The dates are out for SQLBits 2025, and the data platform community will be gathering at London’s ExCel between the 18 – 21 June 2025. But what changes can delegates expect from the next running of the industry’s leading data platform conference?
Training Days every day
Following feedback from the community, SQLBits have taken the major step of moving the full day workshops, or Training Days, from their Tuesday fixture of previous years to be delivered daily from Wednesday to Friday alongside the shorter General Sessions.
The reasons for doing this were based in community feedback; research carried out after the 2023 and 2024 events showed delegates preferred a choice of when in the week they attended a full day of training, as well as the option to attend multiple training days throughout the week.
The Training Day line up promises to tackle the industry’s most pressing challenges while delivering truly inspiring content. With the selection process already in full swing, attendees can look forward to world-class speakers presenting on the topics that matter most.
Stay tuned as the full line up is revealed in the coming months, showcasing sessions designed to equip professionals with actionable insights and forward-thinking strategies.
All speakers to deliver in person
All speakers will now deliver at SQLBits in-person. Nothing beats being together in person, able to ask questions, discuss and debate. This opportunity to connect is one of the core aspects of SQLBits, and we feel it is important that all speakers are able to take part in this.
We’re also slightly reducing speaker numbers, allowing us to dedicate more time to working closely with them and ensuring impactful, well-prepared content. Fewer speakers also mean larger, vibrant audiences in session rooms and the opportunity to hear more questions asked, creating a more dynamic and engaging atmosphere for everyone.
Content that is ‘inspirational and grounded in reality’
SQLBits’ 2025 pledge on content is that sessions delivered at SQLBits will provide guidance that is grounded in reality and inspires delegates to achieve more. Speakers have been asked to ensure their sessions are based on personal investigation and experience and avoid any recital of documentation that delegates could find and read for themselves. Sessions will provide content that shows the art of the possible, and that excites and motivates attendees. You can view content from previous years via our VOD service.
Changes to the virtual event
There is currently no virtual option to attend SQLBits 2025 with sessions being available to stream after the event close. Further updates on this will be released in the Spring.
In order to continue improving the SQLBits experience for all, Training Days will be delivered in-person only, given the immersive and interactive nature of training days is best experienced in person, and the potential impact of any technical issues is far greater than when attending general sessions.
A return to London
Following two years outside the capital, SQLBits 2025 is set to return to the ExCel, a fantastic space with a long history of hosting some of the most exciting and innovative events in the UK.
The ExCel is easy to get to, located in London with excellent road, rail and air links. SQLBits will be held in the Capital Suite at the East end of the ExCel, easily accessible from the Prince Regent DLR stop. We’re already seeing lots of excitement about our return to London, following stagings in the ICC Wales and Farnborough International in 2023 and 2024.
New networking events
Adding to the line up of the evening networking events will be new daily daytime networking opportunities, following your feedback from 2024’s event, where you told us you’d like more opportunities to meet new people. We’ll be running sessions for people new to the industry to connect, as well as daily briefings for anyone who hasn’t been to SQLBits before and wants a bit of guidance about how to get the most out of their day. Full details will be shared in due course.
New theme and new party – watch this space!
Finally, SQLBits regulars will know the annual excitement of the theme announcement, with the theme permeating throughout the look and feel of SQLBits and usually coming to a head at the Friday night themed party when team outfits are off the scale. We’re nearly ready to announce our theme and some VERY exciting new party plans for the Friday night…in the meantime, remind yourself why we have a theme here.
Tickets for SQLBits 2025 are now live, with Super Early Bird, our first and most discounted round of pricing, set to end on the 24th January.