It's that time of year to start planning for the conferences that will supercharge your event strategy in 2025. Whether you're working in tech, sports, retail, healthcare, or any other industry, the right conference can help you stay ahead of the curve with the latest trends, cutting-edge technology, and invaluable networking opportunities. To make your job easier, we’ve pulled together a list of the best event planning conferences by industry that you won’t want to miss.

Why should you attend an Event Planning Conference tailored to your Industry?

Stay Ahead of Industry Trends – Attending a conference specific to your industry allows you to tap into the latest developments, best practices, and innovations that are directly relevant to your events. Whether it's AI in tech events, experiential design in retail, or fan engagement tech in sports, industry-tailored conferences give you actionable insights that you can apply immediately.

Network with the Right People – These conferences attract professionals from your industry, giving you the chance to build connections with peers, vendors, and thought leaders who share your challenges and goals. It’s a great opportunity to find new partners, collaborators, and mentors who can help you elevate your events.

Gain Practical, Industry-Specific Knowledge – By attending sessions led by industry experts, you'll gain valuable knowledge about the unique challenges and opportunities in your sector. Whether it’s navigating compliance in healthcare events or perfecting stadium operations in sports, you’ll leave with practical strategies that directly impact your work.

With these industry-specific events on your radar, you’ll be equipped to discover new tools, gain insights from thought leaders, and build the connections that matter most. No matter your sector, these conferences are key to making sure your events are fresh, innovative, and set up for success in 2025.

Conferences, meetings, and corporate events

Here’s a curated lineup of the best event planning conferences in 2025 for professionals in the corporate and business event industry—where ROI, innovation, and strategic growth take center stage:

Cvent CONNECT – June 2025 | Best for enterprise event tech stacks

This powerhouse conference is a must for corporate planners who want to level up their tech game. Hosted by one of the biggest names in event technology, Cvent CONNECT delivers deep dives into enterprise-level solutions, data-driven event design, and high-impact attendee engagement tools. Expect hands-on demos, expert-led sessions, and plenty of networking with Fortune 500-level planners and decision-makers.

PCMA Convening Leaders – September 2025 | Business event strategy

If you're looking to sharpen your strategic edge, PCMA Convening Leaders is your go-to. This event is ideal for corporate planners who manage large-scale, high-stakes meetings and conferences. Sessions are focused on business event strategy, global trends, and leadership development. It’s where forward-thinking professionals gather to discuss the future of corporate events and how to create meaningful, measurable impact.

The Event Planner Expo – October 2025 | NYC corporate event trends

Held in the heart of New York City, this high-energy conference blends creativity and business savvy. It’s perfect for corporate planners seeking the latest trends in event design, vendor partnerships, and high-end client experiences. With keynote speakers from major brands and influencers in the industry, this expo delivers both inspiration and real-world tools for planning standout events in a competitive market.

Attend to strengthen executive presence, negotiation skills, and strategic leadership.

Whether you’re focused on optimizing your tech stack, building strategic partnerships, or staying ahead of corporate trends, these conferences offer the insight, networking, and inspiration to keep your events impactful—and your business thriving.

University events, academic conferences, and campus activities

Here’s a tailored list of the top event planning conferences in 2025 for professionals in the education industry—from academic meeting planners to campus event coordinators looking to create meaningful, inclusive, and forward-thinking experiences:

MPI WEC (World Education Congress) – June 2025 | Academic meeting planning track

MPI’s flagship conference offers a dedicated track for education and academic event professionals. Dive into programming that explores planning for faculty summits, student symposiums, and research conferences. You’ll find strategies for creating engaging learning environments, managing budget-conscious academic events, and integrating inclusive programming. It’s a great place to connect with peers who understand the unique rhythm and priorities of educational institutions.

AfroTech Conference – October 2025 | HBCU and STEM event focus

While not a traditional event planning conference, AfroTech has become an essential experience for those organizing events within historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), as well as STEM and tech-forward educational programming. With its strong focus on innovation, diversity, and inclusion, this conference offers invaluable insight into how to produce events that attract and empower the next generation of leaders, particularly in academic and campus settings.

Connect Marketplace – August 2025 | Campus venue sourcing

Perfect for university event planners, student life professionals, and continuing education coordinators, Connect Marketplace brings together planners and venues in a powerful hosted-buyer format. It’s especially valuable for those sourcing campus-friendly spaces, managing logistics for large academic events, or seeking partnerships with service providers experienced in higher education. Expect targeted networking, one-on-one appointments, and sessions tailored to education-focused planners.

Attend to cultivate cutting-edge teaching methods and lifelong learning cultures.

Whether you're planning commencement ceremonies, academic symposia, student events, or alumni reunions, these conferences offer the tools, connections, and inspiration you need to make your next campus event a success.

Film and music festivals, award shows, industry expos, and VIP experiences

Here’s a spotlight on the top event planning conferences in 2025 for professionals in the entertainment and live events industry—where creativity meets cutting-edge production and unforgettable guest experiences are the goal:

ILEA Live – August 2025 | Creative production workshops

Hosted by the International Live Events Association, ILEA Live is where event creatives and producers come to sharpen their skills and find inspiration. Expect immersive workshops on everything from stage design and experiential storytelling to audio/visual innovation and talent management. If you’re producing concerts, branded entertainment, or high-profile galas, this conference is packed with ideas and hands-on learning to elevate your production game.

AfroTech Conference – October 2025 | Multicultural event trends

AfroTech isn’t just about tech—it’s also a leading space for exploring multicultural, inclusive, and youth-focused event trends. For entertainment planners looking to authentically engage diverse audiences, book culturally relevant talent, or integrate brand storytelling into live experiences, this conference offers an unmatched blend of community, creativity, and insight. Think of it as part trend report, part inspiration lab for the next wave of live events.

Event Tech Live – November 2025 | Immersive experience tech

This is the ultimate event for entertainment planners who love pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. From holograms and AR to real-time audience engagement tools, Event Tech Live is all about the next frontier of interactive, high-impact event experiences. You’ll discover new platforms, connect with tech-forward vendors, and leave with ideas to create unforgettable moments that wow live audiences and digital viewers alike.

Attend to ignite boundary-pushing storytelling and immersive audience experiences.

Whether you're planning concerts, brand activations, pop-up experiences, or large-scale celebrations, these conferences are packed with the innovation, insight, and inspiration to take your entertainment events to the next level.

Client conferences, promotional campaigns, and trade shows

Here’s your go-to list of the top event planning conferences in 2025 for professionals in the event management industry—perfect for agencies, independent planners, and production teams focused on growth, creativity, and client impact:

IMEX America – October 2025 | Global client leads
As one of the largest trade shows for the meetings and events industry, IMEX America is a goldmine for event managers looking to build relationships with global brands, destinations, and service providers. With a strong emphasis on B2B networking, hosted-buyer appointments, and international exposure, it’s the place to connect with potential clients, source new vendors, and stay on top of global industry trends.

Event Leadership Summit – November 2025 | Agency profitability

This summit is tailored for agency owners, team leads, and senior planners ready to scale their business and boost the bottom line. Sessions dive deep into pricing strategies, team management, sales pipelines, and operational efficiency. If you’re ready to move beyond the hustle and start running a smarter, more profitable event management business, this summit delivers real-world tactics from leaders who’ve done it.

BizBash Live – Fall 2025 | Design innovation

Known for spotlighting the most creative minds in the industry, BizBash Live is a must for event managers who want to bring bold ideas to life. From cutting-edge décor and brand activations to immersive experiences and logistical workflows, this conference blends inspiration with practical takeaways. Expect trend-forward exhibitors, hands-on demos, and sessions that challenge how you think about space, flow, and audience engagement.

Attend to build ROI-driven partnerships and data-backed campaign strategies.

Whether you're focused on booking new business, refining your agency model, or delivering standout experiences, these conferences offer the tools, insight, and connections to keep your event management business thriving.

Conventions, town halls, and official gatherings

Here’s a focused roundup of the top event planning conferences in 2025 for professionals in the government and public service sectors—ideal for those managing compliance-heavy meetings, civic events, and large-scale public gatherings:

FICP Annual Conference – November 2025 | Compliance training

Hosted by the Financial & Insurance Conference Professionals, this event is a strong fit for planners navigating complex regulatory environments. With sessions dedicated to risk management, ethics, and financial compliance, it’s especially relevant for government and public sector professionals who must balance impactful programming with strict accountability. Expect expert panels, peer discussions, and up-to-date guidance on compliance in events.

Connect Marketplace – August 2025 | Diversity supplier sourcing

For government and civic planners focused on meeting DEI goals and supporting small or minority-owned businesses, Connect Marketplace offers direct access to a wide network of diverse vendors and suppliers. Through its hosted-buyer format, you’ll engage in strategic one-on-one appointments that can help fulfill public sector procurement requirements while building more inclusive and community-driven events.

IAEE Expo! Expo! – December 2025 | Large-scale logistics

When it comes to managing complex logistics, security planning, and infrastructure for major public events, IAEE Expo! Expo! is the place to be. Known as “the show for shows,” this expo brings together top minds in exhibition management, technology, and operations. It's ideal for planners overseeing city-wide festivals, government expos, or trade-focused public events that require meticulous coordination and scalable solutions.

Attend to amplify civic engagement and collaborative problem-solving frameworks.

Whether you're organizing policy forums, civic celebrations, training sessions, or public exhibitions, these conferences will equip you with the knowledge, compliance strategies, and vendor connections needed to plan effective, impactful events in the public sphere.

Medical conferences, hospital events, and seminars

Here’s a curated list of top event planning conferences in 2025 for professionals in the healthcare and medical event industry—perfect for planners managing compliance, continuing education, and incentive experiences in a highly regulated environment:

PCMA Convening Leaders – September 2025 | HIPAA-compliant event

This premier conference offers valuable insights for healthcare meeting planners who need to navigate strict privacy regulations while delivering engaging, educational events. With sessions focused on compliance, secure data handling, and attendee engagement in sensitive environments, PCMA Convening Leaders is ideal for those organizing CME conferences, hospital leadership summits, and patient-focused programs.

IMEX America – October 2025 | Global medical congress planning

As one of the largest global trade shows for meetings and events, IMEX America is a must-attend for planners working on international medical congresses, pharmaceutical launches, or global healthcare forums. Meet with destination reps, DMCs, and service providers familiar with the unique challenges of medical events—from international compliance to multilingual program delivery.

FICP Annual Conference – November 2025 | Pharma incentive travel

The Financial & Insurance Conference Professionals (FICP) Annual Conference also serves healthcare planners organizing pharmaceutical incentive programs and executive retreats. Learn how to craft high-touch, compliant experiences that motivate without crossing regulatory lines. With sessions on risk management, data protection, and curated travel programs, it’s a key learning hub for planners balancing luxury and legislation.

Attend to integrate AI diagnostics, patient-centric workflows, and ethical innovation.

Whether you're planning medical education events, global healthcare summits, or pharma travel incentives, these conferences provide the insight, strategies, and vendor connections to ensure your healthcare events are impactful, compliant, and expertly executed.

Conferences, hotel events, and travel expos

Here’s a top-tier lineup of event planning conferences in 2025 for professionals in the hospitality industry—ideal for those focused on food & beverage, venue operations, and destination-driven events:

MPI WEC (World Education Congress) – June 2025 | Destination partnerships

Perfect for hospitality professionals looking to build strong relationships with event planners and DMCs, MPI WEC offers the opportunity to explore how destinations and venues can better support event success. Dive into collaborative programming on tourism-driven event planning, hotel group sales, and integrated guest experiences. It's a powerful space to grow your role as a partner in destination events.

NACE Experience – July 2025 | Culinary operations

Hosted by the National Association for Catering & Events, NACE Experience is tailored for culinary and catering professionals who support or manage event services. From back-of-house operations to front-of-house service excellence, this conference blends creative menu design with practical kitchen logistics, sustainability strategies, and hospitality trends that impact the guest experience.

Catersource Conference & Trade show – August 2025 | Large-scale F&B

This is the ultimate gathering for large-scale food and beverage professionals. Whether you manage hotel banquets, event catering companies, or stadium concessions, Catersource offers deep insights into production planning, staffing, food safety, and high-volume execution. Plus, you'll discover new equipment, menu innovations, and techniques to elevate your culinary programs.

Attend to master personalized service, sustainability practices, and luxury redesign.

Whether you're managing a resort events team, running an independent catering company, or leading F&B for a large venue, these conferences offer the education, connections, and inspiration to elevate your hospitality-driven events to the next level.

Industry expos, safety training, and employee identification

Here’s a tailored roundup of the top event planning conferences in 2025 for professionals in the manufacturing industry—perfect for those managing trade shows, product demos, and global B2B events that drive growth across the supply chain:

IMEX America – October 2025 | Global supply chain events

IMEX America is a must-attend for planners organizing international meetings, distributor summits, and supplier-facing events. With thousands of global exhibitors and destinations on-site, it's a strategic hub for sourcing venues and partners experienced in hosting manufacturing and logistics-heavy events. Learn how to streamline global operations, manage complex vendor relationships, and drive business across markets.

Event Tech Live – November 2025 | Interactive booth tech

For manufacturing brands showcasing products at expos or trade shows, Event Tech Live offers the latest in booth innovation and interactive tech. Explore tools like RFID engagement, AR product demos, and lead-capture software that can transform static displays into immersive, results-driven experiences. Ideal for planners and marketing teams looking to modernize their presence on the show floor.

IAEE Expo! Expo! – December 2025 | Industrial exhibitor training

Known as “the show for shows,” IAEE Expo! Expo! is perfect for manufacturing companies that exhibit at large-scale industry events. Learn best practices for trade show ROI, team training, logistics coordination, and post-show follow-up. It’s especially valuable for planners managing multi-booth strategies, equipment showcases, or safety-focused demonstrations in regulated environments.

Attend to leverage automation, circular supply chains, and smart factory solutions.

Whether you're planning a global supplier forum, coordinating booths for major expos, or creating hands-on demo experiences, these conferences give manufacturing event professionals the tools, trends, and training to maximize impact and efficiency in 2025.

Fundraisers, volunteer events, and awareness campaigns

Here’s a curated list of the top event planning conferences in 2025 for professionals in the nonprofit and association industry—ideal for planners focused on mission-driven events, member engagement, and resource-conscious strategies:

Connect Marketplace – August 2025 | Budget-friendly sourcing

Designed to streamline connections between planners and suppliers, Connect Marketplace is a great fit for nonprofit and association professionals working within tight budgets. The hosted-buyer format allows you to meet directly with venues and vendors that align with your financial and mission-driven needs. Whether you're planning annual meetings, chapter events, or fundraising galas, you'll leave with practical solutions and cost-saving strategies.

PCMA Convening Leaders – September 2025 | Membership engagement

PCMA Convening Leaders delivers high-level insights into how associations can better serve and grow their member base through events. Sessions explore community-building, hybrid engagement, DEI programming, and volunteer-driven experiences. If you're organizing conferences, education sessions, or networking events for members, this conference offers proven tactics to boost retention and deepen impact.

IMEX America – October 2025 | Hosted buyer program

IMEX America provides nonprofit and association planners with a global stage to explore new destinations, meeting formats, and partnership opportunities. Their hosted-buyer program is especially beneficial for organizations seeking support with logistics, venue negotiations, and international programming. It’s a chance to broaden your event horizons while staying aligned with your mission and stakeholder goals.

Attend to mobilize donors, amplify advocacy, and measure mission-driven outcomes.

Whether you’re planning leadership retreats, advocacy days, donor events, or annual member conferences, these 2025 events will equip you with the tools, relationships, and ideas needed to make your nonprofit or association events more impactful, efficient, and inspiring.

Trade shows, product launches, and staff identification

Here’s a curated look at the top event planning conferences in 2025 for professionals in the retail and wholesale industry—perfect for those producing brand activations, product launches, and customer-facing experiences that blend commerce with creativity:

ILEA Live – August 2025 | Experiential retail design

Hosted by the International Live Events Association, ILEA Live is a creative playground for event pros looking to transform retail spaces into immersive brand experiences. Dive into sessions on pop-up activations, multi-sensory design, and interactive merchandising. If your role involves in-store events, influencer experiences, or concept-driven showcases, this conference offers inspiration and tactical design insights.

The Event Planner Expo – October 2025 | NYC retail trends

Taking place in the heart of New York City—where fashion, retail, and marketing intersect—The Event Planner Expo is ideal for retail and wholesale planners who want to stay ahead of market trends. Learn how to create buzzworthy experiences, connect with top vendors, and navigate the fast-paced demands of urban retail events. Think high-impact visuals, celebrity collaborations, and trendspotting at scale.

BizBash Live – Fall 2025 | Social media integrations

Perfect for planners working at the intersection of retail, tech, and content, BizBash Live focuses on event innovation that drives engagement online and in real life. Explore strategies for integrating live events with TikTok, Instagram, and influencer campaigns to extend your reach and boost conversions. Whether you're launching a new product or building brand momentum, this event helps you connect physical space with digital storytelling.

Attend to fuse omnichannel strategies, AR shopping, and hyper-personalization.

Whether you're creating large-scale retail conferences, intimate product previews, or multi-city roadshows, these conferences offer the creativity, tools, and connections to turn your events into memorable brand moments that move the needle in 2025.

Corporate sports conferences, eSports tournaments, and VIP fan experiences

Here’s your 2025 guide to the top event planning conferences tailored for professionals in the sports industry—ideal for those managing fan events, tournaments, sponsor activations, and high-impact game-day experiences:

TEAMS ‘25 Conference & Expo – October 2025 | Sports tourism & rights holder networking

As the premier conference for sports-event organizers, rights holders, and destination marketing professionals, TEAMS is all about building partnerships that bring major athletic events to cities. With a focus on sports tourism, RFPs, and youth/amateur sporting events, this is the go-to for planners working on everything from marathons and esports to championship games.

MPI WEC (World Education Congress) – June 2025 | Stadium operations
This conference offers deep insight into venue logistics, crowd flow, and large-scale production—perfect for those working behind the scenes at sports arenas and stadiums. Whether you're handling hospitality suites, halftime shows, or team banquets, MPI WEC brings venue professionals and event planners together to optimize every touchpoint of the fan experience.

Connect Marketplace – August 2025 | NCAA/NFL planner track
Connect Marketplace features a dedicated track for sports planners in collegiate and professional leagues. You’ll meet directly with vendors and CVBs who understand the demands of athletic travel, tournaments, fan fests, and athlete-focused programming. It's a high-value networking event for those sourcing venues and services that cater specifically to sports-related events.

Attend to optimize athlete analytics, fan engagement tech, and venue monetization.

Whether you're organizing team logistics, large-scale tournaments, or community fan experiences, these conferences will sharpen your strategy, expand your network, and help you deliver unforgettable events in the ever-evolving world of sports.

Trade shows, product launches, and hackathons.

Here’s your 2025 roundup of the top event planning conferences for professionals in the technology industry—perfect for those producing conferences, user summits, or launch events where innovation and experience collide:

Cvent CONNECT – June 2025 | SaaS event tools

This flagship event is a must for tech-savvy planners looking to streamline operations with best-in-class event management software. From registration automation to data-rich engagement tools, Cvent CONNECT is all about enhancing event performance through smart platforms. Perfect for planners of tech summits, developer conferences, and hybrid product showcases.

AfroTech Conference – October 2025 | Startup ecosystem

AfroTech brings together innovators, founders, and tech talent from across the country, making it a top destination for those planning events in the startup and venture-backed space. With a strong emphasis on culture, community, and cutting-edge conversations, it’s ideal for planners producing fast-moving, future-focused experiences for tech accelerators, incubators, and VCs.

Event Tech Live – November 2025 | AI/VR integration

This global conference is entirely dedicated to the future of event technology. Whether you're exploring immersive brand activations, AI-powered personalization, or virtual platforms, Event Tech Live is where innovation is front and center. It's perfect for technology companies looking to stay ahead of digital engagement trends and reimagine what’s possible at live and hybrid events.

Attend to scale AI integration, ethical cybersecurity, and disruptive SaaS models.

Whether you're launching the next big platform, running immersive demos, or designing experiences for developers and executives, these conferences will keep your tech events aligned with innovation, performance, and growth.