The event season is back, and so is FinOps Foundation’s cloud technology conference, FinOps X — a conference that caters to FinOps enthusiasts across cloud providers. But wait, it's the first time they are doing it in Europe. 

The FinOps Foundation is gearing up for its first-ever European conference this November, right before Microsoft Ignite kicks off in Chicago, Illinois. 

While cloud technology will undoubtedly take centre stage at both events, this year’s highlights are expected to be FOCUS—the FinOps Foundation’s initiative to standardise cloud billing formats across all major cloud providers—and the latest advancements in generative AI. With these innovations in the spotlight, it’s shaping up to be an exciting end of the year for tech enthusiasts.

While we’ll dive deeper into what to expect from Ignite 2024 in another blog, this post is dedicated to all things FinOps X Europe 2024. From key details to important tips, here’s everything you need to know if you’re heading to Barcelona for the conference. Stay tuned—there’s plenty more to uncover!

Let’s start. 

What is FinOps X?

If you’re new to the FinOps world or attending the conference for the first time, this would be your first question. In a nutshell, FinOps X Europe, aka FinOps XE, is a conference for FinOps practitioners to share their knowledge, best practices, and topics in a relaxed setting. The conference is hosted by the FinOps Foundation and provides a networking and learning opportunity for anyone working in “FinOps.”.

What’s In Store at FinOps X Europe 2024:

What’s In Store at FinOps X Europe 2024:

FinOps X is where you’ll catch up on the latest and greatest in cloud financial management. Expect a deep dive into topics like cost allocation, real-time cloud spend tracking, and cloud budgeting—basically, all the tools to help you future-proof your FinOps game.

A niche event for a niche audience

Here’s the thing: FinOps is still a relatively new practice, with only a select number of companies adopting it at scale. That means the practitioner community is small—making FinOps X Europe 2024 a niche event tailored for a highly specialised audience. Unlike the massive tech conferences with tens of thousands of attendees, FinOps X will be a much more intimate gathering. Three days with just around 1,000 people means you’ll have ample time to truly dive deep into what’s happening within the world of FinOps.

For those attending, this smaller scale also offers a huge advantage: more opportunities to network, engage in meaningful conversations, and exchange ideas directly with experts and peers. And since this is the first-ever FinOps X in Europe, the excitement around the event will be even greater!

Meet the Experts

You’ll get to rub shoulders with FinOps pros and cloud gurus from some of the biggest companies in Europe. It’s a great chance to chat, swap stories, and maybe even find your next big collaboration.

Boost Your Skills

With hands-on chalk talks  and practical sessions, you can pick up new tricks for optimising costs and managing cloud spend. Plus, you’ll leave with fresh ideas you can put into action as soon as you’re back at the office.

In simpler words, FinOps X Europe 2024 is the go-to event for FinOps pros who want to stay ahead of the curve. Whether you’re fine-tuning your cost optimization skills or looking to expand your FinOps network, this niche event will give you the perfect space to learn, connect, and return to your team with actionable strategies.

When and where is FinOps X Europe?

FinOps X Europe 2024 is going to be held from November 11 to November 14 in Barcelona, Spain, at the W,  located on the picturesque waterfront.

The entire hotel (including all common spaces) is reserved for the event. This means that you can turn to anyone onsite to have a deep conversation about FinOps. 

Four days seems like a long time for an event, but note that November 11 is for badge collection and networking reception day, and the conference will close on the night of November 13, with November 14 reserved for checkouts and breakfast (tip: don’t lose your pass after the party to enjoy this last meal), so expect limited action on those two days. That makes it a two-day conference, effectively. FinOps X Europe is expecting about 850 people in-person attendees in Barcelona.

Here’s everything in a nutshell again:

FinOps X Europe in-person conference dates: November 11-14, 2024

Location: Barcelona, Spain

Venue: W, Barcelona

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What’s on the FinOps X Europe 2024 Agenda?

While the final day-by-day agenda will be fully revealed closer to the event, here’s an exciting preview of what’s coming at FinOps X Europe 2024!

Core topics covered:

Implementing FOCUS™

One of the key highlights is learning how to adopt FOCUS™, the unifying format for cloud bills with native support from all major cloud providers. This session will help you streamline cloud cost management by providing clarity and consistency in your cloud bills.

FinOps Beyond Public Cloud

FinOps isn’t just for the public cloud anymore! This session will teach you how to apply FinOps principles to SaaS, licensing, hybrid, and on-premise spend, ensuring you maximise value across your entire tech portfolio, regardless of the environment.

Cloud Sustainability

In the push towards sustainability, FinOps is partnering with sustainability teams to evaluate both cost and carbon metrics. You’ll learn how cloud financial management plays a key role in reducing your organisation’s environmental impact while optimising costs.‍

FinOps for AI

As AI usage surges, so does its cost. Learn how to manage, forecast, allocate, and optimise the significant costs of running AI workloads in the cloud, ensuring your AI initiatives remain financially sustainable.

Highlights of FinOps X Europe 2024:

Chalk Talks

Participate in collaborative group discussions focused on specific FinOps topics. These interactive sessions dive into best practices, allowing you to gain valuable, actionable insights.

Breakout Sessions: Hit or Miss?

The breakout sessions tend to be a mixed bag depending on your specific interests. Whether you’re into multi-cloud billing management, cloud-native solutions, or carbon footprint reduction through FinOps, there’s something for everyone. But fair warning, some sessions may cater more to niche topics, so do your research once the full agenda is out to avoid missing the ones that suit your needs.

Keynotes: Don’t Miss These!

Industry thought leaders will offer insights on the evolving world of FinOps, with a focus on key themes like cloud sustainability, AI in FinOps, and optimising cloud costs. Don’t miss these sessions for a big-picture perspective on how FinOps is shaping the future.

Highlights from the FinOps X Europe Agenda:

Monday, November 11

Kick off your FinOps X experience with a relaxed afternoon. Grab your event badge and some swag around 3:00 PM, then mingle with fellow attendees at the informal networking session. And don’t forget the Welcome Reception at 7:00 PM to set the tone for the days ahead!

Tuesday, November 12

Things get serious with the 9:00 AM keynote on the evolution of FinOps. Afterward, dive into breakout sessions covering big topics like scaling FinOps at large enterprises, addressing carbon footprints, and some hands-on chalk talks on FOCUS adoption. Wrap up the day with a happy hour at 7:00 PM for more casual networking with sponsors and peers.

Wednesday, November 13

The morning starts with more keynotes at 9:00 AM, followed by breakout sessions tackling cloud elasticity, sustainability, and data ingestion strategies. By 4:45 PM, you’ll be deep into chalk talks on cutting-edge topics like AI for FinOps and how to manage beyond the public cloud. And of course, the day ends with the FinOps X Europe Official Party at 7:00 PM—because networking doesn’t have to be all serious business.‍

Thursday, November 14

Before you head home, join us for an informal networking breakfast at 7:30 AM. It’s your last chance to grab a coffee, share ideas, and lock in those valuable connections before the event wraps up.

Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the event! More details, including specific speakers and additional sessions, will be shared soon.

How can you get FinOps X Europe tickets, and how much will they cost?

Ready to secure your spot at FinOps X Europe  2024? Early registration is the key to unlocking not only the best ticket prices but also the ultimate FinOps experience! Here’s a breakdown of your options:

Ticket Prices:

• Early Bird Practitioner: $999 (Ending Soon!)
• General Attendee: $1,999
• Group Rate: $899 per person (for 3+ practitioner attendees from the same organisation)
• Government Employee Rate: $599 per person (fFor details, email x@finops.org).

Practitioners and member vendors are eligible for these rates and can expect an immersive experience at FinOps X!

What’s Included in Your Pass:

• FOCUS Certified Analyst Course (worth $400 USD)
• Welcome reception by the sea
• Most meals throughout the event
• Access to official networking events and sponsor parties

Whether you’re coming for the cutting-edge sessions or the unparalleled networking opportunities, your pass offers serious value and a packed agenda that will help you elevate your FinOps capabilities.

Make sure to grab your ticket soon—prices can increase as the event approaches. Secure the Early Bird Practitioner rate and save!

FinOps X Europe hotels, and where can you stay?

FinOps X 2024 will be held at the W Barcelona, and the hotel has been fully booked by the FinOps Foundation for attendees. After you’ve secured your ticket, you’ll be given the option to book a room directly through the FinOps Foundation. Rooms are limited and start at $299 per night, in addition to the conference ticket price. Here are the available options:

• Standard Room: $299 per night
• Studio: $599 per night
• Cool Corner: $899 per night

To secure your room, first complete your FinOps X Europe ticket registration and payment. Once done, you’ll receive instructions on how to book a hotel room. Keep in mind, check-in is from 3 PM on Monday, 11 Nov, and check-out is by 12 PM on Thursday, 14 Nov. If you plan to stay additional nights, you’ll need to arrange that separately through the hotel.

Well, booking flights is easy, but finding a hotel to stay and one that is as close to W is definitely a hassle since W Barcelona is located on the beachfront, and nearby accommodation options are limited, but there are a few alternatives within 2 to 2.5 km from the venue, including:

1. Catalonia Port
2. Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel GL
3. Hotel One Barcelona

These options start at an average of $150 per night. 

Tips for FinOps X Europe 2024 attendees:

Though this is the first one in Europe, here are some tips from the FinOps X events :

While it’s the first FinOps X event in Europe, these tips from previous FinOps X events will help you get the most out of it:

• Watch out for ticket availability—FinOps X sells out quickly, so make sure you grab yours as soon as you get that email from the foundation. Also, the foundation plans to maintain a balance ratio between vendors and practitioners.
• Get your badge and swag right when you arrive —swag runs out fast!
• Don’t forget to explore the expo hall. Even though we’re one of the sponsors, it’s worth checking out what all the exhibitors have to offer.
• Take advantage of networking opportunities, especially with the FinOps Foundation’s teams, as they have a lot to offer a practitioner.
• Arrive early to the sessions—they fill up fast — especially chalk talks!

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Meet Lucidity at FinOps X Europe 2024 

While you’re touring the expo hall, be sure to visit the Lucidity booth. If reducing cloud block storage costs is on your priority list, we’ve got something you don’t want to miss. Lucidity is the only solution that optimises your cloud disk storage utilisation, helping you cut costs at scale.

And here’s the exciting part—we’re giving away Apple AirPods 4 to four lucky winners! Simply register, book a time to meet with us, and you’ll automatically be entered into the raffle.

Looking forward to seeing you at FinOps X this November!

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