Every year your inbox is filled with conferences, events and networking opportunities to attend. So how can you tell what’s actually worth your time? I’ve compiled my favorites based on fascinating speakers, unique platforms, fun and interesting locations, and content worth listening to.
These are the conferences that will rejuvenate, inspire and create a call to action that will invigorate your work in 2018.
1.) Summit 2018 takes place on November 2nd-5th right in the heart of Los Angeles. This three-day thought leadership event showcases eye-opening art, culinary journeys, and inspirational programming. A pop-up campus will be your home as your eyes are opened to the city’s greatest historical treasures and its architecturally astounding buildings and spaces. The Summit Series is notorious for the secrecy of its grand events and speakers, but that shouldn’t stop you from reserving your spot now!
2.) The Global Leadership Summit is a two-day event on August 9th-10th, uniquely telecasted live each year from Chicago to over 600 locations in the United States. This year it will be even bigger,expanding to over 700 sites in 130 countries and 60 languages. Last year’s speakers included Melinda Gates, President and CEO of Ford Alan Mulally, Founder of the Ritz-Carlton Group Horst Schulze, and many more influential leaders diving into topics ranging from employing emotional intelligence to understanding cultural differences.
3.) TED 2018: The Age of Amazement is coming to Vancouver this year from April 10-14th, and this is not one you’ll want to skip out on. We’ve all seen the growth of tech power in recent years, and it’s only getting bigger. Focusing on eliminating ‘fake news’ and bringing you inspiring humans to speak reality, TED 2018 will draw you into figuring out what’s driving our future with critics, skeptics, and advocates to keep our minds open. You’ll find an abundance of TED Talks, an opening gala, exhibits, an ‘open night’ to plan your own dinner parties, a Grand Party to ‘kick up your heels’ and even a picnic to close out the week with your favorite TEDsters.
4.) SXSW lights up Austin, Texas once again on March 9th- 18th. This ten-day experience is the longest of them all, but well worth the visit. Yet another great mix of conferences, entertainment, exhibitions and endless opportunities to network, this conference is attended by the who’s who in interactive, film, tech, and music industries. With a focus on discovery, open your mind and take your work to another level by learning from industry giants including Lyor Cohen, Global Head of Music at YouTube and Google, actor and musician Common, journalist Katie Couric, and the cast of This is Us, just in case you need another good cry (just kidding, but really).
5.) Inc. 5000 is perfect for eager entrepreneurs and leaders looking to grow their business. Network in San Antonio, Texas on October 17th-19th with today’s top business influencers. Inc. doesn’t follow the conventional conference track, you can ; enjoy the perfect balance of work and play and meet like-minded individuals at the Inc. 5000’s Golf Tournament and the ever famous Black-Tie Gala. Speakers from 2017 included Daymond John of Shark Tank, Michael Dubin of Dollar Shave Club, Sarah Kauss from S’well, and many more notable names in business.
6.) C2 Montreal is a three-day immersive event that explores the evolution of the business world’s ecosystem from May 23-25. Learn how to search for the best talent in your industry, explore new marketing techniques guaranteed to capture the interest of all publics, contemplate how our cities should be revolutionized, and discuss the world’s next big innovation or technological miracle. Interact with over 5,000 local and international leaders in all fields, and take the dialogue further. The conference coordinates a meeting of minds with a business matchmaking program that schedules one-on-one conversations before, during, and after the conference.
7) WORLDZ brings together the most exciting experts from diverse backgrounds to Los Angeles in early fall. Last year’s summit featured Olympic Gold Medalist Shaun White, Sophia Amoruso of girlboss, Gary Vaynerchuk of Vaynermedia, Raja Rajamannar of Mastercard and many more world masters. WORLDZ individualizes your experience by helping you create an action plan to take back to your business, providing a chance to meet the experts, and tailors your experience to your needs. This well-rounded summit includes storytelling through all types of mediums including musical performances from Will.i.am to photography via Instagram and YouTube from Kandee Johnson. To create a lasting impact for participants, it focuses on how to be a successful leader while simultaneously making a positive impact on the world. Secure your spot now for 2018!
8) Inbound is the perfect storm of business insight and entertainment. Experience educational and inspiring keynotes throughout the day, and cap off the event with a daily happy hour.. Get to know other attendees at Club Inbound, and attend curated events that have featured comedians and billboard music artists like Andy Cohen, Tiffany Haddish, Judd Apatow and OneRepublic in past years. Don’t miss it on September 4th-7th!
9) Fast Company Innovation Festival is coming back to NYC for the Fall of 2018. Centers and talks will be hosted throughout the city, creating an exciting mobile experience. Familiarize yourself with some of New York’s finest organizations along the way, or stick to your New Year’s’ resolutions and attend a SoulCycle session. Fast Company brings in the heavy-hitters, and compiles speakers from a variety of industries including Jessica Alba, Andy Cohen, Mario Batali, Derek Jeter, Kate Hudson and many more noteworthy names you won’t forget.
10) The Montgomery Summit in Santa Monica acts as the perfect hub for investors and entrepreneurs involved in business and technology on March 7th and 8th. With over 1,000 industry leaders, this event is a great place to network, be inspired, and debate the latest topics and issues in technology. 2017 speakers included Cindy Crawford, Dr. Robert D. Ballard, Lynda Weinman, and more.