Data Makers Fest 2026 – Porto, Portugal
Overview
Data Makers Fest 2026 is Europe’s most vibrant festival for the data community, returning to Porto to bridge the gap between technical data engineering and creative innovation. Far from a traditional corporate conference, this event is designed as a high-energy celebration of those who actually build and operate with data. Over three days, the historic banks of the Douro River become a playground for over 1,000 data scientists, machine learning engineers, and analysts to exchange knowledge, tackle production challenges, and shape the future of applied AI.
The 2026 edition features a curated program of over 50 talks and 6 intensive hands-on tutorials, focusing on real-world implementations rather than theoretical hype. The festival kicks off with a dedicated day of technical workshops, followed by two days of conference sessions covering high-stakes topics like agentic AI, modern data stacks, and MLOps scalability. With a speaker lineup featuring experts from global leaders like NVIDIA, Google DeepMind, and Airbus, the festival ensures that every session delivers high-signal, practical insights for practitioners at every stage of their career.
Recommended Products For This Event:
External Hard Drive
High-capacity external hard drive for secure, reliable storage and easy file backup.
Buy on Amazon
Laptop Backpack
Durable laptop backpack with padded compartments for safe and comfortable carrying.
Buy on Amazon
Smart Notebook
Reusable smart notebook that syncs notes digitally for easy organization and sharing.
Buy on AmazonWhat truly sets Data Makers Fest apart is its unique “festival” atmosphere that prioritizes community and fun as much as technical depth. Between sessions, the venue comes alive with music, interactive gaming zones, and social activations that encourage informal networking over local craft beers. Set in the iconic Alfandega do Porto, the event transforms a former customs house into a dynamic innovation hub, solidifying Porto’s reputation as a key destination for the international tech ecosystem and providing an unforgettable experience for the global “maker” community.
Enjoy Your Event Stress-Free with Euro Travelo
Planning a trip to attend a festival, concert, or business event in Europe can be overwhelming—tickets, travel, accommodation, and local logistics all take time and effort. Euro Travelo makes it simple by providing everything you need through one trusted company. You save time, avoid stress, and enjoy a seamless experience from start to finish.
Event Highlights
- Hands-On Tutorial Day: Dive deep into 6 specialized workshops where you can build and deploy real-world data models alongside industry mentors before the main conference begins.
- Maker+ Pass Perks: Enjoy an elevated festival experience with priority check-in, reserved parking, exclusive networking dinners, and inclusive catering designed for high-level builders.
- Festival Vibe and Networking: Escape the sterile conference room with a program that features live music, gaming zones, and social mixers that make networking feel natural and fun.
- Global Expert Lineup: Hear directly from the engineers and solutions architects behind some of the world’s most advanced data pipelines at companies like Google DeepMind and NVIDIA.
Why Attend
Data Makers Fest 2026 is the ideal destination for data practitioners who are tired of broad, commercial tech events and are looking for “real talk” about building data systems. It is perfectly suited for Data Engineers, ML Specialists, and Analytics leads who need to stay ahead of the latest trends in production-grade AI and data governance. The festival environment fosters a sense of belonging and community, making it easier to connect with peers who are facing the same daily technical hurdles as you.
The benefit of attending lies in the high-density, actionable content that skips the sales pitches in favor of technical transparency. You will walk away with a reinforced understanding of modern data architectures and a network of worldwide experts you can call upon long after the festival ends. Whether you are looking to refine your MLOps pipeline, explore sovereign AI frameworks, or simply recharge your creative batteries in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, this event provides the perfect balance of professional growth and personal inspiration.
Date & Duration
- Event Date: May 4 – 6, 2026
- Event Duration: 3 Days
Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Tickets are sold online via the official Data Makers Fest website and the Tito registration platform.
- Admission Type: Registration options include Maker passes (standard), Maker+ passes (premium), and specialized Tutorial-only add-ons.
- Ticket Pricing: Pricing ranges from a minimum of $325 for early-bird Maker passes to a maximum of $685 for the all-inclusive Maker+ premium experience.
- Special Seating Options: Seating for tutorials and keynote sessions is open; however, tutorial sessions require pre-booking as they have strictly limited capacity.
- VIP Options: Maker+ pass holders receive priority access to all sessions, dedicated lunch areas, and invitations to an exclusive networking dinner with speakers and partners.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Porto, Portugal
- Venue Name: Alfandega do Porto (Congress Center)
- Google Maps Address: EDIFÍCIO DA ALFÂNDEGA, R. Nova da Alfândega 59, 4050-430 Porto, Portugal
Worried about accommodation? Hotels near this event sell out quickly, and prices tend to rise fast. Check out these accommodation options:
Contact Information
- Email: hi@datamakersfest.com
- Phone Number: +351 918 044 562
- Official Website: https://www.datamakersfest.com/
- Social Media Links:
- https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/data-makers-fest/
- https://www.instagram.com/datamakersfest/
- https://www.youtube.com/@DataMakersFest
Getting There
- Nearest Airport: Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport is 9 miles from the venue and can be reached in 20 minutes by taxi or 35 minutes via the Metro.
- Nearest Train/Metro Station: Sao Bento Train Station is a 12-minute walk from the venue; the Ribeira area is well-connected by the historic tram and bus networks.
- Bus Routes or Public Transport Options: STCP bus lines 500, 403, and 1M stop directly at the Alfandega stop in front of the venue.
- Parking Availability: Limited on-site parking is available for Maker+ pass holders; public parking is located at the nearby Parque Alfandega and Ribeira garages.
- Directions by Car: Accessible via the VCI orbital motorway, taking the exits for Porto Centro and following the signs for the Douro riverfront and Ribeira.
What is this event?
Data Makers Fest is an international gathering dedicated to the people who build products and services with data. It is a technical conference that emphasizes community, creativity, and hands-on learning over traditional corporate presentations.
The event spans three days, featuring one day of intensive tutorials followed by two days of expert talks and exhibition showcases. It is designed to be the ultimate meeting place for data practitioners to share production challenges and celebrate their work.
Why is it popular?
The event is popular because it replaces the “boring” conference format with a high-energy festival atmosphere complete with music, games, and authentic networking. It is famous for its high-signal content that is curated specifically for technical “makers” rather than sales audiences.
Its popularity also stems from its iconic venue at the Alfandega do Porto and the strong community vibe that brings together the best data talent from across Europe. The high ratio of senior engineers and the focus on actionable insights make it a staple on the tech calendar.
Attendee Experiences
- The festival atmosphere made it so much easier to have real, deep conversations with speakers who are usually unreachable.
- The tutorials were incredibly practical; I learned more about ML orchestration in one day than I did in a month of online courses.
- Porto is the perfect backdrop for this event, and the vibe at Alfandega is something every data professional should experience.
Attention!
We offer complete packages including Event Tickets, Accommodation, Transportation & more — so you don’t have to worry about anything.
Contact Us →Before you go, check these helpful travel products:
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
What is the difference between the Maker pass and the Maker+ pass?
The standard Maker pass provides full access to all conference talks, the exhibition area, and general networking events on May 5th and 6th. The Maker+ pass is a premium tier that includes extra perks such as on-site parking, inclusive lunches, priority check-in, and an invitation to an exclusive networking dinner with speakers and industry leaders.
Do I need to bring my own laptop for the Hands-On Tutorials on May 4th?
Yes, all tutorial participants are required to bring their own laptops and should check their email for pre-installation requirements a week before the event. These sessions are highly technical and interactive, so having your own development environment ready is essential to getting the most out of the hands-on building exercises led by the instructors.
Are the conference sessions recorded and shared with attendees after the event?
Most of the main stage talks and conference sessions are recorded by the organization and shared publicly on their YouTube channel a few months after the festival concludes. However, the hands-on tutorials and certain "unfiltered" roundtable discussions are not recorded to ensure a safe and private environment for open technical dialogue.
Is there a specific code of conduct for the festival?
Data Makers Fest maintains a strict Code of Conduct that promotes a respectful, inclusive, and harassment-free environment for all participants regardless of gender, background, or seniority. The organizers reserve the right to expel any attendee who does not adhere to these standards to ensure the festival remains a safe and fun space for the entire community.
Can I transfer my ticket to a colleague if I can no longer attend?
Ticket transfers are allowed and can be requested by emailing the support team at least 30 days before the festival begins. While cancellations are only eligible for a partial refund up to 60 days before the event, the transfer process is straightforward and ensures your team can still benefit from the seat if your schedule changes.
