Top 10 biggest tech events of 2012

Here's out essential guide of what you can look forward to in technology in the year 2012. 

1. CES 2012: The 45th international Consumer Electronics Show will be held next week between the 10th and the 13th of January in Las Vegas. The 2012 CES is the last in which Microsoft will feature as the key note speaker. 

2. Macworld: Rebranded to include iWorld, Macworld will showcase all that’s new in the Apple galaxy. This Apple-centric conference will be held in San Francisco between January 26th and 28th.  

3. Mobile World Congress: The GSMA MWC will take place in Barcelona between February 27th and March 1st and showcase the most cutting edge mobile technology in the world.

4. CeBIT 2012: To be held in Hannover, Germany, this conference will focus on digital security, among other IT and telecommunications issues. It will be held in March, between the 6th and the 10th.

5. SXSW: The South by Southwest Music and Media Conference and Festival will feature emerging technologies, social media, innovations and startups. It will take place in Austin, Texas between March 9th and 18th.

6. COMPUTEX: To be held between the 5th and 9th of June, COMPUTEX will showcase new products, especially those designed and made in Taiwan. It is one of Asia’s biggest exhibitions and will take place in Taipei.

7. IFA: A number of product launches are expected at the IFA, scheduled to take place in Berlin between August 31st and September 5th. Many innovative and easy-to-use devices for the individual consumer will debut here. 

8. CEATEC: The Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies is a platform for the display of cutting-edge technologies, both in the sphere of business and personal use. It will take place in Tokyo between October 2nd and 6th.

9. Hong Kong Electronics Fair: To be held between October 13th and 16th, this fair will feature electronics from all over the world. Visitors to this fair will also be able to attend Electronics Asia, which will be taking place at the same time. 

10. SITEX Singapore: This IT event will be held between November 22nd and 25th in Singapore. Not only will visitors come face to face with all that’s new in the tech world, they will also be able to buy the latest products at direct prices straight from the producers, without any middle men.