11 computer networking conferences in 2023

1. Data Center World

When: May 8-11
Where: Austin, Texas
Cost: $199-$3,299
Where to register: https://datacenterworld.com

Data Center World is an IT infrastructure conference for innovators, technology business leaders and data center professionals to share expert strategy and insight into data center planning, management and optimization. Technologies covered include edge computing, colocation, hyperscale and predictive analytics. Specific tracks for 2023 include the following:

• Colocation, hyperscale and cloud innovation.
• Design, build, operate and control.
• Emerging IT and data center technologies.
• Sustainability and mission-critical facilities management.

Speakers at the conference include the following:

• Nancy Novak, chief innovation officer at Compass Datacenters.
• Jaden Richardson, critical facility engineer at Meta.
• Jemma Robertson, engineering incident management team lead at Bloomberg.

2. Red Hat Summit

When: May 23-25
Where: Boston
Cost: $1,099-$1,799
Where to register: https://www.redhat.com/en/summit

The event includes keynotes from industry luminaries, technical workshops, demos and networking opportunities. It also serves as a platform for learning and staying current on the newest technologies from Red Hat and its partners. Specifically, it focuses on innovation around Linux, OpenShift, Ansible, Kubernetes and other open source networking technology. The event can be attended virtually or in person. Some of the sessions in 2023 are the following:

• "Innovation doesn't rely on your IT budget."
• "Use Kepler to measure container energy consumption."
• "Automating the cloud-native enterprise with Dynatrace and Red Hat."

Notable speakers at the conference include the following:

• Ty Lim, manager of site reliability engineering at Blue Shield of California.
• Olivia Peavler, customer success executive at Red Hat.
• Jonny Williams, agile delivery lead at Red Hat.

3. Cisco Live

When: June 4-8
Where: Las Vegas and virtual
Cost: In person: $775-$3,395; Virtual: free
Where to register: https://www.ciscolive.com/global.html

Cisco Live Is Cisco Systems' annual conference that brings together networking professionals and industry leaders to discuss networking technology. Some topics covered at the conference are network management, enterprise mobility, enterprise architecture, network security and DevOps. Session formats include walk-in labs, breakout sessions and general sessions. Specific sessions at this year's conference include the following:

• "-40 degree Industrial Networking: Where Enterprise Products Fear to Go."
• "18 facets of the OpenAPI standard."
• "Advanced SD-WAN Policies Troubleshooting."
• "AI/ML for Network Engineers."

Notable speakers at the event include the following:

• Liz Centoni, executive vice president, chief strategy officer and general manager of applications at Cisco.
• Jeetu Patel, executive vice president and general manager of security and collaboration at Cisco.
• Chuck Robbins, chair and CEO at Cisco.

4. SharkFest

When: June 10-15
Where: San Diego
Cost: $595-$2,585
Where to register: https://sharkfest.wireshark.org/sfus

SharkFest is focused on sharing experiences, knowledge and best practices in the Wireshark development community. Wireshark is a widely used network analysis tool. Attendees will get to network with developers and learn the latest applications of the tool. Topics that will be covered include the following:

• "Capturing Packets in a Kubernetes Container System."
• "More Mileage from Your Tools: Problem Isolation with TLS & TCP."
• "Log4Shell: Getting to know your adversaries."

5. NANOG 88

When: June 12-14
Where: Seattle
Cost: In person: $775-$1,100; Virtual and student: $100
Where to register: https://www.nanog.org/events/nanog-88/

The North American Network Operators' Group (NANOG) is a professional association that focuses on
internet engineering, architecture and operations. It is committed to maintaining a secure and open internet through its platform. NANOG 88 is the association's 88th community-wide gathering. The event features keynotes, hackathons and classes. The agenda and speakers have not yet been announced.

6. IEEE Edge

When: July 2-8

Where: Chicago

Cost: TBA

Where to register: https://conferences.computer.org/edge/2023

This hybrid conference is geared toward edge computing researchers and industry practitioners to share the latest advancements in the field, experiences and best practices for working in edge computing. It is hosted by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Agenda and speakers have not yet been announced.

7. ICCCN

When: July 24-27
Where: Honolulu
Cost: TBA
Where to register: http://www.icccn.org/icccn23/

The International Conference on Computer Communications and Networks (ICCCN) is one of the top conferences for sharing novel advances and ideas in the field of computer communications and networks. There are variety of technical tracks at the conference, including the following:

• Infrastructure Networking Technologies.
• Network Architecture, Algorithm, Protocol and Evaluation.
• Edge and Cloud Computing.
• Mobile Applications and Sensing.
• Security, Privacy and Trust.

8. VMware Explore

When: Aug. 21-24
Where: Las Vegas
Cost: TBA
Where to register: https://www.vmware.com/explore/us.html

VMWare Explore is a place for practitioners and business leaders to learn about migration to multi-cloud IT environments. The conference features several learning tracks, including the following:

• Cloud & Edge Infrastructure.
• Networking & Security.
• Modern Applications & Cloud Management.
• Hybrid Workforce.
• Vision & Innovation.

Session recordings from past VMworld conferences are posted in VMware's video library.

9. IC2E

When: Sept. 25-29
Where: Boston
Cost: TBA
Where to register: https://conferences.computer.org/IC2E/2023/

At the IEEE International Conference on Cloud Engineering (IC2E), researchers, practitioners and experts at different levels of the cloud stack, such as systems, storage, databases and applications, can exchange ideas about engineering principles and practical experiences. There will be presentations, workshops and tutorials at the conference. Topics covered will include cloud management, applications, cloud systems, edge computing and blockchain in support of cloud services.

10. IEEE LCN

When: Oct. 2-5
Where: Daytona Beach, Fla.
Cost: TBA
Where to register: https://www.ieeelcn.org

The Conference on Local Computer Networks (LCN) is an annual academic conference organized by IEEE. Agenda and speakers have not yet been announced.

11. Gartner IT Infrastructure, Operations & Cloud Strategies Conference

When: Dec. 5-7
Where: Las Vegas
Cost: $3,650-$4,300
Where to register: https://www.gartner.com/en/conferences/na/infrastructure-operations-cloud-us

The Gartner IT Infrastructure, Operations & Cloud Strategies Conference aims to address challenges that businesses face with IT infrastructure, operations and cloud. Attendees of this conference can use the experience to help attract, train and retain talent; implement agile practices; and plan for a sustainable future. The conference is broken up into several tracks, each with a different area of focus. Agenda and speakers have not yet been announced.