Looking for ways to learn new skills, gain more industry knowledge and make new connections? Attending conferences is one great way to grow your career as an event professional. With so many different events, meetings, tradeshows, conventions, demo days, and conferences available there’s no way to be able to attend them all. Fortunately, we’re here to cut down on the confusion and provide our list of top industry events for meeting planners and the information needed to make an informed choice about attending these exciting events.
#1: IMEX America
When: October 11-13, 2022
Where: Las Vegas, NV
In-Person/Virtual/Hybrid: In-Person
Continuing Education Credits: Yes
Price: Free
Details: The IMEX America show in 2021 boasted 50k+ appointments made, and their upcoming show in 2022 is sure to have something for everyone; especially since it’s free for attendees to register and attend. Along with pre-booked business appointments and networking opportunities, attendees have the opportunity to join education sessions that qualify for continuing education clock hours.
#2: IAEE Expo! Expo!
When: December 13-15, 2022
Where: Louisville, KY
In-Person/Virtual/Hybrid: In-Person
Continuing Education Credits: Yes
Price: $0-$3000 depending on membership status & registration type
Details: The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) is hosting Expo! Expo!, its annual meeting & exhibition in Louisville, Kentucky this year for a two-day in-person event. Called “The Show for Shows”, attendees can learn about the latest industry trends, and technology, and earn credit hours towards their Certification in Exhibition Management (CEM).
#3: PCMA Convening Leaders
When: January 8-11, 2023
Where: Columbus, OH
In-Person/Virtual/Hybrid: TBD; the 2022 PCMA Convening Leaders event was hybrid
Continuing Education Credits: TBD
Price: The registration rates for 2023 have not been released. The 2022 registration rates ranged from $275-$2080 depending on membership status & registration type
Details: The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) holds the Convening Leaders meeting annually in January with the intention of connecting the best and brightest in the business events industry. In 2023 PCMA will bring this event to the Greater Columbus Convention Center for three days of cutting-edge education, research, and networking.
#4: ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition
When: August 5-8, 2023
Where: Atlanta, GA
In-Person/Virtual/Hybrid: In-Person; sessions will be available digitally post-event
Continuing Education Credits: Yes
Price: $150-$1200 depending on membership status & registration type
Details: Hosted by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), this annual expo enables thousands of professionals, planners, leaders, and industry partners to come together to discuss and exchange ideas, strategies, and resources. Offering Certified Association Executive (CAE) and Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) credits, this three-day expo equips attendees with a year’s worth of information, resources, and support.
#5: MPI World Education Congress (WEC)
When: June 12-15, 2023
Where: Riviera Maya, Mexico
In-Person/Virtual/Hybrid: TBD, the 2022 event was hybrid
Continuing Education Credits: Yes
Price: $325-$925 depending on membership status & registration type
Details: Hosted by Meeting Professionals International (MPI) this year’s World Education Congress is focused on engagement, connection, and collaboration in a post-pandemic world. All sessions are approved for continuing education clock hours
Other Notable Events: Along with our top five list, there are a wide variety of calendar-worthy national and regional events available for the meeting planner looking for more networking and educational opportunities. Here’s a quick list of our favorites:
MPI Thought Leaders Summit
- September 11-14, 2022: Mobile, AL
- Through a series of micro-keynotes, the 2022 MPI Thought Leaders Summit will curate a series of actionable takeaways that individuals, organizations, and associations can use to create future-ready environments and workplaces that help our industry thrive!
ASAE Innovation LaunchPad
- September 28-30, 2022: Salt Lake City, UT
- In this unique, hands-on workshop, you will learn how to create new programs that improve member retention, imagine and implement ROI-focused ideas for revenue generation and effectively broaden the appeal of your association to attract new members.
ASAE CEO Symposium
- November 3-4, 2022: Baltimore, MD
- January 9-10, & January 12-13, 2023: Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
- February 6-7, & February 9-10, 2023: Tucson, AZ
- April 3-4, 2023: Milwaukee, WI
- The CEO Symposium provides a unique opportunity for you and your volunteer leader to maximize the leadership partnership. Explore how you can best work together to effectively carry out your association’s mission and enhance future success. Facilitated conversations and interactive exercises will help you confidently and enjoyably lead your organization.
Smart Meetings National 3-Day Experience
- August 28-30, 2022: Nashville, TN
- November 6-8, 2022: Mandalay Beach, CA
- Free to attend for qualified meeting planners, Smart Meetings National 3-Day Experiences use sophisticated software to custom match our planners with premier properties that fit your region, budget, and venue preferences.
Women in Tourism & Hospitality National Conference
- September 8-9, 2022: San Diego, CA
- The WITH National Conference, held in San Diego California, is the premier women’s conference of its kind in the Western US. Bringing together more than 300 industry professionals, corporate partners, students, and entrepreneurs for learning, and networking with executives and peers while building long-lasting relationships.
Connect Marketplace Regional Meetings
Florida Marketplace
- September 13-15, 2022: Orlando, FL
- Connect Florida is a premier B2B conference in which meeting primarily for corporate and association event planners based in the Mid-Atlantic and the Northeastern United States meet with representatives from CVBs, hotels, convention centers and other venues eager to host their next event.
Pacific Northwest Marketplace
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- September 19-20, 2022: Boise, ID
- Connect Pacific Northwest is a premier B2B conference in which meeting planners based in the Pacific Northwest meet with representatives from CVBs, hotels, convention centers, and other venues eager to host their next event. This conference’s Keynote speaker is three-time Olympic Gold Medalist, Kristin Armstrong
West Marketplace
- November 9-10, 2022: San Francisco, CA
- The best event planners based in Nevada and Arizona through to California meet with suppliers to plan future national association, corporate and international meetings in the Western U.S.
Texas Marketplace
- November 14-16, 2022: El Paso, TX
- This annual event, Nov. 14-16, 2022, in El Paso, brings together the most active planners, suppliers, and experts in Texas meetings and events for general sessions, round tables, preset appointments, and quality networking. Just as everything is always bigger in Texas, so is the ROI of this outstanding event.
DC Marketplace
- November 28-29, 2022: Washington DC
- Enhance your skills, network with industry leaders, and drive more business at Connect DC—the leading event for planners and suppliers focused on national association and corporate events. Experience a quality packed day of general sessions, roundtables, preset appointments, and networking.
Midwest Marketplace
- January 30-February 1, 2023: Peoria, IL
- Events planners sourcing events in the Midwest and nationally will meet with suppliers to plan future national association, corporate, specialty, and sports meetings and events. This event in Peoria, Illinois, is the one to kick off your 2023 on the right foot.
