The IT Arena technology conference scheduled for September 25 to 27 in Lviv may be canceled or relocated due to security concerns, according to Ukrainian tech publication DOU.
Event partners were notified of the potential cancellation after organizers identified difficulties in guaranteeing an adequate level of security for all attendees at the planned venue.
Organizers have not yet reached a final decision on the fate of the event. They are currently evaluating alternative venues within Lviv or considering rescheduling the conference to later dates.
Security concerns at planned venue
IT Arena is one of the largest annual technology conferences in Ukraine. Held in Lviv, a major cultural and economic hub in western Ukraine near the border with Poland, the event serves as a central meeting point for the country's software and technology sector.
The conference typically brings together IT professionals, startup founders, tech company executives, and investors. Its scheduled program features keynote presentations, panel discussions, startup pitch competitions, and networking sessions.
Leadership of Lviv IT Cluster
The event is organized by the Lviv IT Cluster, a prominent business association representing technology companies across the region. The cluster plays a key role in coordinating local tech education, infrastructure initiatives, and industry growth.
Mykhailo Lemak has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Lviv IT Cluster since July 2026. Lemak is a veteran of the Russo-Ukrainian War and previously worked as deputy head of the Kherson Regional Military Administration, where he oversaw digitalization efforts. Kherson is a regional capital in southern Ukraine that came under military administration following the 2022 Russian invasion.
Lemak took over the leadership role following internal managerial changes at the cluster. In January 2026, former CEO Stepan Veselovskyi was suspended from his post over suspected abuse of authority. That decision was enacted by Sviatoshlav Kavetskyi, the chairman of the supervisory board.
Uncertainty over conference dates
DOU, an online media outlet focused on Ukraine's software development community, reported that discussions surrounding the safety of attendees remain ongoing. Organizers are expected to announce whether IT Arena will find a replacement venue or move to new dates once security assessments are complete.
