The Upcoming 2025 And 2026 Business Conferences To Check Out

Speaker presenting to large audience at conference event

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As a leader, the idea of stepping away from your business to attend a conference can seem like a lot to take on. It’s an investment of research, time and budget. For me, that initial hesitation gave way to the realization that the right conference can provide incredible returns for my business.

I’ve personally attended a number of conferences that have been genuinely beneficial. By sharing my experience and offering some insights, I hope to help you navigate the options and find a conference that’s a perfect fit for your own needs as an entrepreneur.

Leadership Conferences

1. EY’s Strategic Growth Forum^® 2025: November 12-15, Palm Springs, CA

At the Strategic Growth Forum^® 2025, visionary CEOs, pioneering entrepreneurs, Fortune 1000 executives and leading investment strategists gather to shape the future of business. This premier event is where enterprises are reimagined, transformative deals are forged and high-impact connections evolve into game-changing opportunities. I was fortunate to be an award winner in the past, and it was one of the best experiences I’ve had as an entrepreneur. It was clear to me that they truly care about the people they nominate and genuinely want to help them succeed.

2. 2025 Forbes Under 30 Summit: September 28-October 1, Columbus, OH & Virtual

The Forbes Under 30 Summit is an annual gathering of global innovators, leaders and rising stars who have been recognized on Forbes’ prestigious 30 Under 30 list. I’ve attended this event in the past and have seen firsthand how it brings entrepreneurs, investors, creators and industry disruptors together for a dynamic mix of keynotes, panel discussions and networking. Attendees gain insights from some of the most influential voices in business, technology and culture while also connecting with peers who are shaping the future. The conference is both a celebration of achievement and a platform for collaboration, designed to spark new ventures and inspire the next wave of leadership.

3. Web Summit Vancouver: May 11-14, 2026, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Web Summit Vancouver is the North American edition of a globally recognized conference. I had the opportunity to attend the inaugural North American event in 2025 and found it to be a valuable experience. Not to mention, the location offers some of the best views of the Pacific Northwest coast that I’ve ever seen. Given the success of the inaugural event, I’m looking forward to seeing what next year’s event has in store.

The 2025 conference welcomed over 15,000 attendees, and next year’s Web Summit Vancouver is expected to see more than 20,000. It’s a prime opportunity for entrepreneurs and leaders to connect with one another on a global scale. If you’re considering attending but need more information, you can request the downloadable event overview on the website.

Entrepreneurial Conferences

1. Baby Bathwater: October 20-23, Hilton Head Island, SC

Hosted at a boutique oceanfront resort on Hilton Head Island, this flagship event is designed to bring together founders and entrepreneurs to recharge and expand their networks. Over the course of 18+ action-focused sessions and many meaningful conversations, attendees can leave with fresh insights and practical strategies. The all-inclusive experience covers everything from lodging and dining to entertainment and wellness offerings.

From my personal experience, Baby Bathwater is exceptional at creating meaningful connections. This is because every attendee is vetted and there are no sales pitches. Instead, interactions are authentic and valuable. Attendees can expect original, founder-led content not shared anywhere else, as well as curated introductions to peers who truly “get it.” The promise is simple: to break your routine, forge lasting connections and return recharged with ideas ready to be put into action.

2. Main Street Summit: November 4-6, Columbia, MO

Happening in the heart of Columbia, MO, the Main Street Summit is a two-day event styled like a festival. This conference was created specifically for small and mid-sized businesses. What stands out to me from attending is that it’s designed as a “choose-your-own-adventure” experience, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors and seasoned business owners for meaningful connections and useful insights. Whether you’re just getting started or have been running your business for years, you’ll find opportunities to learn, collaborate and grow.

Another quality I admire about the Main Street Summit is its focus on real-world expertise and interactive learning. Instead of sitting in large conference halls, you’ll engage in small-group sessions led by accomplished business owners who understand the challenges you face. Every part of the programming is designed to help small businesses thrive, offering a one-of-a-kind experience that equips you with both the knowledge and the network to grow your business.

3. Business of Biohacking Summit: October 20-23, Austin, TX

The Business of Biohacking Summit won’t be built like a typical industry conference. Instead of endless panels and surface-level networking, it’s structured as a working accelerator where founders are expected to dig in, test ideas and leave with actionable strategies for scaling, leading and building companies that last. From attending last year’s summit, I saw how the event’s balance between tactical business growth, performance and community design is what makes it so valuable. The conversations weren’t just about marketing funnels or investor decks; they were about resilience, decision-making and the psychology behind growth in a high-pressure space.

For instance, founders had the chance to stress-test their ideas in small, curated groups where feedback was specific, candid and immediately applicable. The attendance is also intentionally limited and curated, meaning every conversation carries weight.

4. Inc. 5000: October 22-24, Phoenix, AZ

The Inc. 5000 is an annual ranking of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the United States, published by Inc. magazine. As an advisor for Relevance—which was ranked number 88 on the list in 2023—I believe being on this list is a distinguished honor for entrepreneurial ventures because it highlights exceptional revenue growth and business innovation.

Beyond the ranking itself, the Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala provides a valuable community for fellow founders and executives. The event is where honorees gather to share best practices, hear from world-class speakers and celebrate their achievements. Inc. also has a successful Leadership Forum where Inc. 5000 leaders can connect to build a trusted circle of peers.

5. MMT: Year-Round, In-Person & Virtual

In becoming a member of MMT, I quickly realized I wasn’t just joining another networking group—I was joining an inspiring, down-to-earth community. Every person MMT chooses is intentionally selected for their values, character and their willingness to support others. This nontraditional approach to its membership model feels more authentic and less transactional than what you might find in a traditional networking setting.

MMT hosts both digital and in-person events that foster meaningful connections and learning experiences for members. While the annual member limit is 250, more than 20,000 entrepreneurs from around the world have applied for membership since its launch in 2013. MMT also hosts regular dinner parties where members can gather, catch up on life and celebrate their latest wins.

Marketing Conferences

1. Hawkefest: September 25, Venice, CA

Happening at The Penmar in Venice, CA, Hawkefest is Hawke Media’s annual “anticonference”—an invite-only, immersive experience. The event brings top founders, brand builders and marketers together for a day of curated connection, creativity and commerce. I’ve spoken at previous Hawkefest events and have always been motivated by its unique atmosphere. With over 500 attendees expected, the event combines the energy of a festival with the impact of a summit, creating space for high-value networking.

What I find compelling about its 2025 event is the way The Penmar golf course will transform into a tropical-inspired destination. The venue will be filled with brand activations, live entertainment and unexpected moments designed to spark new ideas. Attendees can expect candid insights from industry leaders, authentic conversations with peers and opportunities to build lasting relationships.

2. CMO Super Huddle: November 6-7, Palo Alto, CA

CMOs are being challenged like never before, and the CMO Super Huddle brings 101 leaders in the B2B marketing space together to tackle those challenges. This event helps attendees reflect on what they believe are the best solutions and then pushes them to find even better ones. In addition to its unique structure (assigned tables) and action-packed agenda, CMO Huddles proudly donates 1% of its annual earnings to the Global Penguin Society—a nod to the fact that a group of penguins is called a huddle.

Attendees will be set up for success with diverse learning opportunities like panel discussions, PechaKuchas, keynote speeches and “table huddles.” The conference starts with an afternoon of CMO-only workshops, a Welcome Reception and a CMO-only dinner, continuing with a full day of non-stop engagement.

3. Content Jam: Spring 2026, Chicago, IL

As Chicago’s leading content marketing conference, Content Jam’s 2026 event is set to be held in the spring. Since its launch in 2012, this one-day event has brought together experts from across the U.S. to share applicable content marketing strategies for a wide range of niches. It’s a testament to the event’s quality that it has sold out every year. I can also say the venue is a beautiful place to gather, right where the Chicago River crosses Michigan Avenue.

Between workshops, expert-led sessions and keynote presentations from some of the most respected voices in the industry, there’s never a dull moment. The sessions cover everything from improving strategy and increasing visibility to driving conversions and enhancing AI tactics. Content Jam is also a vibrant networking hub, where professionals connect to share experiences, forge partnerships and stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of content marketing.

4. Content Marketing World: October 5-7, 2026, Denver CO

Next year’s Content Marketing World (CM World) will bring marketing leaders from many industries to Denver, where it will be held as part of a larger marketing and insights festival alongside The Market Research Event (TMRE). Over the course of three days, attendees will have the opportunity to attend over 100 sessions to gain valuable insights and learn how to elevate their marketing strategy.

The conference draws an impressive crowd; this year’s attendees included marketers from companies like Microsoft, Adobe, Amazon, Nintendo of America and AT&T. From my own experience attending CM World for several years, its track record of hosting great marketing leaders should mean some exciting programming to look forward to. Keynote speakers and well-known marketing leaders will share their success stories, insider tips and applicable lessons that can be put to immediate use. It has proven to be an enjoyable and inspiring experience that allowed me to have authentic conversations and share real-world knowledge with other marketing leaders.

Finance/Investment Conferences

1. Lifestyle Investor Live: September 8-9, Austin, TX

Each year, the mastermind hosts three cornerstone events. In May and September, guests can attend gatherings designed to share powerful investment insights, foster meaningful connections and experience the Lifestyle Investor community firsthand. September’s Lifestyle Investor Live will be hosted from September 8-9 in Austin, TX. In December, an ultra-exclusive members-only event called The Lifestyle Investor Mastermind will take place.

I’ve found attending these events to be a transformative experience that provides unique financial strategies and, most importantly, fosters connections with other investors. The Lifestyle Investor Mastermind is a private annual retreat, also held in Austin, that brings together high-net-worth attendees whose purpose is to elevate their quality of life by achieving financial freedom. Attendees will gain access to over 60 expert tax strategies, unique investment opportunities, elite financial connections and a trustworthy network. The Lifestyle Investor Mastermind is about more than just growing wealth; It’s about improving lives.

2. The Montgomery Summit: March 10-11, 2026, Santa Monica, CA

Known as one of the top tech events in the U.S., The Montgomery Summit presented by March Capital brings together successful startup leaders, investors and C-suite executives. The summit features Q&A sessions, panel discussions and networking where attendees can hear from key decision-makers and thought leaders from privately-owned companies around the world. I’ve met many great connections at past events that I still keep in touch with today.

Attendees can expect a diverse series of influential sessions that hone in on technology, capital and thinking outside of the box. Between its world-renowned hospitality and unique opportunities, The Montgomery Summit bridges the gap between leaders from many industries, giving them a space to network and share mutually beneficial knowledge. Since this is an invitation-only event, potential attendees must first request an invitation to be considered.

Self-Improvement Conferences

Front Row Dads: December 3, Austin, TX

As a father, husband, business owner and leader, I know there are always people counting on you to show up at your best. I attended one of their events when I was navigating the challenges of my daughter becoming a teenager while also balancing the demands of work.

That’s where Front Row Dads comes in. It’s a group of high-capacity men dedicated to strengthening their families, businesses and relationships. Through a powerful culture and world-class events, Front Row Dads provides a space to grow as a leader, engage vulnerably and build a lasting legacy. For me, this event was particularly helpful in getting support from busy leaders who had already navigated the challenges I was about to experience with my daughter.

Making An Impactful Decision

There are many conferences to consider, and not all of them are the right fit for every leader. That’s why it’s crucial to carefully choose an event that will provide the most value for you and your business. When weighing your options, keep in mind key decision-making factors, such as how the event could directly benefit you, the overall cost and the potential return on investment. Leaders can always learn something from attending conferences, but I’ve found that what has the most impact is finding the perfect balance between what is taught and how far it can carry your business.