It’s that time of year to create connections, spark fresh ideas, and refuel your passion for planning! In an industry that thrives on innovation, creativity, and nonstop evolution, attending event planning conferences isn’t just helpful—it’s a game-changer.
These events are where:
✨ Trends become game plans – Be the first to explore cutting-edge tech, bold design ideas, and fresh strategies to wow your attendees.
💡 Knowledge turns into profit – Learn from the best about pricing smart, negotiating strong, and running a business that works as hard as you do.
🤝 Connections spark opportunity – Build real relationships with vendors, mentors, and fellow planners who just might change the course of your career.
Whether you're ready to dive into new tech, unlock fresh revenue streams, or simply reignite that creative spark, these conferences deliver the insight and energy to help you thrive. From hands-on workshops to big-picture strategy sessions, the next big idea—or breakthrough connection—is just around the corner.
So grab your calendar and get ready—here are the top event planning conferences to check out in Summer and Fall 2025:
Dates: June 9–12, 2025 | Location: San Antonio, TX
Cvent CONNECT is the premier event technology conference for meeting and event professionals who want to transform their strategies through innovation. Hosted by Cvent, this annual gathering brings together thousands of planners, marketers, and hospitality leaders to explore cutting-edge event tech, data-driven strategies, and industry best practices. Whether you're looking to streamline operations, boost engagement, or maximize ROI, Cvent CONNECT 2025 delivers actionable insights, hands-on training, and unparalleled networking opportunities to help you succeed in the evolving world of events.
• Get hands-on with Cvent’s latest tools to optimize your event workflows.
• Learn how to leverage analytics and AI to measure success and enhance attendee experiences.
• Connect with thousands of peers, Cvent experts, and industry leaders to share ideas and solutions.
• Attend sessions tailored to your needs, from beginner tutorials to advanced certification courses.
• Get exclusive previews of upcoming trends and innovations in event tech.
Dates: June 18–20, 2025 | Location: St. Louis, MO
MPI WEC (World Education Congress) is the premier global conference for meeting and event professionals, hosted by Meeting Professionals International (MPI). This dynamic gathering unites thousands of industry leaders, innovators, and strategists to explore the future of events through cutting-edge education, transformative networking, and actionable business solutions. Designed to inspire and equip planners at every level, MPI WEC 2025 delivers unparalleled learning experiences, trend insights, and community connections to drive professional growth and event excellence.
• Gain insights from international thought leaders shaping the future of events.
• Earn CMP credits and access world-class sessions on event strategy, technology, and leadership.
• Connect with 2,000+ peers, suppliers, and decision-makers.
• Discover the latest event tech, sustainability practices, and experiential design trends.
• Elevate your expertise with workshops on negotiation, DEI, and growth strategies.
Dates: July 27–29, 2025 | Location: Milwaukee, WI
Hosted by the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE), the NACE Experience Conference is the premier gathering for catering and event professionals who excel in creating unforgettable experiences. This annual event brings together top-tier talent from across the industry—planners, caterers, designers, and hospitality leaders—to celebrate innovation, share best practices, and elevate the art of events. Through hands-on workshops, inspiring keynotes, and immersive networking, NACE Experience 2025 empowers professionals to push creative boundaries and drive business success.
• Discover cutting-edge food trends, tablescapes, and event styling from industry visionaries.
• Connect with elite caterers, venues, and peers to build lasting partnerships.
• Learn profit-boosting tactics, pricing models, and client engagement tools.
• Participate in live demonstrations, competitions, and interactive workshops.
• Get ahead with exclusive previews of 2026’s top catering and event innovations.
Dates: August 11-13, 2025 | Location: Boston, MA
ILEA Live, hosted by the International Live Events Association, is the premier global conference for event professionals who create extraordinary live experiences. This annual gathering unites top-tier event designers, producers, and creative strategists to explore the future of experiential events through immersive education, trendsetting ideas, and unparalleled networking. Focused on innovation, business growth, and artistic excellence, ILEA Live 2025 empowers planners to push boundaries, master new technologies, and deliver unforgettable moments.
• Discover bold design concepts, immersive tech, and event storytelling.
• Build relationships with top event creatives, vendors, and thought leaders.
• Learn profit-boosting tactics, pricing models, and client acquisition tools.
• Participate in interactive workshops and gain hands-on experience with the latest trends and technologies.
• Get ahead with exclusive reveals of 2026’s biggest event trends, from sustainable production to AI integration.
Destination Midwest is the premier regional conference for meeting and event professionals looking to discover the best venues, suppliers, and destinations across America’s heartland. Hosted by Northstar Meetings Group, this curated event connects planners with top Midwest hospitality partners through one-on-one appointments, educational sessions, and immersive experiences. Whether sourcing new locations or staying ahead of industry trends, Destination Midwest 2025 delivers the tools and connections to elevate your next event.
• Discover hidden gems and premier properties across the region in one efficient marketplace.
• Maximize your time with personalized 1:1 appointments with top suppliers.
• Gain insider knowledge on logistics, seasonal trends, and destination highlights.
• Learn from regional experts on cost-saving strategies and attendee engagement.
• Experience authentic local flavors and creative catering ideas firsthand.
Connect Marketplace is the premier one-to-one meetings-based event for meeting and event professionals, offering a highly efficient platform to discover new destinations, venues, and suppliers. This exclusive conference facilitates pre-scheduled appointments between planners and top-tier hospitality partners, maximizing valuable face time while minimizing wasted effort. With a focus on meaningful connections, actionable education, and emerging industry trends, Connect Marketplace 2025 delivers targeted business solutions for planners across corporate, association, and incentive sectors.
• Expedite venue research in 3 days through pre-arranged 1:1 appointments
• Discover destinations and properties you won't find through traditional RFP processes
• Attend sessions on contracting strategies, emerging destinations, and attendee engagement
• Build relationships with both peers and suppliers in focused business settings
• Empower planners to make informed decisions that boost their bottom line.
IMEX America stands as North America's premier event for the global meetings, incentives, and hospitality industry. This acclaimed trade show delivers exceptional value with its free admission, four days of world-class education sessions, high-impact networking opportunities, and access to cutting-edge industry solutions. Designed for professionals across all sectors and experience levels, IMEX America brings together the entire events ecosystem in one dynamic destination – making it an indispensable experience for anyone serious about advancing their career in the business of gatherings.
• Network with 15,000+ global event professionals under one roof.
• Explore 3,500+ exhibitors showcasing destinations, tech, and services in a single marketplace.
• Attend free education sessions led by industry leaders on trending topics.
• Join the Hosted Buyer Program to maximize your time with pre-arranged meetings.
• Discover the Innovation Hub featuring cutting-edge event tech, sustainability solutions, and creative experiences.
TEAMS (TRAVEL, EVENTS AND MANAGEMENT IN SPORTS), is the world’s leading conference and expo for the sports-event industry. Launched in 1998, TEAMS draws more than 1,300 participants including CEOs, executive directors and event managers from sports organizations as well as representatives from sports commissions and convention bureaus, corporate sponsors, event suppliers and other hospitality industry opinion leaders. For more than 25 years, TEAMS has helped define the sports-event and appointment-based trade show industries.
• Connect with 200+ sports organizations seeking host cities
• Schedule one-on-one meetings to secure future events for your destination
• Learn how to maximize economic impact through sports tourism
• Get firsthand knowledge from organizers of major events like NCAA championships
• Build relationships with the who’s who of sports event execution
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. Whether you're planning corporate galas, brand activations, or nonprofit fundraisers, The Event Planner Expo 2025 provides the tools, trends, and connections to transform your events and grow your business.
• Discover 150+ cutting-edge exhibitors revealing the latest venues, tech, and services to transform your events.
• Gain insights from a powerhouse speaker series featuring industry icons sharing game-changing business and life strategies.
• Immerse yourself in trends on the trade show floor with hands-on access to revolutionary event innovations.
• Engage in VIP networking experiences designed to spark high-value partnerships and collaborations.
• Unlock profit-boosting insights across event marketing, sales, and operations to elevate your bottom line.
AfroTech is the premier tech and innovation conference empowering Black professionals, entrepreneurs, and creators to shape the future of technology. Founded by Blavity Inc., this annual gathering brings together thousands of visionaries, industry leaders, and rising talent for transformative networking, career growth, and groundbreaking discussions. Through keynote speeches, workshops, and startup showcases, AfroTech champions diversity in tech while providing access to capital, mentorship, and cutting-edge trends. More than an event—it’s a movement driving equity, opportunity, and disruption across the global tech landscape.
• Engage with over 200 tech and enterprise companies actively seeking talent.
• Immerse yourself in 5 days of cutting-edge content across 6 dedicated stages, highlighting innovation and showcasing today's leaders.
• Witness the unveiling of the next wave of groundbreaking products in the marketplace.
• Support local communities and vendors, fostering economic empowerment.
• Enhance your skillset with hands-on learning labs and new certification programs.
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 (IAEE). As the industry’s largest gathering, it brings together thousands of professionals, suppliers, and thought leaders to share the latest trends, innovations, and best practices in trade shows and live events. Whether you're an organizer, marketer, or supplier, Expo! Expo! 2025 offers unparalleled education, networking, and business opportunities to help you stay ahead in the fast-evolving world of exhibitions.
• Explore the latest event tech, design trends, and logistics tools from top exhibitors.
• Gain actionable insights from expert-led sessions on attendee engagement, sustainability, and ROI optimization.
• Connect with thousands of trade show professionals, potential partners, and clients in a dynamic environment.
• Earn CEU credits through workshops and certifications tailored to exhibitions and live events.
• Stay ahead with exclusive forecasts on industry trends, attendee behavior, and emerging markets.
