And what better way to gain valuable insights and stay ahead in event planning than by attending industry-leading conferences!
Whether you’re an event planner looking for fresh ideas or a marketer looking for strategic event insights—we’ve got you covered!
In this blog, you’ll find a curated list of must-attend events and conferences in 2026 that are essential for event professionals and marketers.
Let’s dive in and explore the best-fit opportunities for your organization and event strategy!
January 2026
Event Name | Date/Location | Overview |
11-14 January 2026
Pennsylvania Convention Center Philadelphia, Pennsylvania United States | PCMA Convening Leaders is a flagship education and networking event scheduled to take place from 11 to 14 January 2026 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.
It brings together thousands of business event professionals & community leaders worldwide to
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14 January 2026
La Plata County Fairgrounds & Events Center Durango, Colorado United States | The Event Planning Conference is taking place on 14 January 2026 at the La Plata County Fairgrounds & Events Center in Durango, Colorado.
It is an educational event and is designed for event organizers from across La Plata County to help them host safe, engaging, and exciting events.
Over the course of the conference, it will feature
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22 January 2026
Table 23 Tallahassee, Florida United States | Organized by the Florida Society of Association Executives, the 2026 Jan Meeting Planner Roundtable is a professional networking & discussion event which is taking place on 22 January 2026 at Table 23 in Tallahassee, Florida.
It brings together association professionals to
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February 2026
Event Name | Date/Location | Overview |
16-19 February 2026
Virginia Beach, Virginia United States | The Municipal Special Events Summit is taking place from 16 to 19 February 2026 in Virginia Beach. It is designed for government event professionals and industry event planners to
Over the course of the summit, it will feature
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23-26 February 2026
San Juan, Puerto Rico – Anguilla – St. Barths | Engage!26 Evrima is hosted in partnership with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and is scheduled to take place from 23 to 26 February 2026.
This three-day intimate gathering will unite 150 like-minded luxury global event industry leaders. Beginning from San Juan, Puerto Rico and sailing to Anguilla and St. Barths, this retreat is an immersive experience of education, inspiration as well as entertainment.
The event will
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March 2026
Event Name | Date/Location | Overview |
1-2 March 2026
University of Southern California Los Angeles, California United States | AEP Conference, the Academic Event Professional Conference is set to take place from 1 to 2 March 2026 at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.
The conference provides a dedicated space for academic event planners to
Over the course of the event, it will feature
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1-3 March 2026
Appellation Healdsburg Healdsburg, California United States | Northstar Meetings Group’s Luxury & Wellness Meetings connects North American planners looking for luxurious venues and wellness-focused spaces for their meetings or incentives. Scheduled to take place from 1 to 3 March 2026 at Appellation Healdsburg, the event is suitable for event planners working in the high-end hospitality sector. | |
3-5 March 2026
Berlin ExpoCenter City Berlin, Germany | ITB Berlin is a world-leading travel trade show that is set to take place from 3 to 5 March 2026 at the Berlin ExpoCenter City. It brings together exhibitors and trade visitors from worldwide.
The trade show is structured by geographies along with the destination and market segments, such as
ITB Berlin is a valuable space for event planners who organize travel-focused events or manage travel and trip arrangements as a part of their role. |
April 2026
Event Name | Date/Location | Overview |
12-14 April 2026
Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. United States | IAVM’s Senior Executive Symposium (SES) is scheduled to take place from 12 to 14 April 2026 at Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
It is designed for senior-level professionals who are working in public assembly venues, such as
This three-day leadership event focuses on helping experienced venue managers to
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12-14 April 2026
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore | The Convening APAC 2026 is a must-attend event for planners focused on global business events. This premier conference brings together event professionals across the Asia-Pacific region to
Over the course of the event, it will feature
And more. | |
13-16 April 2026
Maybourne Riviera Côte d’Azur, France | Engage!26 French Riviera Retreat is scheduled to take place from 13 to 16 April 2026 at the Maybourne Riviera.
This intimate gathering will unite 75 like-minded luxury global event industry leaders to build meaningful connections and strengthen relationships.
The event will
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14-15 April 2026
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore | The Meeting Show APAC, a 2-day event, is scheduled to take place from 14 to 15 April 2026 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.
Standing as Asia’s leading MICE trade show, the event connects senior decision-makers in meetings, conventions, incentives, and events with global destinations, venues, hotels, and leading suppliers.
Over the course of the event, it will feature
And more. | |
14-16 April 2026
Kentucky International Convention Center Louisville, Kentucky United States | The Connect Spring Marketplace is taking place from 14 to 16 April 2026 at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, Kentucky.
This premier conference unites thousands of thought leaders, decision-makers, and experts across the event industry. This 3-day event provides attendees with
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19-21 April 2026
Limelight Boulder Boulder, Colorado United States | Scheduled to take place from 19 to 21 April 2026 at Limelight Boulder in Boulder, Colorado—Destination West is an important event for destination event planners. This event enables you to discover the most popular and desirable destinations, hotels, and activities. Over the course of the event, attendees will get the chance to
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28-30 April 2026
Seattle, Washington United States | The Northwest Event Show is designed for professionals working in the meetings, events, and hospitality industries.
Scheduled to take place from 28 to 30 April 2026 in Seattle, Washington, the event show is expected to bring together thousands of attendees and 200+ exhibitors.
Over the course of the event, it will feature sessions like
And more. |
May 2026
Event Name | Date/Location | Overview |
11 May 2026
Hilton London Canary Wharf London, United Kingdom | This 1-day event will unite the event and technology industries with leading solution providers.
Taking place on 11 May 2026 at Hilton London Canary Wharf in London, the forum will discuss the latest trends and innovations in event technology. This is the perfect space for all event planners looking to discover new technologies and host tech-driven events. | |
19-21 May 2026
Messe Frankfurt, Germany | IMEX Frankfurt is one of the largest global trade shows for the meetings, events, and incentive travel industries. Scheduled to take place from 19 to 21 May 2026 at Messe Frankfurt, Germany, the event
And more. | |
26-28 May 2026
Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center Shanghai, China | ITB China is a leading B2B travel trade show focused on the Chinese travel market. Taking place from 26 to 28 May 2026 at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, the trade show brings together global industry players and key buyers. The event is specifically useful for the event planners handling international clients and aiming to host destination events in China. It will offer
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28-30 May 2026
Marriott Anchorage Downtown Anchorage, Alaska United States | The Small & Boutique Meetings by Northstar Meeting Group will be taking place from 28 to 30 May 2026 at the Marriott Anchorage Downtown in Anchorage, Alaska.
The event is designed to connect meeting planners who organize small or boutique-style meetings with destinations, hotels as well as other event suppliers that can support those events.
During the event, attendees will get to participate in
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June 2026
Event Name | Date/Location | Overview |
4-5 June 2026
Online | Eventastic 2026 is recognized as the world’s largest event about “events.” This online event is scheduled to take place from 4 to 5 June 2026.
It welcomes industry speakers who present sessions on topics like
And more. | |
8-11 June 2026
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua | Engage!26 Maui is scheduled to take place from 8 to 11 June 2026 at The Ritz-Carlton, Maui.
This intimate gathering will unite 300 speakers and attendees to
Hosted in collaboration with The Maui Wedding & Event Association, the event is designed for forward-thinking wedding professionals that are focused on growth and excellence. | |
24-25 June 2026
Excel London United Kingdom | The Meetings Show by Northstar is taking place from 24 to 25 June 2026 at Excel London.
It brings together thousands of event & meeting professionals to
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July 2026
Event Name | Date/Location | Overview |
8-10 July 2026
Salamander Washington DC United States | The Smart Meetings Leadership Experience is designed for meeting and event industry professionals, particularly meeting planners and hospitality partners.
Over the course of the event, it will feature
And more. | |
13 July 2026
De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, London United Kingdom | London Venues Summit brings together venue managers with leading event planners for focused discussions and one-on-one meetings.
Taking place on 13 July 2026 at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London, the summit will
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13-16 July 2026
Music City Center Nashville, Tennessee United States & Online | Cvent CONNECT 2026 will bring together event professionals, marketers, and hospitality leaders worldwide to connect and exchange insights about the latest development in event technology as well as strategy.
Scheduled to take place from 13 to 16 July 2026, it will be conducted in a hybrid format at the Music City Center Nashville and virtually.
The conference is likely to include
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August 2026
Event Name | Date/Location | Overview |
9-11 August 2026
Sheraton Downtown Toronto Toronto, Ontario Canada | CEMA Summit 2026 is a leading event for event marketing professionals, offering insights into the latest trends, technologies, and strategies. With keynotes, workshops, and networking, it helps planners enhance their skills, host impactful events, and stay ahead in the industry. | |
11-12 August 2026
Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building Toronto, Ontario Canada | The Canadian Meeting + Events Expo (CMEE) is set to take place from 11 to 12 August 2026 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building, in Toronto, Ontario.
The event brings together meeting & event planners, suppliers, venues, technology providers, and industry experts from across Canada and beyond.
Over the course of two days, attendees can
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24-26 August 2026
Tampa Convention Center Tampa Bay, Florida United States | Connect Marketplace is set to take place from 24 to 26 August 2026 at the Tampa Convention Center.
It welcomes buyers and suppliers specializing in corporate, association, business travel, international, sports, and specialty events. It serves as a platform for event planners to connect with industry suppliers one-on-one, enabling them to build connections and source new vendors. | |
30 August-1 September 2026
Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport Burlingame, California United States | Organized by Northstar Meeting’s Group, Destination California is designed for elite meetings and incentive professionals looking to source venues and services in California.
The event is scheduled to take place from 30 August to 1 September 2026 at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport in Burlingame, California.
You will get the chance to
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September 2026
Event Name | Date/Location | Overview |
16-18 September 2026
AVA Resort Cancun, Mexico | Recognized as the MICE industry’s leading event, GMITE is set to take place from 16 to 18 September 2026 at AVA Resort Cancun, Mexico. The Global Meeting & Incentive Travel Exchange (GMITE) will bring together a high volume of meeting & incentive travel professionals and global travel suppliers.
It will feature
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22-24 September 2026
JW Marriott Grand Rapids Grand Rapids, Michigan United States | Destination Midwest brings together top-tier meeting and incentive buyers with popular destinations, attractions, and technology & merchandise providers. Scheduled to take place from 22 to 24 September 2026 at the JW Marriott Grand Rapids in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the event will
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October 2026
Event Name | Date/Location | Overview |
5-7 October 2026
El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort Tucson, Arizona United States | The International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) is hosting a premier gathering for global festival and event professionals, suppliers as well as stakeholders.
The 71st Annual IFEA Convention & Expo is scheduled to take place from 5 to 7 October 2026 at the El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort in Tucson, Arizona. The event will
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12-13 October 2026
Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre London Heathrow United Kingdom | The Event Organisers Summit is organized for senior event professionals who are directly responsible for their company’s event planning and arrangements. Taking place from 12 to 13 October 2026 at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre London Heathrow, this event serves as an excellent platform for
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13-15 October 2026
Mandalay Bay Las Vegas, Nevada United States | IMEX America is recognized as one of the largest trade shows for the business event industry. Taking place from 13 to 15 October 2026 at Mandalay Bay Las Vegas, the event unites suppliers and buyers from every sector of the meetings industry under one roof. This event is likely to
And much more. | |
21-23 October 2026
Sands Expo & Convention Centre Singapore | ITB Asia stands as Asia’s largest travel trade show that is set to take place from 21 to 23 October 2026 at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore.
It brings together international exhibitors and buyers from across segments like MICE, leisure, and corporate.
Over the course of three days, it will
And more. | |
21-23 October 2026
Singapore | The MICE Show Asia is a premier trade show for people working in the meeting, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry.
Taking place from 21 to 23 October 2026 in Singapore, it brings together meeting & events professionals, industry suppliers, destinations, and innovators from across the Asia-Pacific region & beyond.
Over the course of the show, participants can
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26-29 October 2026
Birmingham, Alabama United States | TEAMS Conference + Expo is set to take place from 26 to 29 October 2026 in Birmingham. This is a must-attend event for sports event planners and professionals. Hosted by the Greater Birmingham CVB, TEAMS’26 will
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27-29 October 2026
New York City, New York United States | The Event Planner Expo 2026 is a leading event for event professionals, corporate decision-makers, and business leaders—and is scheduled to take place from 27 to 29 October 2026 in NYC, New York.
Over the course of three days, attendees will get to
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November 2026
Event Name | Date/Location | Overview |
2-5 November 2026
Borgo Egnazia Puglia, Italy | Engage!26 Puglia is scheduled to take place from 2 to 5 November 2026 in Borgo Egnazia, Puglia.
This intimate gathering is designed for the wedding industry professionals that are looking to grow by implementing practical solutions & creative ideas.
It will unite 250 speakers and attendees to
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3-5 November 2026
Beijing, China | The China International MICE Exchange (CIMX) is taking place from 3 to 5 November 2026 in Beijing, China.
This international trade show is designed for professionals that are working in the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry. It brings together MICE suppliers with leading buyers from China and worldwide.
Over the course of the event, it will offer
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10-12 November 2026
Guadalajara, Mexico | ITB Americas is the latest addition to the ITB brand series. This inaugural event is set to take place from 10 to 12 November 2026 in Guadalajara, Mexico.
It brings together global leaders, innovators, and professionals to explore
Event planners who organize travel-focused events or manage travel and trip arrangements as a part of their role can join this event and discover the latest in the travel industry. | |
11-12 November 2026
London, United Kingdom | Event Tech Live is taking place from 11 to 12 November 2026 in London and will bring together event professionals, thought leaders, leading event tech companies and startups. The event showcases the latest innovations in
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16 November 2026
Hilton London Canary Wharf, London United Kingdom | Taking place on 16 November 2026 at the Hilton London Canary Wharf, London, the Event Agency Forum is designed for managers and directors that are responsible for their organization’s event-related requirements.
Over the course of the event, it will offer
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16-18 November 2026
Milwaukee, Wisconsin United States | Hosted by the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), Expo!Expo! is a premier gathering of tradeshow and exhibition professionals. Scheduled to take place from 16 to 18 November 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the event will
And more. | |
17-19 November 2026
Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas, Nevada United States | Recognized as the largest conference for wedding professionals worldwide, WMBA is focused on providing insights into emerging trends and the latest technology in the wedding industry. The conference will feature 200 exhibitors, over 150 educational seminars, and the Wed-Con exhibition. | |
17-19 November 2026
Barcelona, Spain | IBTM World is a leading event that connects global event industry leaders on a common platform. Scheduled to take place from 17 to 19 November 2026 in Barcelona, the expo
And more. |
December 2026
Event Name | Date/Location | Overview |
14-17 December 2026
Maybourne Beverly Hills Beverly Hills, California United States | Engage!26 Beverly Hills—a leading luxury wedding business summit is scheduled to take place from 14 to 17 December 2026 at Maybourne Beverly Hills, California.
This intimate gathering is designed for the professionals in the wedding & events industry to
It will unite 350 speakers and attendees for collaborative learning and networking in a non-competitive setting. |
FAQs
These events and conferences provide a golden opportunity for event planners or organizers to connect with industry experts, have meaningful discussions with peers, discover emerging event trends & technologies, and explore groundbreaking innovations.
By following blog pages & company websites, subscribing to newsletters, and joining relevant groups or forums.
While it depends on the event, generally event professionals, senior event executives, marketing professionals, vendors, suppliers, event tech providers, corporate travel planners, and wedding planners can attend event planning conferences.
Yes, you can attend The Event Planner Expo and NPC25 online.
