Bansko Nomad Fest 2023 has started! This is the fifth edition of the digital nomad and remote workers festival and it’s getting bigger and better every year.
Bansko Nomad Fest is a week-long event (June 27-July 2) showcasing the rise of location-independent lifestyle. With participants from over 40 countries, including far-flung destinations like Australia and Japan, Bansko Nomad Fest showcases a truly global gathering. The United States takes the lead as the most represented country, followed by Germany, the UK, and Israel. However, in Bansko, you might encounter nomads from all continents (except maybe Antarctica).
At Bansko Nomad Fest, making new connections and meeting people is effortless. In the town of Bansko, digital nomads can be easily identified by their festival bracelets. Envision entering a restaurant where tables are filled, primarily by other festival participants. They’ll warmly greet you and extend an invitation to join them, regardless of whether you’ve crossed paths before. These impromptu encounters occur frequently throughout Bansko Nomad Fest, cultivating an inclusive atmosphere that nurtures friendships and impactful partnerships.
Who are Digital Nomads and what drives them?
Digital Nomads are not limited by borders or traditional career paths. In the nomad community, you’ll find people who work remotely from 9 to 5, as well as those who start their own businesses, work independently, trade cryptocurrencies, help others as life coaches, or create online content. They are motivated by a desire for freedom, a curiosity about the world, the ability to travel, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals.
Digital nomads not only want to be able to work from anywhere but also to have the freedom to work on their own terms. Many of them strive for a passive income or early retirement so that they can enjoy life to the fullest. Achieving a good balance between work and personal life is not just a trendy phrase for them.
What interests Digital Nomads?
During Bansko Nomad Fest 2023, there will be more than 100 conference talks and unconference sessions. Here are some of the talks during the event:
Artificial Intelligence
Digital nomads have diverse interests that shape their unique lifestyle. They are fascinated by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its potential to revolutionize their work and boost productivity. Many nomads are tech-savvy and early adopters of AI tools like Chat GPT or Midjourney. Some have even embraced AI as a source of income, becoming specialists and consultants in the field.
Rather than fearing job displacement, nomads view AI as a means to achieve a better work-life balance, allowing them more time for leisure and enjoyment. The Nomad Fest will feature several keynotes, unconference talks, and skill-sharing sessions dedicated to exploring the exciting possibilities of AI.
AI-related talks at Bansko Nomad Fest include:
- “AI-Driven Success: Inspiring Business Growth & Adaptation”
- “30 minutes of work: Using AI to find new clients and automate business operations”
- “From 0 to 9M downloads in a year: passive income with AI mobile apps”
- “AI-powered tools that boost remote work productivity”
Productivity & Work-Life Balance
Another key focus for digital nomads is productivity and work-life balance. They recognize the importance of optimizing their workflows and finding harmony between work and personal life. The Nomad Fest will offer valuable insights and talks on strategies for maximizing productivity while maintaining a fulfilling lifestyle.
Productivity & Work-Life Balance related talks at Bansko Nomad Fest include:
- “How I went from being a workaholic to a 25-hour work week whilst growing the business”
- “The Real 4-Hour work week – make more, while doing less”
- “Gamify Your Life – how gamification can help you motivate yourself and achieve your goals”
- “Asynchronous Remote Work”
Content Creation
Many nomads are content creators, embracing various forms of media such as travel blogging, vlogging, podcasting, and more. Even those who are not content creators by profession utilize content in their businesses, recognizing its power to engage and connect with their audience.
Content creation related talks at Bansko Nomad Fest include:
- “From Japan to the world! How to change your life with your own Podcast”
- “Can Social Media help you achieve your goals?”
- “Successful self-publishing – that makes money – without using Amazon”
Startups, Online Business, Passive Income
The entrepreneurial spirit thrives among digital nomads, with a strong focus on business ventures and startups. Many nomads are founders of successful startups, some having even experienced lucrative exits. In addition to more traditional businesses, the nomad community showcases an array of innovative online ventures, including human design coaching, tantra coaching, online fitness coaching, and more. The pursuit of passive income is highly sought after, as it promises improved work-life balance and the freedom to travel.
Business related talks at Bansko Nomad Fest include:
- “How to build your digital wealth while traveling by using your existing skills to help decentralized Web3 startups”
- “From Zero to a 7-figure Exit: copy us with these 8 tips”
- “Future Travel Trends: 25 Hot Startups and Projects to Follow”
- “From Hustle to Automation: Building a Personal Brand that Runs Itself”
- “How I transformed my Photography Hobby into a Successful Business”
Startups Pitching Session
Together with Founder Institute we are running a startup pitch event on Saturday July 1st. Startups present at Bansko Nomad Fest will have the opportunity to pitch in front of investors and business angels from Sofia, including Pavel Ezekiev who is the lead investor on the Bulgarian version of Shark Tank.
The Power of Community
Bansko Nomad Fest is fueled by a strong and vibrant community that resonates throughout the digital nomad world. A dedicated team of 120 international volunteers works tirelessly to ensure an unforgettable experience for all attendees. And on the first day of the event, more than 100 unconference talks were spontaneously pitched by participants. The topics covered during the Unconference include:
- Indie Hacking
- Creative Writing – How to outsmart Chat GPT
- Psychedelics
- Sitting is the New Smoking – optimizing one’s ergonomics and improving posture
- Creating an app without coding
- Affiliate Marketing
- Goals Visualization
- Money Mindset
- Human Design
- Spirit Animals Guided Meditation
- Kundalini Activation
- Tantra Workshop
- Thai Boxing Class with Hungarian Thai Boxing Champion (by a 40kg/88 pounds girl!!)
Why Bansko?
Bansko, a Bulgarian ski resort turned digital nomad hotspot, has captured the attention of location-independent individuals worldwide. Despite its small size, Bansko has all the ingredients that attract digital nomads looking for an ideal base. Affordable prices, a charming town nestled in the mountains, and a vibrant atmosphere are just a few of the reasons why nomads flock to this destination.
In 2016, Matthias Zeitler, a German digital nomad, established Coworking Bansko, which quickly transformed into a thriving community hub. Nomads are drawn to Coworking Bansko not only for its well-equipped workspaces, including quiet areas, a rooftop space, and a garden but also for the strong sense of community it fosters. Weekly events, such as board games, poker nights, and group outings, bring people together and create lasting connections.
In 2020, Matthias organized the inaugural Bansko Nomad Fest, defying the challenges posed by the pandemic. Despite the circumstances, the event drew more than 100 digital nomads, marking the beginning of its remarkable journey. Since then, the festival has steadily gained recognition within the nomad community, becoming the world’s biggest digital nomad gathering!
But Bansko offers more than just coworking spaces. It checks off all the boxes that digital nomads seek in a place to live. With its low cost of living, favorable tax environment, enchanting natural beauty, rich history, and delectable cuisine, Bansko provides the perfect backdrop for nomadic living.
Beyond work, Bansko offers a wide range of activities to suit every nomad’s interests. This charming town is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts, offering exciting activities such as skiing in winter, hiking, and mountain biking in summer, and exhilarating rafting experiences. For those seeking relaxation, the hot springs provide a soothing retreat. While foodies can indulge in the flavors of Bulgaria through wine tasting and savor the mouthwatering delights of traditional Bulgarian cuisine at the numerous restaurants scattered throughout the town.
No wonder many nomads have acquired Bulgarian residence and purchased real estate properties in the town. Some of them have even started learning Bulgarian!
You can find more about Bansko Nomad Fest at www.banskonomadfest.com and get updated on next year’s edition.
All the keynotes are live-streamed on the Bansko Nomad Fest Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/banskonomadfest
You can follow Bansko Nomad Fest on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/banskonomadfest
