It's that time of year to create connections, spark fresh ideas, and refuel your passion for planning. In an industry that thrives on innovation, creativity, and nonstop evolution, attending event planning conferences isn't just helpful — it's a game-changer.
These events are where the action happens:
- Trends become game plans: Be the first to explore cutting-edge tech, bold design ideas, and fresh strategies to wow your attendees.
- Knowledge turns into profit: Learn from the best about pricing smart, negotiating strong, and running a business that works as hard as you do.
- Connections spark opportunity: Build real relationships with vendors, mentors, and fellow planners who might change the course of your career.
Whether you're ready to dive into new tech, unlock fresh revenue streams, or simply reignite that creative spark, these conferences deliver the insight and energy to help you thrive. From hands-on workshops to big-picture strategy sessions, the next big idea — or breakthrough connection — is just around the corner.
Grab your calendar and get ready. Here are the top event planning conferences to check out in summer and fall 2025.
Cvent CONNECT 2025
Dates: June 9–12, 2025 | Location: San Antonio, TX
Cvent CONNECT is the premier event technology conference for meeting and event professionals who want to transform their strategies through innovation. Hosted by Cvent, this annual gathering brings together thousands of planners, marketers, and hospitality leaders to explore cutting-edge event tech, data-driven strategies, and industry best practices. Whether you're looking to streamline operations, boost engagement, or maximize ROI, Cvent CONNECT 2025 delivers actionable insights, hands-on training, and unparalleled networking opportunities.
- Hands-on Cvent tools: Get hands-on with Cvent's latest tools to optimize your event workflows.
- Analytics and AI: Learn how to leverage analytics and AI to measure success and enhance attendee experiences.
- Network with thousands: Connect with peers, Cvent experts, and industry leaders.
- Sessions for every level: Beginner tutorials to advanced certification courses.
- Trend previews: Exclusive previews of upcoming trends and innovations in event tech.
Event planning ideas in San Antonio, TX
MPI WEC (World Education Congress)
Dates: June 18–20, 2025 | Location: St. Louis, MO
MPI WEC (World Education Congress) is the premier global conference for meeting and event professionals, hosted by Meeting Professionals International (MPI). This dynamic gathering unites thousands of industry leaders, innovators, and strategists to explore the future of events through cutting-edge education, transformative networking, and actionable business solutions. Designed to inspire and equip planners at every level, MPI WEC 2025 delivers unparalleled learning experiences, trend insights, and community connections.
- Global thought leaders: Gain insights from international thought leaders shaping the future of events.
- CMP credits: Earn credits and access world-class sessions on event strategy, technology, and leadership.
- 2,000+ peers: Connect with industry suppliers and decision-makers.
- Latest event tech: Discover sustainability practices and experiential design trends.
- Skill workshops: Elevate your expertise with workshops on negotiation, DEI, and growth strategies.
Event planning ideas in St. Louis, MO
NACE Experience Conference
Dates: July 27–29, 2025 | Location: Milwaukee, WI
Hosted by the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE), the NACE Experience Conference is the premier gathering for catering and event professionals who excel in creating unforgettable experiences. This annual event brings together top-tier talent from across the industry — planners, caterers, designers, and hospitality leaders — to celebrate innovation, share best practices, and elevate the art of events. Through hands-on workshops, inspiring keynotes, and immersive networking, NACE Experience 2025 empowers professionals to push creative boundaries.
- Cutting-edge food trends: Discover tablescapes and event styling from industry visionaries.
- Elite catering connections: Connect with caterers, venues, and peers to build lasting partnerships.
- Profit-boosting tactics: Pricing models, client engagement tools, and business strategies.
- Live demonstrations: Participate in competitions and interactive workshops.
- 2026 previews: Get ahead with exclusive previews of next year's top catering and event innovations.
Event planning ideas in Milwaukee, WI
ILEA Live 2025
Dates: August 11–13, 2025 | Location: Boston, MA
ILEA Live, hosted by the International Live Events Association, is the premier global conference for event professionals who create extraordinary live experiences. This annual gathering unites top-tier event designers, producers, and creative strategists to explore the future of experiential events through immersive education, trendsetting ideas, and unparalleled networking. Focused on innovation, business growth, and artistic excellence, ILEA Live 2025 empowers planners to push boundaries, master new technologies, and deliver unforgettable moments.
- Bold design concepts: Discover immersive tech and event storytelling techniques.
- Top creatives and vendors: Build relationships with event creatives, vendors, and thought leaders.
- Profit-boosting tactics: Pricing models and client acquisition tools.
- Interactive workshops: Hands-on experience with the latest trends and technologies.
- 2026 trend reveals: Exclusive previews of next year's biggest event trends, from sustainable production to AI integration.
Event planning ideas in Boston, MA
Destination Midwest by Northstar Meetings Group
Dates: August 18–20, 2025 | Location: Toledo, OH
Destination Midwest is the premier regional conference for meeting and event professionals looking to discover the best venues, suppliers, and destinations across America's heartland. Hosted by Northstar Meetings Group, this curated event connects planners with top Midwest hospitality partners through one-on-one appointments, educational sessions, and immersive experiences. Whether sourcing new locations or staying ahead of industry trends, Destination Midwest 2025 delivers the tools and connections to elevate your next event.
- Hidden gems and premier properties: Discover the region's best venues in one efficient marketplace.
- Maximize your time: Personalized 1:1 appointments with top suppliers.
- Insider knowledge: Logistics, seasonal trends, and destination highlights.
- Regional expertise: Learn from experts on cost-saving strategies and attendee engagement.
- Authentic local flavors: Experience creative catering ideas firsthand.
Event planning ideas in Toledo, OH
Connect Marketplace
Dates: August 25–27, 2025 | Location: Miami, FL
Connect Marketplace is the premier one-to-one meetings-based event for meeting and event professionals, offering a highly efficient platform to discover new destinations, venues, and suppliers. This exclusive conference facilitates pre-scheduled appointments between planners and top-tier hospitality partners, maximizing valuable face time while minimizing wasted effort. With a focus on meaningful connections, actionable education, and emerging industry trends, Connect Marketplace 2025 delivers targeted business solutions for planners across corporate, association, and incentive sectors.
- Expedite venue research: 3 days of pre-arranged 1:1 appointments compress weeks of work.
- Discover hidden destinations: Properties you won't find through traditional RFP processes.
- Targeted education: Sessions on contracting strategies, emerging destinations, and attendee engagement.
- Peer and supplier relationships: Build relationships in focused business settings.
- Informed decisions: Empower planners to make decisions that boost the bottom line.
Event planning ideas in Miami, FL
IMEX America
Dates: October 7–9, 2025 | Location: Las Vegas, NV
IMEX America stands as North America's premier event for the global meetings, incentives, and hospitality industry. This acclaimed trade show delivers exceptional value with its free admission, four days of world-class education sessions, high-impact networking opportunities, and access to cutting-edge industry solutions. Designed for professionals across all sectors and experience levels, IMEX America brings together the entire events ecosystem in one dynamic destination — an indispensable experience for anyone serious about advancing their career in the business of gatherings.
- 15,000+ global professionals: Network with event leaders under one roof.
- 3,500+ exhibitors: Destinations, tech, and services in a single marketplace.
- Free education sessions: Industry leaders covering trending topics throughout the show.
- Hosted Buyer Program: Maximize your time with pre-arranged meetings.
- Innovation Hub: Cutting-edge event tech, sustainability solutions, and creative experiences.
Event planning ideas in Las Vegas, NV
TEAMS '25 Conference and Expo
Dates: October 13–16, 2025 | Location: Columbus, OH
TEAMS (Travel, Events and Management in Sports) is the world's leading conference and expo for the sports-event industry. Launched in 1998, TEAMS draws more than 1,300 participants including CEOs, executive directors, and event managers from sports organizations, plus representatives from sports commissions, convention bureaus, corporate sponsors, event suppliers, and other hospitality industry opinion leaders. For more than 25 years, TEAMS has helped define the sports-event and appointment-based trade show industries.
- 200+ sports organizations: Connect with groups seeking host cities for their events.
- One-on-one meetings: Schedule appointments to secure future events for your destination.
- Sports tourism strategy: Learn how to maximize economic impact through sports tourism.
- Major event insights: Firsthand knowledge from organizers of events like NCAA championships.
- Industry relationships: Build connections with the who's who of sports event execution.
Event planning ideas in Columbus, OH
The Event Planner Expo
Dates: October 14–16, 2025 | Location: New York, NY
The Event Planner Expo is the premier B2B event for top-tier event professionals, corporate planners, and agency leaders looking to elevate their business and creativity. Held annually in New York City, this high-energy conference delivers cutting-edge industry insights, exclusive networking opportunities, and hands-on access to the latest event innovations. Whether you're planning corporate galas, brand activations, or nonprofit fundraisers, The Event Planner Expo 2025 provides the tools, trends, and connections to transform your events and grow your business.
- 150+ exhibitors: Discover cutting-edge venues, tech, and services to transform your events.
- Powerhouse speaker series: Industry icons sharing game-changing business and life strategies.
- Trade show floor: Hands-on access to revolutionary event innovations.
- VIP networking: Designed to spark high-value partnerships and collaborations.
- Profit-boosting insights: Event marketing, sales, and operations to elevate your bottom line.
Event planning ideas in New York, NY
AfroTech Conference
Dates: October 27–31, 2025 | Location: Houston, TX
AfroTech is the premier tech and innovation conference empowering Black professionals, entrepreneurs, and creators to shape the future of technology. Founded by Blavity Inc., this annual gathering brings together thousands of visionaries, industry leaders, and rising talent for transformative networking, career growth, and groundbreaking discussions. Through keynote speeches, workshops, and startup showcases, AfroTech champions diversity in tech while providing access to capital, mentorship, and cutting-edge trends. More than an event — it's a movement driving equity, opportunity, and disruption across the global tech landscape.
- 200+ tech and enterprise companies: Actively seeking talent across industries.
- 5 days of cutting-edge content: Six dedicated stages highlighting innovation and today's leaders.
- Product unveilings: Witness the next wave of groundbreaking products entering the marketplace.
- Local economic empowerment: Support communities and vendors throughout the event.
- Hands-on learning labs: Enhance your skillset with new certification programs.
Event planning ideas in Houston, TX
IAEE Expo! Expo!
Dates: December 9–11, 2025 | Location: Houston, TX
Expo! Expo! is the premier annual conference and trade show for the exhibitions and events industry, hosted by the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE). As the industry's largest gathering, it brings together thousands of professionals, suppliers, and thought leaders to share the latest trends, innovations, and best practices in trade shows and live events. Whether you're an organizer, marketer, or supplier, Expo! Expo! 2025 offers unparalleled education, networking, and business opportunities to help you stay ahead in the fast-evolving world of exhibitions.
- Latest event tech: Design trends and logistics tools from top exhibitors.
- Expert-led sessions: Actionable insights on attendee engagement, sustainability, and ROI optimization.
- Thousands of trade show pros: Connect with potential partners and clients in a dynamic environment.
- CEU credits: Workshops and certifications tailored to exhibitions and live events.
- Industry forecasts: Exclusive insights on attendee behavior and emerging markets.
Event planning ideas in Houston, TX
The right conference does more than fill your calendar — it sets the tone for your year. Pick the ones that match your work, show up curious, and you'll bring back ideas and contacts that pay off long after the badges come off.