rockstars valley 2026
Quickly go to
rockstars valley 2026 | engineering under pressure
Will you help shape the future of engineering?
We are experiencing the greatest digital disruption of this century. Engineers, IT managers and CIOs are working in a playing field where technology and processes are transforming at lightning speed, and that development pressure is affecting people. Roles change and teams are reshaped. Every choice has consequences. For data. For continuity. For trust. And for work happiness.
The question arises, what is the future of the engineer? Team Rockstars IT takes a stand. We choose, adjust and take responsibility for the direction we set.
During Rockstars Valley 2026, we will work on this together! We will meet in an environment where we will be challenged to look differently, judge more sharply and act more consciously. Where under this pressure we do not stagnate, but rather accelerate with insight and direction. Together, in a pressure cooker, we are getting ready for the engineer’s future!
tech conference
In a world that is changing at lightning speed, it is not enough to keep up. Anyone who wants to make a difference — as an IT professional, organization or leader — must think ahead, strategize and actively shape the future.
On Tuesday, October 6, 2026, the fourth edition of Rockstars Valley will bring together over 600 engineers, clients and CIOs at the Johan Cruijff ArenA during Rockstars Valley 2026: ”Engineering Under Pressure.”
the
rockstars awards
rockstars awards
During Rockstars Valley 2026, we will once again present The Rockstars Awards.
An ode to guts, impact, culture and stories that make a difference in tech. Do you know a team or project that should be in the spotlight?
Let’s hear from you and nominate them for the Rockstars Innovator, Social Impact, Happiness or Engineering Under Pressure Award!
this is what you can expect
topics
During Rockstars Valley ’26, the topics of AI, Cloud Sovereignty and Security will provide guide the conversation about the future of the engineer.
Artificial Intelligence fundamentally revises processes and its use creates many dilemmas about accuracy, environment and work happiness. Dependence on big tech from North America and Asia is creating issues about Europe’s digital sovereignty, and increased security risks from AI and Quantum are here to stay. The space to wait is disappearing and adaptation is the essence
AI Impact
Are you AI Ready?
Developments around AI are moving at lightning speed and have a major impact on the work of Engineers. How should you deal with this, what will this mean for your role as an engineer? And what does this mean for a manager if the dynamics within the team are going to change because of AI?
Cloud Sovereignty
Back to Europe
There is increasing pressure to bring Cloud back to Europe. What is possible in this, what choices to make and what is realistic?
Security
Are you safe?
Datleks and hacks are of the daily order. How is your team prepared for these? With the advent of AI, what measures are needed to keep your data safe?
people first
Man at 1
Engineering Under Pressure requires more than technical skills. It requires a focus on people and collaboration. People First is about performing when the pressure is on, from leadership and soft skills to (neuro)diversity and inclusion
program
Right now we are hard at work filling out the full program. We can certainly already share that you can enjoy 3 energizing TED talks in the morning and in the afternoon.
The times listed are still subject to change.
| Time | Completion |
|---|---|
| 09.30 – 10.30 | Reception Johan Cruijff Arena |
| 10.30 | Opening |
| 10.30 – 11.00 |
TED Talk – Wietse Hage AI Impact |
| 11.05 – 11.30 |
TED Talk – Inge Bryan Security |
| Time | Completion |
|---|---|
| 11.45 – 12.30 | First break out round |
| 12.30 – 13.30 | Lunch break |
| 13.45 – 14.30 | Second break out round |
| 14.45 – 15.30 | Third break out round |
| 14.45 – 15.30 | TED talk – Brankele Frank
Man under pressure |
| Time | Completion |
|---|---|
| 16.00 – 16.30 | Plenary |
| 16.30 – 17.00 | Awards show |
| 17.00 – 18.30 | Drinks |
Speakers
The first three key note speakers for Rockstars Valley have been announced! In 3 TED talks, our key note speakers will take us through different topics. From AI Impact and Security to humans under pressure.
Wietse Hage
Engineering philosopherkey note speaker
Wietse has been following technological developments since he started his first company in the schoolyard. He studied Philosophy of Technology and taught media philosophy, among other subjects. He has also been making podcasts about technology for a select group of “tech fans” (aka nerds) for ten years.
Inge Bryan
Leading the way toward a more secure societykey note speaker
Inge Bryan was CEO of Fox-IT until 2023. Before that, she worked in intelligence and detection for two decades. Under her leadership, among other things, the fight against cybercrime intensified and extensive data analysis facilities and practices were built. She has seen all sides of cyber crime and espionage and a wealth of experience in building security and resilience in organizations.
She is now an independent consultant and regularly shares her views on security in national media.
Brankele Frank
Neurobiologist, author & winner The Smartest Man 2025key note speaker
She studied in Amsterdam, London and Paris, taught and was active in business. After a burnout, she immersed herself intensively in the neurobiology of stress and recovery. In 2023 she published her bestseller Over de kop, in which she explains in an accessible and literary way what happens in your brain during a burnout. In April 2026 her latest book Het Grote Ontprikkelboek was published, about how we can de-stimulate in our over-stimulated society.