Top 20 Conferences for Event Marketers in 2020

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The new year (and new decade) have arrived, which means the event marketing calendar is filling up fast.  The churn and burn of the conference calendar can often feel like a marathon of shows and while MC² is hard at work turning visions into reality, we wanted to take a step back and see what others might be doing.  

Let MC² help you bring order to a chaotic calendar year and offer a new perspective of the “why” behind our conference selections for 2020. We’ve highlighted our top 10 shows for event marketers, and 10 more for good measure…

 

Top 10 conferences for event marketers

 

What: Bizbash Live

Why: BizBash Live has joined forces with Connect to create a series specifically for event marketers seeking opportunities to uncover fresh ideas, gain inspiration, and grow their brand. Just pick your month, the closest destination, and buy your ticket!

 

What: Event Tech Live

Why: The exhibition and multi-strand conference is designed to offer attendees a way to research, learn, engage and network on a global scale.

 

What: SXSW

Why: Think “Event Marketing Bootcamp” for this hybrid conference/festival. 10 days of learning and networking with creatives across tech, film and music industries at the 2020 SXSW Conference + Festival.   

 

What: Advertising Week 

Why: Event Marketers attending this show get to learn from industry experts, thought leaders and celebrities in the original hub of advertising, aka, New York City.

 

What: Event Planner Expo

Why: This expo caters specifically to event marketers and helps them network and gain industry insights. The event is organized by the top New York event planners and attracts high-level executives and event professionals in the US and abroad.

 

What: Inbound

Why: 250+ industry experts sharing knowledge and exchanging ideas? Yes please.  This high-octane event packs a lot into four days and brings in the fun factor too.  From parties to comedians to whiskey tastings, it’s one of our musts for the conference calendar.

 

What: Incite Marketing Summit

Why: Learn from leaders in trusted sources.  Event marketers attending the event get to learn directly from CMO’s, Cannes Lion Winners and Marketing experts all set in sunny San Diego.

 

What: Social Media Week: New York

Why: Social media is the secret sauce everyone wants to use.  Event marketers attending this event gain access to information on how to amplify their event reach socially.

 

What: SiriusDecisions Summit US & Europe

Why: One word: ENERGY. This year’s summit will be sure to engage and entertain all attendees. With discussions around influencers and community building and fun events nightly, this show is worth the ROI.

 

What: CEMA Summit

Why: A forum for high level strategic and tactical conversations around event marketing best practices. Join leaders from top brands and interact with senior experiential thought leaders.

 

But we are not done yet! Here is a snapshot of other must-attend shows for event marketers in specific categories.

 

Growth Marketing
CXL Live

 

Software Marketing
Reach 2020

 

Customer Experience and Digital Marketing
Adobe Summit

 

Marketing Technology Solutions
Martech West & East

 

Exhibits and Trade Shows
ExhibitorLive

 

B2B Marketing Trends
Marketing Profs B2B Marketing Forum

 

Tech Savvy Event Planning
Cvent CONNECT 

 

Experiential Marketing and Event Technology
EMS2020 by Event Marketer

 

Event Marketing with an International Appeal
IMEX America

 

Global takes for B2B and B2C Growth
Growth Marketing Conference

 

No matter where you go, don’t forget to charge your battery packs, wear comfy shoes, drink lots of water and get your networking game on. It’s not just about where you go, but what you learn while you’re there.  

 

Now before you start your conference journey don’t forget to sign-up for Engage, our monthly newsletter about event and experiential marketing news. We can’t wait to see you in your travels!