As an event planner, staying ahead of industry trends and networking with peers is crucial. The year 2024 is packed with over 60 must-attend events worldwide. Here’s a month-by-month guide to help you plan your year.
January 2024
PCMA Convening Leaders 2024
Date: Jan. 7-10
Location: San Diego, CA
Info: Convening Leaders is a must-attend event for business events professionals and community leaders globally. It is renowned for attracting thousands of attendees from across the globe each year. They come seeking insights and knowledge on how business events can create lasting economic and social legacies for both businesses and communities. The event is a treasure trove of leading-edge education, groundbreaking research, and unparalleled networking opportunities.
31st Convergence India 2024
Date: Jan. 17-19
Location: Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India
Info: The 31st Convergence India Expo is the largest Tech event in India that brings together various sectors through the convergence of technologies.
Event Service Professionals Association (ESPA) Annual Conference
Date: Jan. 19-21
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Info: The Event Service Professionals Association (ESPA) Annual Conference is dedicated to event service managers, with a focus on professional development and career growth.
Independent Planner Education Conference (IPEC)
Date: Jan. 21-23
Location: Greenville, SC
Info:The IPEC program is a bespoke experience designed for independent planners, offering an ideal blend of educational sessions, networking opportunities, and meetings with a diverse range of suppliers. Catering to both hosted and non-hosted buyers, this program is a must-attend for those looking to forge new business relationships. Participants will have the chance to engage with numerous suppliers, all keen to facilitate and host future events.
Connect Midwest 2024
Date: Jan. 22-24
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Info: Start 2024 on a high note at Connect Midwest, the leading B2B conference specifically designed for Midwest meeting planners who are actively sourcing events in the Association, Corporate, and Specialty markets. This unique reverse-style trade show sets the stage for a dynamic exchange, where suppliers are strategically paired with highly qualified, elite planners through one-on-one business appointments. These tailored interactions provide attendees with exclusive business leads and valuable networking opportunities.
February 2024
Catersource + The Special Event 2024
Date: Feb. 12-15
Location: Austin, TX
Info: Experience the perfect blend of gastronomy and event planning at Catersource + The Special Event, where the entire event industry converges for an extraordinary, immersive experience. This event is set to showcase the most avant-garde suppliers alongside top-tier industry professionals, offering an unparalleled opportunity to source new products, expand networks, and absorb a wealth of knowledge in a single, sensory-rich setting.
Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) 2024
Date: Feb. 19-21
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Info: Experience the pinnacle of the meetings and event industry at the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME), the foremost trade event in the Asia Pacific region. AIME stands as a beacon for industry professionals, offering a unique platform where decision-makers from across the globe converge, forge connections, and drive business forward.
At AIME, the focus is on creating an environment conducive to networking and collaboration. This event is the perfect stage for international and local event planners to meet and engage with top-tier destinations, venues, and event suppliers from around the world.
Connect NYC 2024
Date: Feb. 22-24
Location: New York, NY
Info: Connect NYC is a hub for meetings and events professionals, offering a blend of inspiring keynotes, engaging roundtable discussions, tailored one-on-one meetings, and valuable networking opportunities. Connect with leading planners and suppliers, and gain insights from industry experts on the future of meetings and events. Don’t miss this chance to expand your professional network and knowledge in the city that never sleeps!
Event Production Show (EPS)
Date: Feb. 28-29
Location: London, UK
Info: The Event Production Show (EPS), a cornerstone for the live event industry, is back! As the longest-running event of its kind, EPS caters to professionals involved in various live events, including festivals, sports, corporate events, local authority functions, and stadium/arena tours. At EPS, tackle the pressing challenges faced by event organizers globally. From sustainability and crowd safety to creativity, attendee experience, supply chain issues, diversity, and technology, this show covers it all. In just two days, EPS offers more networking, learning, and discovery opportunities than months of research and calls. It’s the ultimate hub for event professionals to connect, solve problems, and stay ahead in the industry.
International Confex
Date: Feb. 28-29
Location: London, UK
Info: International Confex, an annual two-day extravaganza, is the go-to event for event professionals. This year, it’s packed with over 200 suppliers, venues, and cutting-edge tech platforms, plus seven dynamic content theatres. It’s the perfect place to discover industry trends and groundbreaking software before anyone else.
March 2024
MPI European Meetings and Events Conference (MPI EMEC)
Date: March 3-5
Location: Luxembourg
Info: MPI European Meetings and Events Conference ( brings the global meeting and event community together to focus on topics that matter most to European professionals, all while advancing new ideas and building lasting partnerships.
Northstar Meetings Group’s SMU International
Date: March 11-13
Location: New York, NY
Info: The elite event for North American meeting and incentive travel buyers who are focused on placing programs around the world. Attendees will learn from industry experts, make invaluable business connections, and experience unforgettable activities at New York City’s iconic landmarks. This unique event is hosted by Northstar Meetings Group’s leading brands – Successful Meetings, Meetings & Conventions, and Incentive Magazine.
European Meetings & Events Conference (EMEC)
Date: March 26-28
Location: Brighton, UK
Info: EMEC Brighton offers fresh ideas and insights on event production and resources. It will bring you face-to-face with the brightest event experts from all over Europe.
April 2024
Connect Spring Marketplace 2024
Date: April 2-4
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Info: Connect Spring Marketplace is an extraordinary 2.5-day event crafted for event professionals. This premier gathering, known for sparking transformative connections, offers a unique opportunity to network with over 2,000 global event experts. Dive into one-on-one business meetings, engage in innovative educational sessions, and explore a dynamic tradeshow brimming with the latest event solutions.
Northwest Event Show 2024
Date: April 3-4
Location: Seattle, WA + Virtual
Info: The Northwest Event Show is a premier conference for event professionals. Spanning from Seattle to San Francisco, and Vancouver to Boise, this event showcases the region’s top destinations, venues, and suppliers. Engage with industry leaders, gain insights from expert speakers, and enjoy unique experiences designed to inspire your next event.
SISO CEO Summit
Date: April 8-11
Location: Amelia Island, FL
Info: The SISO CEO Summit stands out as the essential networking and knowledge exchange event for global show organizers. Renowned for its unparalleled gathering of C-Level executives from the industry, it’s an event like no other. Whether you’re a returning attendee familiar with its unique value, or considering your first visit, the Summit is an unmissable opportunity for leaders in the field.
NPC24 National Planning Conference
Date: April 13-16
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Info: Attend NPC24 for an unparalleled opportunity to connect with your professional peers in the planning industry. This event is a hub for inspiration and empowerment, offering a chance to engage with thought leaders and fellow practitioners. It’s an ideal setting for sharing ideas, exchanging experiences, and building valuable relationships that pave the way for future success.
PCMA: “The Business of Events”
Date: April 15-16
Location: Singapore
Info: Discover the transformative power of event planning at PCMA APAC’s flagship conference, ‘The Business of Events’. This event is a culmination of 18 months of exploration across the Asia Pacific, gathering insights from event strategists who’ve navigated the rapidly evolving business landscape. It is a unique opportunity for community engagement and co-learning for event professionals.
The Meetings Show APAC
Date: April 17-18
Location: Singapore
Info: Discover the latest in corporate hospitality at The Meetings Show, a new, dynamic event in Singapore, the heart of Asia Pacific. This event showcases top global destinations, venues, hotels, and key suppliers. It features an exclusive hosted buyer program, attracting senior professionals from meetings, conventions, events, and incentives industries to an energetic tradeshow floor. With a unique prescheduled meetings platform, it offers an ideal setting for business networking. Additionally, the event includes a thought-provoking conference and a series of high-quality networking events, making it a must-attend for industry professionals.
Small and Boutique Meetings | Spring
Date: April 21-23
Location: Montgomery, Texas
Info: Northstar’s premier hosted-buyer event, Small & Boutique Meetings, is the go-to gathering for small and boutique-sized meeting planning. This exclusive event connects highly-qualified meeting buyers with top destinations, hotels, DMCs, and suppliers specializing in smaller events. Attendees engage in tailored one-on-one pre-scheduled appointments, gain valuable industry insights from expert guest speakers, and enjoy networking opportunities with an elite group of professionals. This event is a must-attend for those looking to elevate their small-scale meeting experiences.
Experientials Marketing Summit (EMS)
Date: April 24-26
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Info: Experiential Marketing Summit (EMS) is the ultimate three-day event for forward-thinking event marketers. Dive into insightful conversations led by top brand-side marketers, network with peers, and explore innovative solutions.
Incentive Live
Date: April 28-30
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Info: Incentive Live is an essential event for industry professionals, offering a dynamic agenda that includes one-on-one meetings with leading incentive destinations, hotels/resorts, cruise lines, DMCs, DMOs, and providers of brand name merchandise, gift cards, and tourism services. This event stands out for its access to top industry experts who share the latest trends and best practices, giving you the insights needed to elevate your incentive programs. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow in the incentive industry.
May 2024
Event Tech Live Las Vegas
Date: May 1-2
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Info: Event Tech Live Las Vegas (ETL) is an exclusive U.S. event dedicated to event technology and connecting global event professionals. ETL is where global event professionals meet to explore the latest advancements in the field, fostering thought leadership and community engagement all year round.
IMEX Frankfurt
Date: May 14-16
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Info: IMEX is where the global business events community comes together for four exhilarating days every year. Where more than 3,800 meeting planners meet with 2,900 suppliers from every corner of the globe. This is where powerful business connections that offer real ROI are made.
MPI World Education Congress (MPI WEC24)
Date: May 20-22
Location: Louisville, KY
Info: Get ready for MPI’s WEC Louisville in 2024, the ultimate event for professionals in the industry. It’s a gathering that speaks directly to the heart of event planning, offering a perfect blend of education and networking. A future-focused event for strategic event mindset development.
Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum (ECEF)
Date: May 29
Location: Washington, DC
Info: ECEFis an elite gathering for executives in independent and association organizing. This exclusive event is a hub for forging high-level connections and offers continuous networking opportunities. Attendees will gain insights from C-level presentations and leave with actionable ideas.
Destination West
Date: May 2024
Location: TBA
Info: Destination West stands out as the leading hosted-buyer event for elite meetings and incentive professionals looking to plan programs in the Western region. This exclusive event offers a unique opportunity to personally explore top destinations, hotels, and activities ideal for successful meetings. Attendees also benefit from invaluable networking, forging essential business connections in the industry.
June 2024
Emerging Leaders
Date: June 2024
Location: TBA
Info: Emerging Leaders is a dynamic event designed to connect and empower the next wave of meeting and incentive planners and sellers. This exclusive gathering selects buyers who are actively involved in their organizations’ current meeting/incentive programs and have been recognized by their senior management. The event fosters genuine connections between buyers and suppliers through engaging content sessions, interactive marketplace activities, and unique social events infused with local culture.
Under One Roof
Date: June 2024
Location: TBA
Info: Under One Roof” stands out as the premier event exclusively tailored for planners seeking venues capable of fulfilling all their needs in one location. This unique gathering addresses the growing demand for accessible, affordable, and simple meeting solutions that deliver a high-return experience. As the only event of its kind, “Under One Roof” connects planners with top venues, hotels, and resorts offering integrated, comprehensive meeting packages. It’s the essential meeting point for those looking to streamline their events in an increasingly busy and budget-conscious world.
Middle East Event Show
Date: June 12-13
Location: Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai
Info: Mark your calendars for the Middle East Event Show, the year’s most anticipated event for the regional events community. Happening on June 12th and 13th, 2024, at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, this event is set to redefine the future of the events industry.
Expect an even grander show this year, brimming with innovative ideas and industry-shaping trends. It’s the ideal place for over 4,500 professionals to network, gain insights from free expert-led seminars, and collaborate with top event and entertainment suppliers. Discover growth opportunities, celebrate the past year’s achievements, and connect with leading event suppliers from the Middle East and beyond.
July 2024
IAVM VenueConnect 2024
Date: July 28-31
Location: Portland, OR
Info: Mark your calendars for the 99th VenueConnect Annual Conference and Trade Show, happening July 28-31, 2024, in Portland, OR. This premier event by IAVM brings together professionals from various public assembly venues, including arenas, convention centers, amphitheaters, and more. VenueConnect stands out as the only industry conference that not only inspires leaders but also offers targeted education and networking opportunities that forge lasting relationships. Expect sessions on revenue enhancement, cost reduction, safety, marketing trends, ticketing, and diversity, all crafted by top industry experts. Don’t miss this unique opportunity for growth and connection in the venue industry!
Small and Boutique Meetings | Summer
Date: July 2024
Location: TBA
Info: The premier hosted-buyer event designed to connect top suppliers and destinations with planners looking for creative solutions to elevate their small and boutique-sized meetings in the U.S. and beyond.
August 2024
CEMA Summit 2024
Date: Aug. 4-6
Location: Seattle, WA
Info: Advances strategic event marketing and communications.
Destination Midwest by Northstar Meetings Group
Date: Aug. 5-7
Location: Wichita, KS
Info: This exclusive gathering connects top-tier meeting and incentive buyers with leading destinations, hotels, resorts, attractions, DMCs, DMOs, and tourism offices from the Midwest U.S. It’s your opportunity to meet and engage with buyers eager to book business across key states including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. A must-attend for those looking to make significant industry connections!
ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition
Date: Aug. 10-13
Location: Cleveland, OH
Info: The ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition is where thousands of association professionals and industry partners gather to exchange knowledge, resources, strategies, solutions, and more. Over three days of learning, growing, and finding inspiration, attendees are equipped with a year’s worth of support in their daily responsibilities as leaders in the association industry
Canadian Meeting + Events Expo (CMEExpo)
Date: Aug. 13-14
Location: Toronto, Canada
Info: The Canadian Meetings + Events Expo is the largest and longest running trade show for meeting and event professionals.It is your gateway to connect with a diverse range of suppliers from Canada, the US, and beyond, encompassing destinations, venues, tech companies, décor, and more.
Destination Southeast
Date: Aug. 18-20
Location: Point Clear, AL
Info: Connects Southeastern states’ suppliers with meeting and incentive buyers.
IBTM AMERICAS
Date: Aug. 21-22
Location: Mexico City
Info:IBTM Americas is the leading trade show uniting a vast community of meeting and event planners, alongside Experience Creators from Mexico, Latin America, and North America. This event is dedicated to fostering connections with a multitude of suppliers, enhancing skills through an educational program, and engaging in networking events.
Connect Marketplace 2024
Date: Aug. 27-29
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Info: Mark your calendars for an exciting gathering of meetings and events professionals in Milwaukee from August 27-29. Connect Marketplace is the event where global industry leaders converge to make meaningful business connections. This is your chance to engage in one-on-one meetings with key decision-makers, gain knowledge from industry experts, and network with peers. The innovative trade show floor is a hub for discovering smart event solutions. Attendees will leave with new inspiration, valuable insights, and essential tools to elevate their future events.
September 2024
Destination California
Date: Sep. 5-7
Location: Huntington Beach, CA
Info: For meetings and incentive professionals booking in California.
Destination Caribbean
Date: Sep. 11-14
Location: Bahamas
Info: Connects Caribbean suppliers with meetings and incentive professionals.
The Saudi Event Show
Date: Sep. 11-12
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Info:The Saudi Event Show is not just an event; it’s a comprehensive platform where the elite of the event industry converge. With over 25 free-to-attend seminars, both on the expo floor and accessible online, attendees are in for an informative treat. These sessions cover a wide array of vital topics, from market updates, visa and regulatory insights, to the latest in wedding trends, e-sport events, catering, marketing strategies, and cutting-edge event technology.
2024 Predict Conference
Date: Sep. 11-12
Location: MGM National Harbor, USA
Info:The Predict program is focused on supporting the viability and resiliency of the B2B exhibitions industry through insights on market and economic trends presented by experts outside of the industry as well as industry peers, deep dive discussions and new perspectives to shift the conversation from what worked in the past to what is needed for future success.
Convening EMEA
Date: Sep. 30-Oct. 2
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Info: The Convening EMEA, PCMA EMEA’s premier annual event, is set to unite the global business events community in Europe for a dynamic 3-day program. This key gathering, taking place in Barcelona in September 2024, is expected to draw over 500 leaders from more than 40 countries. It’s an ideal platform for industry professionals to engage, share insights, and collaboratively shape the future of business events. Attendees will have the chance to network, learn, and be inspired, fostering both personal and organizational growth
October 2024
IMEX 2024
Date: Oct. 7-10
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Info: IMEX 2024 is a dynamic four-day global gathering for the business events community, where over 3,800 meeting planners connect with 2,900 suppliers from around the world. It’s an unparalleled opportunity for forging powerful business connections with real returns. Attendees can dive into expert education, discover the latest event trends, and experience their most productive days of the year. Ideal for both newcomers and seasoned event professionals, IMEX 2024 is a must-attend event, offering free attendance to all.
Event Planner Expo 2024
Date: Oct. 15-17
Location: New York, NY
Info: The Event Planner Expo 2024 is the ultimate gathering for Event and Marketing professionals. This highly anticipated event attracts top-tier executives, business owners, marketing experts, and event professionals.Participating in this conference offers a fantastic opportunity to expand your professional network and interact with industry leaders.
Event Organisers Summit
Date: Oct. 16-17
Location: London, UK
Info: The Event Organisers Summit is a concentrated gathering that unites meeting and event professionals with essential industry solution providers. This summit offers a compact yet impactful program, including one-on-one business meetings, engaging seminars, and valuable networking sessions. It’s the go-to event for those looking to connect, learn, and thrive in the event planning world.
November 2024
Connect West 2024
Date: Nov. 6-8
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Info: Connect West 2024 is your opportunity to tap into the power of the West Coast for big business. From November 6th to 8th, 2024, this event will bring together industry leaders, including representatives from CVBs, hotels, and convention centers, with top-tier meeting planners from California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. It’s the ultimate B2B conference for event professionals in the region. Attend and leave with invaluable business leads and connections that only Connect events can deliver.
Connect Faith 2024
Date: Nov. 11-13
Location: Greenville, SC
Info: CONNECT FAITH 2024 is the ultimate gathering for faith-based planners and suppliers. In the picturesque setting of Greenville, South Carolina, industry leaders converge for two days of invaluable one-on-one meetings, enriching education, and unparalleled networking opportunities. Attend and witness the transformational power of personalized networking tailored to facilitate productive business interactions.
Wedding MBA
Date: Nov. 12-14
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Info: Join the Wedding MBA conference, the world’s largest gathering for wedding professionals. With attendees from across the globe, 200 exhibitors, and a lineup of over 150 educational seminars, it’s the ultimate event for those in the wedding industry looking to elevate their businesses. Over three days, you’ll gain insights into the latest developments in business, technology, trends, and more.
Connect DC 2024
Date: Nov. 19-21
Location: Washington, DC
Info: A networking event for association, corporate, faith, and medical event professionals.
IBTM World
Date: Nov. 19-21
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Info: IBTM World stands as the ultimate global gathering for the meetings, incentives, conferences, and events industry, an annual event held in the vibrant city of Barcelona. With a singular mission of inspiring the event world to deliver exceptional customer experiences, IBTM World unites professionals from around the globe with a common goal.
This prestigious event fosters invaluable face-to-face connections, imparts crucial industry insights, and offers unparalleled networking opportunities over three dynamic days. With participation from over 3,000 exciting destinations and top-tier suppliers, you’ll have the chance to connect and collaborate with more than 15,000 industry experts hailing from over 100 countries worldwide.
Connect Texas 2024
Date: Nov. 20-22
Location: Dallas, TX
Info: This comprehensive event gathers the region’s most dynamic meetings and events professionals for engaging general sessions, enlightening round tables, one-on-one business meetings, and top-notch networking opportunities. Connect and collaborate with Texas’ foremost planners and suppliers while gaining invaluable insights from industry experts.
Event Tech Live London
Date: Nov. 20-21
Location: London, UK
Info: Event Tech Live London (ETL) stands as the exclusive European event solely focused on event technology. Their mission is to unite international event experts with the cutting-edge innovations in event tech, promoting thought leadership and fostering year-round community engagement. ETL places a strong emphasis on networking, recognizing its pivotal role in building successful business partnerships.
91st UFI Global Congress
Date: Nov. 20-23
Location: Cologne, Germany
Info: The UFI Global Congress is the “must attend” event for the exhibition industry, as the largest global meeting of the year, which gathers hundreds of industry leaders from around the world to network and to learn.
Small & Boutique Meetings | Fall
Date: November 2024
Location: London, UK
Info: The premier hosted-buyer event designed to connect top suppliers and destinations with planners looking for creative solutions to elevate their small and boutique-sized meetings in the U.S. and beyond.
December 2024
Destination Southwest
Date: Dec. 4-6
Location: Woodlands, Texas
Info: The premier hosted-buyer event for Southwest suppliers to connect with meeting professionals sourcing programs throughout the Southwest. Meet with the top hotels, CVBs, DMCs and venues from across the Southwest in prescheduled one-on-one appointments and network with your industry peers.
IAEE Expo! Expo!
Date: December 2024
Location: Dallas, TX
Info: Exhibitions and events industry professionals attend this premier show to learn about the latest industry trends and technology, as well as network with professional peers. Lessons learned from fellow organizers and content provided from both inside and outside the industry will set you up for success in the coming years.
