Snapshot: Tech Frontiers | Feb 2026

Overview: A strategic look at the six essential summits shaping AI hardware, digital health, and developer ecosystems this month.

• The Big Theme: The “AI-First” Stack. The industry has moved beyond simple LLM integration toward “Agentic” workflows and dedicated AI-optimized silicon.

• Geographic Hubs: Heavy concentration in California (Silicon Valley & SF), with significant regional specialized hubs in Virginia, South Carolina, and Quebec.

• Key Stats at a Glance:

  • Largest Event: DeveloperWeek (8,000+ attendees).

  • Most Specialized: ISSCC (3,000+ chip designers).

  • High-Growth Sector: Digital Health Transformation (ViVE 2026, 9,000+ executives).

• Critical Shift: A move toward “No-Sales” educational environments (ConFoo) and matchmaking-driven business outcomes (ViVE), prioritizing high-value networking over traditional trade-show noise.

As we move through February 2026, the global technology landscape is defined by a singular theme: the shift from theoretical AI to its practical, “AI-first” implementation across every sector. From the prestigious “Olympic Games” of semiconductor design in San Francisco to the burgeoning “Agentic Coding” workshops in Montreal, this month’s premier events showcase a world where hardware, healthcare, and cybersecurity are being fundamentally rewritten. For professionals and leaders alike, these gatherings represent more than just networking opportunities—they are the epicenters of a technical revolution where regional collaboration meets global innovation.

Advanced Technology Events: February 2026

CyberConVA 2026

Dates: February 12, 2026
Venue: Science Museum of Virginia (Dewey Gottwald Center)
Location: Richmond, Virginia, United States
Expected Attendence: 600+ Security professionals and leaders

CyberConVA brings together security teams from both the public and private sectors. Specifically, it addresses the regional challenges facing Virginia and the mid-Atlantic states. The program spans threat intelligence, incident response, and workforce development.

In addition, this regional conference provides a very accessible entry point for professionals. It offers practical guidance without the massive scale or high cost of national events. Consequently, it is ideal for fostering connections between local government agencies and technology companies. Organizations facing similar threat landscapes can easily share insights and build partnerships here.

Why Attend? CyberConVA offers targeted content tailored to regional regulatory environments. Therefore, it provides strong networking opportunities for those who want to grow their career within the local cyber community.

National Big Data Health Science Conference

Dates: February 12-13, 2026
Venue: Pastides Alumni Center
Location: University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, United States
Expected Attendance: 450+ healthcare and data professionals

This specialized conference explores the intersection of data science and clinical practice. Specifically, it focuses on how “Big Data” can improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency. The event brings together a multidisciplinary group of researchers, data scientists, and government officials.

In addition, the 2026 program features a heavy emphasis on AI and Large Language Models (LLMs). These tools are becoming essential for administrative efficiency and predictive analytics in medical settings. Furthermore, the agenda includes critical workshops on cybersecurity and ethical data use for health systems.

Why Attend? The conference offers an intimate setting for networking with high-level academic and industry stakeholders. For example, attendees can participate in pre-conference workshops focused on advanced platforms like SAS Viya. Consequently, it is an excellent venue for professionals seeking practical implementations of data science without the noise of a massive trade show.

IEEE International Solid-State Circuits Conference (ISSCC)

Dates: February 15-19, 2026
Venue: San Francisco Marriott Marquis
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Expected Attendance: 3,000+ designers and researchers

ISSCC is the premier global forum for advances in solid-state circuits and systems-on-a-chip. Specifically, this highly technical conference attracts the world’s top chip designers and semiconductor engineers. In fact, it is often referred to as the “Olympic Games” of the semiconductor industry.

Currently, the 2026 program focuses on how circuit research contributes to future artificial intelligence systems. Attendees will explore cutting-edge developments in AI accelerators, power management, and emerging memory technologies. Furthermore, the event showcases the silicon innovations that enable edge computing and high-performance data centers.

Why Attend? ISSCC offers a unique opportunity to maintain technical currency in a fast-moving field. Therefore, it is essential for researchers who need to network with leading experts and evaluate industry-first hardware. Additionally, the event features specialized tutorials and forums for deep-dive technical learning.

DeveloperWeek

Dates: February 18-20, 2026
Venue: San Jose McEnery Convention Center
Location: San Jose, California, United States
Expected Attendance: 8,000+ developers and engineers

DeveloperWeek is the world’s largest independent developer and engineering event. Specifically, it features eight distinct “Worlds” under one roof. These specialized conferences cover everything from AI Dev and CloudNative to DevSecurity and ProductWorld.

In addition, the 2026 program is heavily focused on the “AI-First” developer stack. For example, attendees can join deep-dive sessions on LLM engineering and Kubernetes orchestration. Furthermore, the event hosts a massive hackathon and the DEVIES Awards to celebrate technical innovation.

Why Attend? This conference provides a unique opportunity to learn from 250+ expert speakers. Consequently, developers can gain practical skills that are immediately applicable to their current projects. Ultimately, it is the best place to network with architects and dev leads from over 2,000 participating companies.

ViVE 2026

Dates: February 22-25, 2026
Venue: Los Angeles Convention Center
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Expected Attendance: 9,000+ healthcare executives and digital health leaders

ViVE is a premier event focused on the business of healthcare transformation. Specifically, it is co-created by CHIME and HLTH to unite C-suite executives, investors, and policymakers. Unlike traditional medical conferences, ViVE concentrates on technology strategy and business outcomes.

In fact, the four-day gathering explores how emerging technologies are currently reshaping healthcare delivery. Key themes for 2026 include:

• AI-Powered Care: Diagnostics and care coordination.

• Cybersecurity: Data protection for large health systems.

• Interoperability: Data exchange platforms and standards.

• Value-Based Care: Digital tools that enable new payment models.

• Digital Therapeutics: Remote patient monitoring and workforce enablement.

To maximize value, ViVE offers signature matchmaking programs like Provider & Payer Connect. These sessions facilitate targeted 1:1 meetings between decision-makers and solution providers. Consequently, the event is a catalyst for accelerating technology adoption. Furthermore, specialized zones showcase live innovations in AI and diagnostics to highlight real-world traction.

Why Attend? ViVE uniquely combines healthcare expertise with advanced technology implementation. Therefore, it is essential for professionals working at the intersection of digital innovation and patient care.

ConFoo Montreal 2026

Dates: February 25-27, 2026
Venue: Hotel Bonaventure Montreal
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Expected Attendance: 2,000+ developers and 190+ speakers

ConFoo is one of the largest and most diverse multi-technology conferences in North America. Specifically, it is a “full-stack” event that covers everything from PHP and Java to Python and Security. The 2026 edition features 45-minute presentations designed to provide high-impact, practical knowledge.

In addition, the 2026 program is leaning heavily into “Agentic Coding.” For instance, attendees can join workshops on building features with AI teammates and mastering LLM engineering. Furthermore, since the event takes place in the heart of Montreal, it offers a unique atmosphere that blends technical deep-dives with a world-class culinary and social scene.

Why Attend? ConFoo is known for its “no-sales” policy, ensuring that every session is purely educational. Consequently, developers can focus on learning new frameworks and architectures without distraction. Ultimately, it is an essential stop for Canadian tech teams looking to stay competitive on a global scale.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which event is best for connecting with senior-level tech talent? For executive leadership in digital health, ViVE 2026 is the standout. However, if you are looking for specialized “deep tech” engineers and hardware architects, ISSCC in San Francisco is widely considered the most prestigious gathering of semiconductor and circuit talent globally.

2. Where should developers go to see the latest in AI-driven workflows? DeveloperWeek in San Jose and ConFoo in Montreal are the primary hubs for seeing how “Agentic Coding” and AI-first stacks are actually being implemented. These events attract a high density of full-stack developers and DevOps engineers.

3. Are these events better for active job seekers or passive talent? Most of these conferences are focused on professional development and technical breakthroughs, which means they attract a high percentage of passive talent—professionals who are currently employed but are at the forefront of their fields. Events like CyberConVA are particularly good for identifying regional talent in the Mid-Atlantic security sector.

4. How can our company stand out to attendees at these events? Beyond having a booth, participating in the technical discourse (like the hackathons at DeveloperWeek or the peer reviews at ISSCC) is key. For firms looking to hire, understanding the specific themes of these events helps in tailoring your outreach to what these professionals are currently excited about.

Building the Teams of the Future

At EPG, we don’t just follow the technology—we follow the people driving it. These events represent the epicenter of innovation in February 2026, and they are where the next generation of industry leaders is currently sharing their ideas.

Whether you are a professional looking to take the next step in your career or a hiring manager looking to secure the specialized talent found at these conferences, we’re here to help you bridge the gap.

• Ready for your next challenge? Schedule a brief call with one of our recruiters to discuss your background and how we can connect you with the industry’s top opportunities.

• Looking for specialized talent? Fill out our contact form to let us know about your current hiring needs and how we can support your growth.