing this work. The feedback also showed there’s a huge appetite for an event like this in the North. We’ve taken that feedback on board and are looking to make this year’s conference even bigger and better.
How important are events like this as technologies such as cloud, AI, automation and serverless continue to develop rapidly?
Technology moves so quickly that it’s impossible for any one person to know everything. Events like this give people the chance to hear directly from practitioners about what they’re trying, what’s working and what they’ve learned. That can help you decide where to focus your own learning.
How important is it to connect the North’s community with people and ideas from beyond the region?
It’s really important. We have an amazing community here, but bringing in people from different places gives us new perspectives and exposes us to ideas and approaches we might not otherwise encounter. It also gives people outside the region a chance to see what’s happening here and connect with the talent we have in the North.
What are you hoping attendees will take away from this year’s conference?
I hope they can all find something they want to learn more about. Perhaps a little spark from a talk ignites some curiosity and they go figure it out and maybe even build something.
Finally, why should someone working in or considering a career in technology in the North come along on the 15th of October?
As well as the learning and development opportunities, you never know who you’re going to talk to, what you’re going to learn or where that conversation might lead. I wouldn’t be where I am today without meeting some amazing people. It’s a great way to open doors. The North has an incredible technology community, and this is a great chance to be part of it.
For more information about AWS North Community Conference 2026 or to get tickets please visit:
www.northcommunityconf.com