It's the perfect season to connect, get inspired, and recharge your creativity for the months ahead. In an industry driven by constant change, attending event planning conferences is more than a nice-to-have — it's a powerful way to stay competitive and grow.
These events bring together the ideas, tools, and people shaping the future of the industry:
- Trends become actionable strategy ✨ Discover emerging tech, design inspiration, and forward-thinking approaches you can turn into real-world event planning ideas.
- Insights become stronger execution 💡 Gain practical event management tips from industry leaders on budgeting, pricing, negotiation, and running more efficient, profitable programs.
- Connections become long-term opportunity 🤝 Build meaningful relationships with vendors, peers, and mentors who can help shape your next big project — or your entire career.
So mark your calendar and get ready — here are the best event planning conferences to explore in summer and fall 2026.
Cvent CONNECT 2026
Dates: June 13–16, 2026 | Location: Nashville, TN
Cvent CONNECT is one of the largest gatherings of event professionals, marketers, and hospitality leaders — and a leading event dedicated to the future of meetings, events, and attendee engagement.
Hosted annually by Cvent, this conference brings together industry experts and innovators to explore emerging technology, share best practices, and discover new strategies for creating impactful event experiences. 🤖
EsportsTravel Summit
Dates: June 23–26, 2026 | Location: Cincinnati, OH
The 10th edition of the EsportsTravel Summit is the world's largest gathering of esports tournament and gaming event organizers — and the only event focused on the travel side of the esports industry.
Launched alongside the TEAMS Conference & Expo in 2017, the Summit quickly became the industry's leading platform, connecting event organizers with travel and tourism professionals looking to capitalize on the growth of esports. 🎮
NACE Experience Conference
Dates: August 2–4, 2026 | Location: New Orleans, LA
The NACE Experience Conference is a premier gathering where catering and event professionals come together to connect, learn, and grow — offering an immersive experience unlike any other industry event.
Hosted by the National Association for Catering and Events, the conference features curated education, guided networking, and fresh ideas designed to elevate professional expertise and inspire new approaches to events. 🍽️
Canadian Meetings and Events Expo
Dates: August 11–12, 2026 | Location: Toronto, Ontario
The Canadian Meetings + Events Expo (CMEExpo) is Canada's premier and longest-running tradeshow for meeting and event professionals, bringing the industry together to connect and discover new solutions.
It offers a dynamic platform for networking with suppliers across venues, technology, décor, and more, along with educational sessions and workshops that deliver practical insights, hands-on learning, and opportunities to earn continuing education credits. 🇨🇦
Connect Marketplace
Dates: August 24–26, 2026 | Location: Tampa Bay, FL
Connect Marketplace is the premier one-to-one meetings-based event for meeting and event professionals, designed to efficiently connect planners with top destinations, venues, and suppliers.
This exclusive conference, hosted by Northstar Meetings Group, features pre-scheduled appointments, focused education, and insights into emerging industry trends — helping corporate, association, and incentive planners build meaningful connections and uncover targeted business solutions. 🤝
Destination Midwest by Northstar Meetings Group
Dates: September 22–24, 2026 | Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Destination Midwest is a premier regional conference for meeting and event professionals looking to explore top venues, suppliers, and destinations across America's heartland.
Hosted by Northstar Meetings Group, this curated event connects planners with leading Midwest hospitality partners through one-on-one appointments, educational sessions, and immersive experiences — offering practical tools, insights, and connections to elevate future events. ⭐
International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) Expo
Dates: October 5–7, 2026 | Location: Tucson, AZ
The IFEA Expo is a trade show hosted by the International Festivals and Events Association, bringing together vendors and companies that showcase products and services for the festival and events industry.
Attendees can discover new trends, network with peers, and explore the latest industry developments — making it a key event for decision-makers in festival and event planning looking to source new solutions and elevate their events. 🎪
IMEX America
Dates: October 13–15, 2026 | Location: Las Vegas, NV
IMEX America is North America's premier trade show for the global meetings, incentives, and hospitality industry, bringing the entire events ecosystem together in one dynamic destination.
This free-admission event features four days of world-class education, high-impact networking, and access to innovative industry solutions — offering valuable opportunities for professionals across all sectors and experience levels to grow their careers in the business of events. 🌍
TEAMS '26 Conference and Expo
Dates: October 26–29, 2026 | Location: Birmingham, AL
TEAMS: Travel, Events and Management in Sports is the world's leading conference and expo for the sports-event industry, bringing together top decision-makers and industry leaders to shape the future of sports events.
Since its launch in 1998, the event has welcomed 1,300+ attendees, including executives from sports organizations, sports commissions, convention bureaus, sponsors, and hospitality leaders — helping define the sports-event and trade show industries for more than 25 years. 🏟️
The Event Planner Expo
Dates: October 27–29, 2026 | 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 — helping attendees plan corporate galas, brand activations, and nonprofit fundraisers while growing their business and staying ahead of industry trends. 🗽
IAEE Expo! Expo!
Dates: November 16–18, 2026 | Location: Milwaukee, WI
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.
As the industry's largest gathering, it brings together thousands of professionals, suppliers, and thought leaders to explore the latest trends, innovations, and best practices in trade shows and live events — offering unmatched education, networking, and business opportunities to help attendees stay ahead in the evolving exhibitions landscape. 🎤
Top 5 FAQs: event planning conferences 2026
What are the best event planning conferences in 2026?
The top conferences include major global and regional events like IMEX America, PCMA Convening Leaders, and industry expos that focus on networking, education, and sourcing new vendors.
Are event planning conferences worth attending in 2026?
Yes. These conferences are highly valuable for career growth, offering access to event management tips, industry trends, and real-world event planning ideas that improve both creativity and efficiency.
When are the major event planning conferences in 2026?
Most major conferences take place throughout the year, with strong attendance peaks in spring, summer, and fall when planners focus on strategy refreshes and annual planning cycles.
What do you learn at event planning conferences?
Attendees gain practical insights on budgeting, production, technology, and marketing, along with actionable event management tips and fresh event planning ideas from industry experts.
How do I choose the right event planning conference to attend in 2026?
Focus on your goals — education, networking, or sourcing vendors — and compare agendas, speakers, and formats to find the conference that best matches your needs.