I figured last year’s Le Web 3 was going to be the quintessential startup event for Europe, but there is a new kid on the block which could vie for the crown. The Plugg Conference will focus on Web 2.0 and Mobile 2.0 startups on March 19th in Brussels. As well as a speaker programme [disclosure: I will be chairing some discussions] there will be a “Startup Rally” featuring tech start-ups looking for early-stage funding and press/blogger attention (entrants get a reduced conference rate). A selection of 20 start-ups with strong roots in Europe will be carefully picked by a jury. Registrations will be closed on Friday the 8th of February.
Just prior to Plugg will be LIFT in Geneva (Feb 6-8), which features a Venture Night at which TechCrunch France’s own Ouriel Ohayon will be on the judging panel. However, submissions are now closed for this, though you can see submitted companies here.