It’s the season to build new connections, spark fresh ideas, and reignite your passion for planning. In an industry driven by innovation, creativity, and constant change, attending event planning conferences is more than helpful. It is a true game-changer.
These events are where:
✨ Trends turn into strategy. Discover cutting-edge tech, bold design concepts, and fresh tactics that inspire unforgettable attendee experiences.
💡 Knowledge becomes profit. Learn practical insights on pricing, negotiation, and running a business that works smarter and scales stronger.
🤝 Connections create opportunity. Meet vendors, mentors, and fellow planners who can open doors and shape the next step in your career.
Grab your calendar and get ready. Here are the top event planning conferences to consider for Winter and Spring 2026.
Dates: January 11-14, 2026 | Location: Philadelphia, PA
Discover why 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.
Dates: January 24-26, 2026 | Location: Nashville, TN
This three-day event is designed to equip chapter leaders with the tools, strategies, connections and inspiration you need to foster growth, engagement, and success. With expert-led sessions focusing on membership, programming, and branding and more, Evolve is your opportunity to transform your chapter and make a lasting impact within the NACE community.
Dates: January 25–27, 2026 | Location: Arlington, TX
ESPA is the only association dedicated to advancing the professional development of event service managers, strengthening the success of the hotels, facilities, and CVBs they support. We understand the unique challenges service professionals face daily, and our conference programming is designed to help you find solutions, grow in your career, and drive results.
Dates: January 27–28, 2026 | Location: Hattiesburg, MS
Emerge Events is an event management company founded by Jennifer in 2011 with the first signature event, the Pine Belt Women’s Expo. Since then Emerge Events has created and collaborated on hundreds of events over the years. Today we continue to create our own events, work with businesses and organizations on their event planning needs, collaborate with other event planners, and facilitate event planning workshops.
Dates: February 4-6, 2026 | Location: Phoenix, AZ
IPEC, for independent planners, offers 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 you as a business owner and entrepreneur.
Join hundreds of schools, artists, agencies, and businesses as we come together to showcase the best in Campus Activities. At NACA Live you will 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 since grown into one of the largest annual gatherings in sports business, drawing leaders from teams, leagues, agencies, and brands. More than 1,000 professionals come together to focus on 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. Attendees have the opportunity to connect and have conversations with everyone within the events & catering ecosystem to help move the industry forward.
The elite event for North American meeting and incentive travel buyers who are focused on placing programs around the world. Attendees will learn from industry experts, make invaluable business connections, and experience unforgettable activities at New York City's iconic landmarks. This unique event is 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. For three electric days, the industry’s power players converge for high-impact meetings, bold insights, and next-level networking. Every inch of Louisville, Kentucky is rooted in craft, legacy, and drive. And now, it’s hosting the event industry’s most ambitious marketplace. When the best in the events industry gather here, one thing is certain: excellence isn’t the goal. It’s the standard.
NPC26 is your ultimate ticket to connect with your professional community. Join us in Detroit and immerse yourself in an inspiring network of peers that will empower you to build 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 event planner, a corporate leader, or new to the industry, NWES sparks fresh ideas, fosters mentorship, and grows your network in ways online simply can’t match. Engage one-on-one with peers, exchange insights, and thrive in a supportive, vibrant environment.
Join us in Fort Worth, Texas, alongside BLAST Premier Rivals Tournament, for EsportsNext 2026 - 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. Don't just attend a conference - experience the future of esports business.
Event Tech Live is the No. 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.
The Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum (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. Attend if you want 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 at MPI-WEC.
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 EsportsTravel Summit is 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 the esports world attend the event and their representatives are featured as presenters. The Summit’s unique mission will continue to be education of stakeholders on the nexus between venues, destinations, event suppliers, the travel industry and esports.
