Conferences are opportunities for technology entrepreneurs and start-ups to look for co-founders, investors and partners. They also provide a forum for established businesses to showcase their services and products, as well as share best practice. An international centre for business and innovation, New York City hosts several technology conferences each year.

Social Media Week

Social Media Week spurs a worldwide conversation about connecting the world through technology. Events are held in 18 cities including London, Mumbai, Chicago, Sydney, Mexico City, Los Angeles, Milan and Jakarta. The theme for 2016 is ‘The Invisible Hand’, and events will delve into the hidden forces of technology and look at ways to harness them for good. Now in its eight year, Social Media Week New York attracts thousands of marketing, media and technology professionals. Held at The TimesCenter and the SVA Theatre from February 22 to 26, the expected line-up of 230 speakers include New York Times Company CEO Mark Thompson, CollegeHumor co-founder Ricky Van Veen, and Refinery29 co-founder Philippe von Borries. Go to http://socialmediaweek.org/newyork for more information. (Twitter: @smwnyc)

Techweek NYC

The fourth annual Techweek NYC takes place from October 10 to 16. At previous events, key note speakers included Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian and Buzzfeed founder Jonah Peretti. The event attracts businesses and innovators from every aspect of the technology sector, from Fortune 500 CEOs sharing their success stories to start-ups looking for investors. Techweek also includes events in Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami, Detroit, Chicago, Kansas City and Toronto. Speaker sessions showcase breakthrough trends and success stories to educate delegates on what is relevant and innovative. The Entrepreneur Expo is an opportunity for companies to present their services and provide advice to tech entrepreneurs and start-ups, while the launch Competition reveals the best new businesses in the New York area. Several events are also hosted by sponsors and partners. For further information go to www.techweek.com/newyork. (Twitter: @TechweekNYC)

TechCruch Disrupt NYC

One of the most popular events in the tech world is TechCruch Disrupt NYC . From May 9 to 11, the conference will help debut revolutionary start-ups and introduce new technologies. Key innovators will also have opportunities to talk about the latest tech trends and challenges with entrepreneurs, investors, hackers and tech fans at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. Highlights include the Startup Battlefield competition with some of the world’s top early stage start-ups and a 24-hour Hackathon. Go to http://techcrunch.com/event-info/disrupt-ny-2016 for full details. (Twitter: @TechCrunch)

Generate New York

Several events target practitioners in the tech world, providing them with the knowledge and tools to support successful technology businesses. For web designers, Generate New York boasts a speakers’ lineup that includes Cameron Moll, Una Kravets and Dan Mall. Held at the New World Stages on April 22, the one-day conference from net magazine showcases successes in web design through talks with leading innovators. Website: www.generateconf.com/new-york-2016. (Twitter: @netmag)

Digimarcon East

Digimarcon East from May 12 to 13 provides a similar experience for digital marketers. Held at the Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan, the conference presents thought-provoking speakers and the latest technologies and best practices in digital marketing.  Go to http://digimarcon.com/east for more information. (Twitter: @digimarcon)

Internet Week NYC

Internet marketers are the focus of Internet Week NYC . Bringing together some of the city’s hottest start-up internet and tech businesses, the week-long festival features keynotes, interviews, panel discussions and other events from May 16 to 22 across the city. More than 10,000 people are expected to attend over 250 events in support of New York’s tech-based industry and innovators. Got to http://www.internetweekny.com. (Twitter: @internetweek)

ClickZ Live

ClickZ Live from April 11 to 13 is another opportunity to learn about changes in the digital marketing world. The event brings over 1,000 marketing professionals and business leaders agencies for three days of training, networking and presentations. The opening keynote will be delivered by Seth Godin of atlMBA. Got to http://www.internetweekny.com. Further information: www.clickzlive.com/newyork (Twitter: @clickzlive)

The Next Web (TNW) Conference

On November 16, The Next Web (TNW) Conference will see more than a thousand technology professionals come together to share ideas and talk about the latest trends. The Manhattan Conference will host inspiring keynote talks and networking opportunities. A 36-hour hackathon is also expected at an event that shares ideas about the future of technology. Website: http://thenextweb/conference/usa. (Twitter: @tnwconference)

Velocity

Focused on ways of building faster websites and apps, Velocity is ideal for professionals in internet technology. The conference is also a great opportunity to learn about new internet technologies. Training will take place from September 19 to 20, while tutorials and the main conference are scheduled from September 20 to 22. These this year include financial systems, performance for the people, measuring the right things, infrastructure reimagined, and case studies. (Twitter: @velocityconf)

AdTech

Finally, AdTech (on November 2 and 3 brings together the worlds of media, technology and marketing. The event at the Javits Center is an opportunity to create new strategies to address challenges and opportunities facing these sectors. Further information can be found at www.ad-tech.com/ny. Twitter: @adtech)