Travel and Technology Experts Gather in Dublin to Solve the Challenges Facing the Travel Industry

Ireland’s first travel industry focused hackathon and conference, which aims to bring together software developers, data scientists, business developers and marketers to solve problems facing the travel industry, will take in Dublin from 18th -20th of November.

The hackathon will feature challenges by Dublin Airport and Hostelworld with top prizes of flights and a five night stay in a top New York Hotel for two people worth over €3000 and a 3 month Data Science internship at Hostelworld up-for-grabs.

Participants will also enjoy a line-up of expert speakers and practical workshops. Toby Houchens, ex-US Army Special Forces turned tech-entrepreneur, now CEO and founder of Travel Recon; Cork woman Breffni Horgan, Head of Product & Design, Hostelworld Group; and Dublin Airport Innovation Manager Katie O’Leary are just three of the speakers who will feature at the conference.

Organised as part of a European series of technology events promoting innovation, new solutions and progress in tech-driven industries, Travel Meets Big Data will take place from 18th – 20th November 2016 in Dublin City Centre.

Other speakers at Travel Meets Big Data will include:

· Mark Lenahan, Product Management & Travel Technology Specialist.

· Kevin Koidl, CEO and Founder of Wripla, Cognitive Content and Smart Analytics company.

· Uli Bethke, Oracle ACE and CEO of Sonra, the number one smart data consulting company in Ireland.

Speaking ahead of the event, Silviu Preoteasa, CEO of B.U.I.L.D Challenge said: “The travel industry is facing increasing challenges in an age where customers are taking ownership of their travel plans. The industry needs to begin to use big data to their advantage.

“They need to look at statistics to see how they can tailor and structure their offering to specific customer requirements including knowing the food allergies of frequent flyers, seat preferences or even how they take their tea/coffee. The data can also be used to run the industry more efficiently, for example using data to predict the queue at security and roster staff accordingly.

“We are excited that the first BUILD challenge is happening in Dublin, a city renowned for combining creative thinking with technology.”

The full schedule of events is available here and tickets can be purchased in advance online.