Best Event Planning Conferences: Summer/Fall 2024

Engaging in NACE Experience means immersing yourself in education that adds value to your professional journey. Unmatched opportunities to meet and network with the brightest minds in catering and events, discover the newest trends moving the industry, and learn from experts in sessions that enhance skills, grow businesses, and advance careers.

The 55th annual GBTA Convention is the premier global event for the business travel industry. Connect with industry peers, suppliers, and partners for growth; learn from insightful speakers on key topics; build your skills with tailored sessions; and discover tools, trends, and best practices to advance your organization.

IAVM's 99th VenueConnect Annual Conference and Trade Show inspires industry leaders, provides targeted education, and brings attendees together creating relationships that last. IAVM's 7,800+ active members include managers and senior executives from auditoriums, arenas, convention centers, exhibit halls, stadiums, performing arts centers, university complexes, amphitheaters, and fairgrounds. Front-row seat for industry trends, backstage access to venue management's superstars.

CEMA Summit attracts visionaries, industry leaders, and innovators who share a passion for creating exceptional experiences. This year explores the intersection of strategy, purpose, and play. Thought-provoking keynotes, engaging panels, hands-on workshops, and interactive sessions led by experts — all set against the backdrop of Seattle's skyline and vibrant culture.

The largest and longest-running trade show for meeting and event professionals in Canada. Connect with industry professionals from Canadian, US, and international destinations, venues, tech companies, and décor specialists. Expand your network and discover innovative ways to enhance revenue inside the dynamic setting of the show floor.

Celebrating 15 years of IBTM Americas. For a decade and a half the platform has connected event and meeting professionals with industry vendors. Two days of high-level educational programs, quality suppliers, and technological innovation — plus the chance to make strategic connections. Learn the latest event trends for social, corporate, and sports events, and join the Hosted Buyers program to meet decision-makers seeking new suppliers.

The MPI Foundation convenes the meeting and event industry's top leaders to discuss, ideate, and problem-solve critical challenges like safety, diversity, and design. Help establish new programs, develop new opportunities, and shape the future of the industry. Insights from some of the most brilliant minds in the business plus collaboration with fellow leaders to create tangible solutions.

Thousands of passionate event professionals from around the globe for unparalleled networking, one-on-one business meetings, innovative education sessions, and a dynamic trade show. Expand your network with 2,000+ event pros, gain 10+ hours of expert-led education, and earn up to 9 CMP credits. AI-powered matchmaking connects buyers and suppliers; the trade show features 200+ exhibitors showcasing premier event solutions.

The world's leading conference and expo for the sports-event industry. Launched in 1998, TEAMS attracts 1,000+ attendees including CEOs, executive directors, and event managers from sports organizations, plus representatives from sports commissions, convention bureaus, corporate sponsors, and event suppliers. For 25 years, TEAMS has helped define the sports-event and appointment-based trade show industries.

The largest trade show for the global meetings, events, and incentive travel industry. The award-winning show brings the meetings industry together to do a year's worth of business under one roof at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas. Free to attend; the four-day program offers specialist education, networking, and much more, on and off the show floor.

An unforgettable three-day conference produced by EMRG Media, bringing together event and marketing professionals from around the globe. The trade show floor at the Metropolitan Pavilion features 150+ exhibitors showcasing the latest venues and services; the inspiring Speaker Series is held at the iconic 92nd Street Y. Opportunities for growth, strategic partnerships, and networking in every corner.

Connect's signature reverse-style trade show in a focused environment serving event professionals planning and sourcing events in the Western region. One-on-one meetings, region-specific insights, and relationships that shape future success. Face-to-face meetings powered by AI matchmaking, sessions from industry thought leaders, and meaningful networking.

Three days of curated one-on-one appointments, networking, and education for corporate, association, and medical event professionals. Build lasting connections and business relationships in the nation's capital — register to walk away with leads, inspiration, and the kind of relationships that pay off across the next year.

Connect's reverse-style trade show in a focused environment for event professionals planning and sourcing events in Texas. One-on-one meetings, region-specific insights, and relationships that shape future success — all in Frisco for three days of curated activity.

The Northstar Leadership Forum brings together the industry's thought leaders — planning professionals and suppliers — for three days of education, networking, and best-practice sharing. A unique high-level experience where business relationships and friendships are forged at The Inn at Spanish Bay. Programmed by the teams behind Northstar Meetings Group's flagship brands.

Exhibitions and events industry professionals attend this premier show to learn about the latest trends and technology, plus network with peers. Lessons from fellow organizers and content from both inside and outside the industry set you up for success across the next year. The trade show community is resilient, vibrant, and ready to do business — partners across the entire ecosystem.