Top 60 Event Planning Conferences to Attend in 2026

Welcome to the BIGGEST event planning conference round-up on the internet! 😍

Attending a conference, workshop, training, seminar, or virtual event is the perfect way to gain new knowledge, meet like-minded professionals, and expose yourself to new perspectives in your field. Let’s make 2026 the year we expand our skillsets, earn continuing education credits, and prioritize our professional development goals!

Are you a meeting planner, event marketer, venue manager, supplier, buyer, or experiential events enthusiast? 👏

Attend any of the meetings, conventions, and events in our 2026 event planning conferences round-up to learn the latest trends, meet vendors, find products, gain knowledge, meet people, and network!

✍️ P.S. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to write a conference justification letter! ✍️

Find an Event Planning Conference:

• Event planning conferences
• Event marketing conferences
• Venue management conferences
• Diversity and inclusion conferences
• Sustainability conferences
• Leadership conferences
• Travel and incentives conferences

Event Planning Conferences 2026

Convening EMEA

Dates: January 11-14, 2026

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Attendance Options: In-person

Put on by PCMA, Convening EMEA is the annual flagship event bringing together the global business events industry. This immersive 3-day program in Europe attracts 500+ business event leaders from over 40 countries. Attend to share knowledge with peers, make meaningful connections, conduct business, get inspired, and to grow as a professional.

PCMA Convening Leaders 2026

Dates: January 11-14, 2026

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Attendance Options: In-person, Virtual

PCMA Convening Leaders is designed to help meeting and event professionals think bigger! This multi-day event features dozens of immersive, hands-on sessions, 5,000+ attendees, and plenty of unique networking experiences to help you grow your business. Join in on dynamic discussions and powerful networking, then tune in to awesome keynote speakers!

2026 NACE Evolve Conference

Dates: January 24-26, 2026

Location: Nashville, TN

Attendance Options: In-person

The National Association for Catering and Events puts on the NACE Evolve Conference, a 3-day event that provides valuable insights for event professionals. Participate in icebreaker activities, general sessions, workshops, happy hours, and "Ask an expert" Q&As. This year's event will focus on ways to grow your membership, improve member retention, create engaging programs, build community presence, and more.

Event Service Professionals Association (ESPA) Annual Conference

Dates: January 25 - January 27, 2026

Location: Arlington, TX

Attendance Options: In-person

Do you work for a venue, convention center, or destination marketing organization? If so, ESPA's annual conference is for you! Gather for informative breakout sessions and roundtables, tune in to awesome keynotes, and participate in engaging workshops. You'll even have the chance to tour the AT&T Stadium and visit the National Medal of Honor Museum, or you can opt to sign up to explore the Fort Worth Stockyards.

Independent Planner Education Conference (IPEC)

Dates: February 4-6, 2026

Location: Phoenix, AZ

Attendance Options: In-person

Hosted by Northstar Meetings Group, the Independent Planner Education Conference caters to event professionals who are not associated with any 3rd party organizations. Here, you'll find the perfect mix of education, networking, and meetings. You'll gain industry insights from guest speakers, expand your network, and meet face-to-face with top destinations, hotels, resorts, cruise lines, DMCs, DMOs, and tourism offices from around the world.

National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) Live

Dates: February 13-16, 2026

Location: Columbus, OH

Attendance Options: In-person

If you work in higher education, this event is for you! NACA Live draws hundreds of schools, artists, agencies, and businesses together to showcase the best innovations in campus activities. Discover inclusive learning opportunities, build connections with others, expand your professional network, and enjoy countless sessions, workshops, roundtables, and more. Plus, you can browse plenty of vendors and exhibitors in the campus activities marketplace!

National Sports Forum (NSF)

Dates: February 22-24, 2026

Location: St. Louis, MO

Attendance Options: In-person, Virtual

Calling all sports industry event professionals! The National Sports Forum (NSF) is one of the largest annual events for sports industry teams, leagues, agencies, and corporate partners. Here, you'll discuss the latest trends, ideas, and innovations shaping the sports industry. Not able to travel? No worries. There's a virtual conference option!

International Confex Conference

Dates: February 25-26, 2026

Location: London, England

Attendance Options: In-person

Held annually over two days, International Confex presents a cutting-edge event featuring over 200 suppliers, venues, tech platforms, and more for event professionals of all skill levels. This year's programming features 60+ industry-leading speakers and multiple tracks including event technology, DE&I, Event Sustainability, Event Marketing Innovation, Future Event Trends, and more. Register today to gain fresh perspectives, stay ahead of the curve, and explore upcoming software releases!

Catersource + The Special Event 2026

Dates: March 2-5, 2026

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Attendance Options: In-person

Are you a corporate planner, caterer, florist, event entertainer, rental company, or event professional? The Special Event was designed for you. Discover cutting-edge suppliers and the top industry professionals while experiencing unmatched opportunities to source, network, and learn in one place. This experience is ideal for people who want to stay competitive in their space, meet with a variety of high-caliber suppliers, make industry connections, and find business solutions that fit their needs.

Northstar Meetings Group's SMU International

Dates: March 9-11, 2026

Location: New York, NY

Attendance Options: In-person

SMU International is an elite event for North American meetings and incentive travel buyers who are focused on placing programs around the world. This year's agenda is filled with opportunities to learn from industry experts, make invaluable business connections, and experience unforgettable landmarks around New York. Connect with premier international suppliers during pre-scheduled one-on-one business appointments and unique experiential activities.

Connect Spring Marketplace 2026

Dates: April 14-16, 2026

Location: Louisville, KY

Attendance Options: In-person

Connect Spring Marketplace 2026 is an experience-heavy event that draws 2000+ attendees, 1100+ hosted buyers, 200 activations, and dozens of speakers. This event is ideal for event professionals in the Association, Business Travel, Corporate, Diversity, Financial, and Incentive areas. Register now to participate in innovative educational sessions, networking opportunities, one-on-one business meetings, and an incredible trade show overflowing with the latest solutions for your events.

National Planning Conference 2026

Dates: April 25-28, 2026

Location: Detroit, MI

Attendance Options: In-person, Virtual

The National Planning Conference (NPC26) conference is your ticket to an unforgettable experience for event professionals! Gain access to industry experts, thought leaders, and event planning professionals who all share their unique expertise and perspectives for shaping the future of planning. Core topics for the 2026 show include climate change, emerging technologies, inclusive planning for social change, and upskilling for the future.

Northwest Event Show 2026

Dates: April 28-30, 2026

Location: Seattle, WA

Attendance Options: In-person, Virtual

Support your event's potential at the Northwest Event Show! This gathering celebrates everything about the Pacific Northwest and adjacent areas of North America. Discover unique destinations, venues, and suppliers at 300+ booths, participate in industry discussions, network with 4000+ professionals, and learn from a variety of esteemed speakers.

EsportsNext 2026

Dates: April 29-30, 2026

Location: Fort Worth, TX

Attendance Options: In-person

Interested in esports? EsportsNext is the event for you. This business-to-business (B2B) conference is hosted by the Esports Trade Association (ESTA) and provides a space for attendees to learn, network, and innovate. Learn from esports leaders about the latest developments in the industry, build your professional connections, learn new trends, and participate in hands-on workshops and interactive sessions.

Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum

Date: May 27, 2026

Location: Washington DC

Attendance Options: In-person

The Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum (ECEF) is a networking event for leaders at associations and independent organizers. Take advantage of event technology demos, C-level sessions, live Q&As, receptions, networking lunches, and more. Choose this event if you're looking for actionable ideas and valuable contacts to benefit your brand, events, and career.

Small and Boutique Meetings Event

Dates: May 28-30, 2026

Location: Anchorage, AK

Attendance Options: In-person

The Small and Boutique Meetings Event by Northstar Meetings Group is the premier hosted-buyer event designed to connect you with top suppliers and destinations in the United States and beyond. This event caters to small and boutique-sized meetings. Participate in one-on-one scheduled appointments, gain industry insights, learn from guest speakers, and more.

Meeting Professionals International – World Education Conference 2026

Dates: June 1-4, 2026

Location: San Antonio, TX

Attendance Options: In-person

MPI-WEC (WEC26) is MPI's signature event, jam-packed with elite speakers, unmatched content, and networking opportunities like no other! This year's experience will feature a unique mix of business and leisure. You'll also encounter coaching opportunities, attendee meals, break-out sessions, and exciting activities. Get hosted, get connected, and get business done with MPI-WEC.

Cvent CONNECT 2026

Dates: June 13-16, 2026

Location: Nashville, TN

Attendance Option: In-person, Virtual

Cvent CONNECT is an outstanding user conference for event, marketing, and hospitality professionals. Not only will you experience cutting-edge event technology innovation, but you'll also leave with new ideas to fuel best practices and creative strategies within your organization. This event is especially useful for Cvent users who want to learn how to streamline, scale, and automate their event programs.

EsportsTravel Summit

Dates: June 23-26, 2026

Location: Cincinatti, OH

Attendance Options: In-person

The EsportsTravel Summit is the world’s largest gathering of esports tournament and video-game event organizers. It's also the only event focused on the travel side of the esports industry. Register for this event if you are an organizer of video game events or if you're a travel and tourism professional wanting to understand and profit from the esports industry.

The Meetings Show

Dates: June 24-25, 2026

Location: London, England

Attendance Options: In-person

The Meetings Show is the UK's leading event for the MICE industry. At this event, you can look forward to meeting live with hundreds of UK hotels, destinations, destination management companies, conference centers, venues, and tech suppliers. Gain insight and inspiration from industry leaders as you attend countless networking events at the show.

NACE Experience Conference for Catering and Events

Dates: August 2-4, 2026

Location: New Orleans, LA

Attendance Option: In-person

The National Association for Catering & Events puts on the Experience Conference for Catering and Events, an experiential event filled with educational opportunities. Learn about the latest trends in catering and events, network with decision-makers and peers, and experience new products and services under one roof.

Canadian Meetings and Events Expo

Dates: August 11-12, 2026

Location: Toronto, Ontario

Attendance Option: In-person, Virtual

As the premier and most enduring tradeshow for meeting and event professionals, the Canadian Meetings + Events Expo (CMEExpo) provides a platform for networking with suppliers specializing in event venues, technology, décor, and beyond. Special education sessions and workshops provide insight, tips, and applicable learning experiences - including opportunities to earn continuing education credit!

Connect Marketplace 2026

Dates: August 24-26, 2026

Location: Tampa Bay, FL

Attendance Options: In-person

Connect Marketplace by Connect Meetings will draw 3000+ attendees, 1100+ hosted buyers, 200 exhibitors, and dozens of speakers for this year's gigantic event. Meetings and events professionals will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with industry experts, key decision-makers, and like-minded peers. Explore the interactive trade show floor, find fresh ideas, and gain the resources you need to take on the future of event planning.

Destination Midwest by Northstar Meetings Group

Dates: September 22-24, 2026

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Attendance Option: In-person

Destination Midwest by Northstar Meetings Group is a must-visit hosted-buyer event, featuring Midwest suppliers for meetings, events, conferences, and more. Meet with the top hotels, CVBs, DMCs, and venues from across the Midwest. Schedule one-on-one appointments, network with your industry peers, and explore Grand Rapids!

Event Tech Live

Dates: November 11-12, 2026

Location: London

Attendance Options: In-person

Event Tech Live is the only dedicated event for event technology. Here, you'll join other event professionals to learn more about the latest advancements in event technology solutions. Exhibitors will include several big-name brands, including Bizzabo, Choose 2 Rent, Cvent, Hubilo, Kaltura, Webex Events, and more!

International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) Expo

Dates: January 11-16, 2026

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Attendance Options: In-person, Virtual

The IFEA Expo is a trade show hosted by the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA). Here, vendors and companies showcase their festival-related products and services while you discover new trends, network with peers, and learn about the latest developments in the industry. Register for this event if you are a decision-maker in the festival and event planning sector and want to explore new options for your events.

IMEX America

Dates: October 13-15, 2026

Location: Las Vegas, NV

Attendance Options: In-person

IMEX America is the largest trade show in the United States geared towards the global meetings, events, and incentive travel industry. This award-winning show is FREE to attend, and the four-day program offers special education, networking, and much more. IMEX America welcomes professionals from a wide range of disciplines and sectors. Sign up today!

TEAMS ‘26 Conference and Expo

Dates: October 26-29

Location: Birmingham, AL

Attendance Options: In-person

Labeled the "Business Development Opportunity of the Year," the TEAMS conference, presented by SportsTravel, is all about finding new host cities, venues, vendors, and sponsors for your future meetings. Find hands-on educational programming and learn industry insights from notable thought leaders in sporting events. Don’t miss your chance to network with your industry peers and talk about the future of your events!

The Event Planner Expo 2026

Date: October 27-29

Location: New York City, NY

Attendance Options: In-person

Event planners, business owners, decision-makers, marketers, and PR professionals will love the Event Planner Expo 2026! This must-attend conference is for anyone who wants to make connections and collaborate with top owners and executives. This three-day event draws 2500+ attendees and 50+ speakers. Tune in to esteemed keynote speakers, participate in fireside chats, and more.

Expo! Expo! 2026 by IAEE

Dates: November 16-18, 2026

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Attendance Options: In-person

Expo! Expo! by the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) brings events industry professionals together for new ideas, fresh approaches, best practices, research, trends, data, and more. Learn from a variety of experts on current topics, all in a unique learning environment that immerses attendees in the conference experience.

Event Marketing Conferences 2026

DigiMarCon North America 2026

Dates: April 1-3, 2026

Location: Online

Attendance Options: Online

DigiMarCon North America 2026 is where the future of digital marketing comes to life! At this premier event, you’ll learn the latest strategies, explore innovative technologies, and gain powerful insights from some of the boldest voices in marketing, media, and advertising. By the end of the conference, you’ll walk away with proven tactics and actionable ideas you can put to work immediately to elevate your business or clients to the next level.

Social Media Marketing World

Dates: April 28-30, 2026

Location: Anaheim, CA

Attendance Options: In-person, Virtual

Social Media Marketing World is all about discovering the best social media marketing strategies from the world’s top experts! At the end of this conference, you will have gained business-building ideas you can put to work for your business or clients right away. This event focuses on organic social marketing, content marketing, and paid social marketing. Choose from on-demand access, virtual access, "marketer" access, and all-access passes.

Experiential Marketing Summit 2026

Dates: May 18-20, 2026

Location: Las Vegas, NV

Attendance Options: In-person

The Experiential Marketing Summit is described as the #1 conference for brand experience creators! Traditional breakout sessions, Q&As, deep-dive workshops, power panels, and keynotes are just some of the things you'll experience here. Get senior-level perspectives on the current experiential marketing landscape, as well as mission-critical trends, best practices, and how-tos. This year's tracks include innovation, technology, women in events, diversity and inclusion, and more.

MozCon 2026

Dates: July 14, 2026 & November 13, 2026

Location: New York & London

Attendance Options: In-person, Virtual

MozCon is like a summer camp for marketers! Meet for an immersive experience of non-stuffy networking and expert sessions delivered by industry leaders in search engine optimization, search marketing, mobile, conversion optimization, local search, and more. Delve into strategies from industry experts as you network with peers who also love marketing.

Corporate Event Marketing Association Summit 2026

Dates: August 9-11, 2026

Location: Toronto, Ontario

Attendance Options: In-person

The Corporate Event Marketing Association Summit (CEMA), powered by PCMA, includes countless speakers, workshops, networking activities, and breakout sessions.