2025 Event Planning Conferences: Winter/Spring

Thousands of business events professionals and community leaders from around the world come to Convening Leaders every year to explore — through leading-edge education, research, and networking — how business events generate economic and social legacies for businesses and communities.

A three-day event designed to equip chapter leaders with the tools, strategies, connections, and inspiration to foster growth, engagement, and success. Expert-led sessions on membership, programming, and branding. A chance to transform your chapter and make a lasting impact within the NACE community.

ESPA is the only association dedicated to advancing the professional development of event service managers — strengthening the hotels, facilities, and CVBs they support. Conference programming addresses the unique challenges service professionals face daily, helping you find solutions, grow in your career, and drive results.

Emerge Events is an event management company founded in 2011 with the Pine Belt Women's Expo as its first signature event. Today they create their own events, collaborate with businesses and organizations on planning needs, partner with other event planners, and facilitate event-planning workshops — all rolled into this annual conference.

IPEC offers independent planners a unique chance to explore new venues and destinations, engage in peer-to-peer learning in a collaborative non-competitive environment, and gain education tailored to business owners and entrepreneurs.

Hundreds of schools, artists, agencies, and businesses come together to showcase the best in campus activities. Discover inclusive learning opportunities, build meaningful connections, expand your network, and participate in engaging entertainment that transforms college communities.

The SBJ National Sports Forum began in 1996 to unite sports leagues, break down silos, and spark idea-sharing across the industry. It has grown into one of the largest annual gatherings in sports business — 1,000+ professionals from teams, leagues, agencies, and brands. Focus areas include sales, marketing, sponsorship, fan engagement, business development, and DEI, with exclusive access to Busch Stadium, Energizer Park, and Enterprise Center.

Nothing goes together like food and events. Event planners and caterers need each other. Catersource + The Special Event brings the entire event industry under one roof for an unparalleled immersive experience. Connect and converse with everyone in the events and catering ecosystem to help move the industry forward.

The elite event for North American meeting and incentive travel buyers focused on placing programs around the world. Learn from industry experts, build invaluable business connections, and experience unforgettable activities at NYC's iconic landmarks. Hosted by Northstar Meetings Group's leading brands — Successful Meetings, Meetings & Conventions, and Incentive Magazine.

Connect Spring Marketplace returns in 2026 sharper, smarter, and more strategic than ever. Three electric days where the industry's power players converge for high-impact meetings, bold insights, and next-level networking. Louisville is rooted in craft, legacy, and drive — now hosting the event industry's most ambitious marketplace.

NPC26 is your ticket to connect with your professional community. Join the gathering in Detroit and immerse yourself in an inspiring network of peers building the future of the planning profession. Showcase your brand at APA's National Planning Conference — sponsorship connects you with planners nationwide, boosting visibility, credibility, and client relationships.

NWES is where meaningful connections happen. Whether you're a seasoned planner, a corporate leader, or new to the industry, NWES sparks fresh ideas, fosters mentorship, and grows your network in ways online events can't match. Engage one-on-one with peers, exchange insights, and thrive in a supportive, vibrant environment.

EsportsNext 2026 in Fort Worth, alongside the BLAST Premier Rivals Tournament — a two-day event where esports business, innovation, and networking converge. Designed for esports professionals, investors, and brands, this premier B2B conference features strategic discussions, key industry insights, and exclusive opportunities to connect with leaders in the gaming world.

Event Tech Live is the #1 globally recognized event bringing event professionals, thought leaders, leading event-tech companies, and startups together. Event professionals access the latest industry education featuring the latest in event technology, software, and innovations from around the world.

ECEF brings together association and independent organizer leaders for high-impact learning and networking. Explore the latest event tech, join C-level discussions, engage in live Q&As, and connect over receptions and networking lunches. Practical strategies and meaningful relationships that elevate your brand, your events, and your career.

MPI-WEC (WEC26) is MPI's flagship event — packed with top-tier speakers, powerful content, and unmatched networking. This year blends business and leisure with coaching sessions, breakout experiences, attendee meals, and engaging activities. Get hosted, build meaningful connections, and move your business forward.

Cvent CONNECT is the go-to annual event where event professionals, marketers, and hospitality experts come together to evolve their programs, explore cutting-edge technology, exchange ideas, and walk away inspired to put new strategies into practice.

The world's largest gathering of esports tournament and video-game event organizers — and the only event focused on the travel side of the esports industry. The biggest brands in esports attend and present. Programming focuses on the nexus between venues, destinations, event suppliers, the travel industry, and esports.