Event planning conferences in 2026 are your essential roadmap for staying updated with the latest trends, tools, and strategies. They offer businesses a critical competitive edge in this rapidly evolving, experience-driven industry.

These conferences bring together seasoned professionals, innovative solutions, and cutting-edge technology. Whether your goal is high-impact networking, deep professional learning, or gaining a competitive edge, these events offer the best chance to thrive by connecting with the global leaders in the events industry.

The Best Event Planning Conferences for 2026

We’ve made things easier for you by sharing a list of the top event planning conferences you can attend in 2026. Read below to learn more about the best gatherings and the major trends shaping the year.

1. PCMA Convening Leaders 2026

PCMA Convening Leaders remains the premier event for business events professionals, focused on the innovation and strategy that drives the industry forward. 

Hosted in a new location for 2026, the event is known for its highly interactive sessions, inspiring keynote speeches, and unmatched networking opportunities. In 2026, expect a sharp focus on how business events generate tangible economic and social legacies.

• • Dates: January 11–14, 2026
  • Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA

2. SMU International—Northstar Meetings Group 2026

SMU International is North America’s elite gathering for meeting and incentive travel planners focused exclusively on international destinations. It unites top planners from North American markets with the best international suppliers to produce unique business opportunities through a curated hosted-buyer model.

The event includes pre-scheduled, one-on-one appointments, destination showcases, and educational sessions. It’s the place to gain global industry insights, forge stronger international partnerships, and source your next global event venue.

• • Dates: March 9–11, 2026
  • Location: New York Marriott Marquis, New York, NY

3. HRC (Hotel, Restaurant & Catering) Trade Show 2026

As the UK’s most influential B2B event for all hospitality and foodservice professionals, HRC brings together suppliers presenting the most innovative products and services in the sector.

While focused on hospitality, the tips and trends shared by industry experts will significantly help event planners refine their strategies for catering, new venue design, and enhancing the overall attendee service experience. In 2026, it is co-located with events like Hospitality Tech360, reflecting a broader focus on technology integration in events.

• • Dates: March 30 – April 1, 2026
  • Location: ExCeL London, London, UK

4. Connect Marketplace 2026

Connect Marketplace is changing the way event professionals interact. As a leading marketplace powered by advanced AI-driven matching, this event ensures real and meaningful business interactions between buyers and suppliers.

The conference provides attendees with new insights, a chance to form new partnerships, and discover the tools necessary to raise the level of their events. Structured meetings are complemented by unconventional networking opportunities for an efficient, growth-focused experience.

• • Dates: August 24–26, 2026
  • Location: Tampa Convention Center, Tampa Bay, FL

5. IMEX America 2026

IMEX America is considered one of the largest and most dynamic trade exhibitions in the industry. Event professionals can connect with thousands of pre-qualified hosted buyers, all controlling multi-million dollar budgets. The venue is free to attend, offering access to cutting-edge education, networking, and tools for business building.

This is a premier opportunity to open collaboration channels with exhibitors and peers on thousands of leads and valuable industry insights. It promises serious planners the most comprehensive experience available in the global events industry.

• • Dates: October 13–15, 2026
  • Location: Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, NV

6. Event Planner Expo 2026

The Event Planner Expo 2026 is the ultimate three-day learning and networking event. It gathers the finest event planning professionals, venue owners, marketers, and creative masterminds from across the globe into one engaging session.

It features keynote speakers, panels, interactive workshops, and a dynamic trade show floor with over 150 exhibitors. This is a crucial event tailored to maintain momentum and stay ahead of the competition in the highly competitive New York events market.

• • Dates: October 27–29, 2026
  • Location: New York City, NY

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Trends Defining Event Planning Conferences in 2026 

The event planning industry is shifting from simply adapting to technology to integrating it as core infrastructure. The focus of successful event planning in 2026 is to create hyper-personalized, high-impact experiences while prioritizing measurable data and compliance.

Here are the top trends you can expect to dominate discussions and exhibition floors at these conferences:

1. AI Moves From Trend to Infrastructure

Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a futuristic concept; it is now deeply embedded in the planning workflow. AI is used for hyper-personalization (customizing agendas and content), predictive analytics (forecasting engagement and ROI), and streamlining operations like content drafting and real-time messaging, moving from an optional tool to a foundational element of the event tech stack.

2. The Shift to Hyper-Personalized & Immersive Experiences

Attendees demand experiences that are tailored to their needs. This means events must move beyond generic décor to incorporate elements like Mixed Reality (MR), Digital Twins for pre-event planning, and Gamified Networking to turn connections into competitive fun. Every touchpoint, from registration to follow-up, is being customized using data.

3. Sustainability is a Core Expectation

Sustainable practices have evolved from a “nice-to-have” to a primary expectation and strategic imperative. This includes choosing carbon-neutral events, using modular and reusable stage designs, offering plant-based menus, and clearly communicating the event’s social impact through CSR activities. Attendees, particularly younger generations, are making participation decisions based on values alignment.

4. Interactive In-Person & Evolved Hybrid Models

While the in-person event experience is surging, the digital component persists. Hybrid is evolving from simple live-streaming to seamless integration where remote and in-person attendees participate in the same interactive sessions, polls, and Q&A. Furthermore, there is a rise in smaller, regional events that offer easier travel and more meaningful access to subject-matter experts.

5. Compliance, Accessibility, and First-Party Data

As events collect richer data, compliance (e.g., stricter privacy and security standards) is now foundational. Moreover, accessibility is a measurable Key Performance Indicator (KPI). Events must demonstrate accessibility in practice, from registration pages and clear accommodations workflows to captioning and screen-reader–friendly design.

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How to Best Leverage Event Planning Conferences

Event planning conferences in 2026 are transformational learning and connection experiences that require a plan to maximize ROI. By preparing in advance and engaging strategically, you will come away with new insights, technologies, and partnerships to drive your business forward.

Here is what you need to focus on:

• • Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve—whether it’s sourcing a new tech platform, mastering an AI strategy, or securing new vendor partnerships.
  • Plan in Advance: Examine the agenda and exhibitor list to prioritize sessions and appointments that align best with your objectives.
  • Participate Actively: Engage in discussions, ask questions, and take notes. Focus on hands-on workshops and experiential learning formats.
  • Connect Wisely: Use event apps and AI-driven matchmaking tools to identify and exchange contacts with key speakers, exhibitors, and peers to establish long-term relationships.
  • Follow Through: After the conference, act on the strategies learned and reach out to your new contacts within the first week to cement partnerships.

Maximize your conference experience by using Eventsfy

Maximize your conference experience by using Eventsfy to handle your ticket booking and logistics and ensure 2026 is your most innovative year yet!

Why Use Eventsfy?

Eventsfy makes ticket booking easier by connecting users with third-party websites that offer the best deals. Here’s how it works:

• • Detailed Listings: Access thousands of conferences and events held across the United States.
  • Easy-to-use interface: Find, compare, and book tickets with ease.
  • Direct access: Eventsfy sends you to safe platforms so that transactions can be done without any worry.

Using Eventsfy saves your time and lets you focus on enjoying the event.

Conclusion

Event planning conferences in 2026 will inspire and empower professionals to take charge of change and move forward in an industry that is always growing. Whether learning about sustainable practices or perfecting hybrid formats, these events are about more than education; they’re trans-formative.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this revolution. Book your tickets to these must-attend conferences through Eventsfy today and take your journey with event planning to the next level.

Make 2026 a year you lead, innovate, and thrive in the event planning world.