19 of the best business conferences in 2024

Conferences can leave us feeling depleted or full to the brim with positive energy and stellar ideas. These are the events in which game-changing conversations are the norm and the program is as diverse as the cohort of guest speakers. In today’s world where various industry experts converge to take business to new heights, it makes sense that world-class conferences should reflect the age old adage that ‘variety is the spice of life’.

Grab your passport and your diary as we take you on a tour around the world in search of the events that are vital to your business. Whether you’re a high-flying CEO or an employee who wants to have a greater impact in 2024, these conferences won’t disappoint – plus the locations aren’t too bad either.

Ecommerce

E-commerce Berlin Expo

When: 22 February

Where: STATION Berlin, an outstanding venue situated at the heart of Germany’s capital city.

Germany’s largest ecommerce conference attracts more than 10,000 attendees who are looking to network, grow their business and share knowledge. This year, 280-plus service providers from Germany will be providing the latest solutions and innovations from the world of ecommerce. The event also provides a conference program where you’ll hear from a range of industry experts and thought leaders.

Register for the conference for free here as a retailer or brand.

Technology and AI

Dublin Tech Summit

When: 29–30 May

Where: The Royal Dublin Society (RDS) in Dublin, Ireland.

As the fastest-growing tech festival in Europe, Dublin Tech Summit attracts more than 8,000 attendees and 200-plus international speakers, including Microsoft’s Kieran McCorry, Oculus Co-Founder Jack McCauley and Ikea Retail Manager Tolga Öncü. For two days, tech innovators, social media stars and entrepreneurs will be brought together at this conference to provide much-needed insights into AI, digital transformation, next-gen computing – plus the latest advancements in quantum computing and deep tech.

Purchase your ticket here.

Digital transformation

Mobile World Congress (MWC)

When: 26–29 February

Where: Barcelona (Fira Gran Via), Spain

MWC is where global mobile operators, device manufacturers and technology providers are brought together to transform ideas into business deals, network with senior executives and be inspired to become a changemaker. This year’s conference speakers are CEOs from Vodafone Group, Telecom and Accenture, to name a few. As well as rubbing shoulders with thousands of industry decision-makers, attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in the conference programs and get a sense of what the future holds via the exhibitors.

Choose what type of conference pass best suits your needs here.

Fintech

FinovateEurope 2024

When: 27–28 February

Where: Intercontinental O2 in London, Britain

As Europe’s premier fintech event, Finovate prides itself on its senior audience of decision-makers from the financial services industry, including banks, investment companies, fintechs and solution providers that hail from different parts of the world. In fact if you’re a director, head or you hold a C-level position, you can register for free here. With live demonstrations, various industry topics as well as the opportunity to ‘sip and socialize’, you’ll have ample time to connect with innovators and like-minded people to exchange ideas with.

Creativity and innovation

TED2024

When: 15–19 April

Where: Vancouver, Canada

Designed for activists, dreamers, leaders and innovators across all disciplines, this five-day conference is packed with 80-plus TED talks and interviews alongside discovery sessions and dance parties. TED’s 40th anniversary focuses on the ‘wayshowers’ who are carving out a path for humanity founded on creativity, courage, wisdom and generosity. Past speakers include Adam Grant, Brene Brown and Sergey Brin, with this year’s guests yet to be announced. With no industry off limits and two-in-five attendees being senior leaders, this is the perfect opportunity for senior staff to arm themselves with ground-breaking ideas to bring back with them to the office – virtual or otherwise.

Register your interest to join the TED2024 conference here.

Experience-led growth

Adobe Summit – Digital Experience Conference

When: 26–28 March

25 March, Preconference
26–28 March, Conference
The online event will take place 26–27 March

Where: Las Vegas, United States (The Venetian Convention and Expo Center) and online

Stay abreast of the latest trends, build your skills and discover how brands are harnessing the customer experience to fuel growth at this in-person and online conference. Glean insights from top digital experience leaders, including Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen, General Motors CEO Mary Barra and the CEO of Delta Air Lines Ed Bastian who are this year’s keynotes. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with peers and experts, attend 200-plus sessions and hands-on labs as well as take your career to the next level via the preconference trainings.

Register to attend this conference for free or in-person here. Discounted tickets are available until 13 February.

Technology and innovation

The Wall Street Journal’s Future of Everything Festival

When: 21–23 May

Where: Spring Studios, New York City, United States

If you’re keen to uncover the ideas, products and projects shaping the future, The Wall Street Journal’s Future of Everything Festival is an opportunity to engage with trends and challenges within various sectors. From live performances and tech exhibitions to community giveback initiatives and chef’s tables, this is a chance to hear from high-profile speakers, which have included Michelle Obama, Jim Farley and Naomi Watts in the past.

With three different tickets to choose from, you can decide which option best suits your needs. Discounted tickets are available until 26 January. Click here to find out more information and to register.

Sustainability and ESG

The World Sustainability and ESG Summit

When: 18–19 June

Where: Amsterdam, Netherlands (hybrid event)

There are countless considerations for governments, businesses and organizations looking to carve out a more ethical and sustainable path that calls for collaboration and in-depth discussions. Have all your burning questions answered and explore the solutions offered by policymakers and industry experts at this premier international event. Participate in interactive workshops, networking sessions, workshops and panel discussions as you navigate the latest challenges such as what the future holds for ESG data and reporting, how AI comes into play and the ESG regulatory landscape.

Check out the various tickets available here.

Business science

9th International Conference on Business, Management and Economics

When: 1–3 March

Where: Vienna, Austria

Aimed for thought leaders, seasoned scholars and emerging researchers, this conference offers in-person and online attendance options for those looking to have their questions answered and engage in collaborative problem-solving. The three-day event will cover a wide range of business-related topics in the culturally rich city of Vienna.

Register to attend the conference here.

Media and journalism

World News Media Congress 2024

When: 27–29 May

Where: Copenhagen, Denmark

Hosted in partnership with the Danish Media Association, it seems fitting that the World News Media Congress takes place in Denmark – a nation renowned for its press freedom and open-mindedness. Since 1948, the annual gathering has served as an important meeting point for CEOs, editors, journalists and decision-makers in the news media industry. Approximately 80 percent of attendees hold a senior level position. Get access to leading newsrooms in Europe, glean the latest insights on revenue diversification and take deep drives into critical issues impacting the digital media world.

Click here to purchase your ticket, which includes lunch as well as entry to the Gala Dinner and Happy Hour.

Startups and technology

Viva Technology

When: 22–25 May

Where: Paris, France

With Marc Benioff and Elon Musk within the cohort of high-profile speakers in previous years, Viva Technology brings startups, investors and executives together under one roof for four days. Whether you’re looking for the right software to elevate your game or partner with a business that’s a suitable match, or to find your tribe, VivaTech is the place to accomplish any one of these goals. With close to 3,000 exhibitors and a stellar line-up of high-caliber speakers, the event is geared toward accelerating innovation and business growth. It’s also a chance to test the latest developments in AI and the metaverse and meet the inventors behind these innovations.

Book your ticket here. Early bird tickets are available until 4 April.

Business leadership

World Business Forum

When: 13–14 November

Where: ICC Sydney, Australia

For more than two decades the World Business Forum has become renowned for being the place in which the global executive community converges. Each year, the Forum equips business leaders with the tools needed to tackle the most relevant challenges impacting companies. Past speakers include Jacinda Ardern and Andre Agassi, among other leaders at the top of their game. Increase your brand’s visibility and claim your seat among other thought leaders in business.

Check out the various tickets on offer here.

Digital marketing and SEO

SEOday 2024

When: 1 February

Where: Kolding, Denmark

Whether you hail from a marketing, communications or digital team, this full day event delivers more than 20 sessions to inform your SEO work, regardless of whether you are a newcomer, expert or identify as being fairly experienced in this field. This year has a strong emphasis on AI and what this means for SEO, where you’ll be learning from practitioners based in Denmark and beyond.

To claim your ticket, click here. This event can accommodate no more than 400 attendees.

Events and marketing

The Event Planner Expo 2024

When: 15–17 October

Where: New York City, United States

From planning corporate meetings to product launches or social gatherings, The Event Planner Expo caters to executives, business owners, marketing experts and event professionals. In addition to hearing from keynote speakers, the event includes fireside chats and panel discussions focused on bringing you insider secrets on sales and marketing strategies as well as how to overcome the most common challenges you could face along the way to creating flawless events. With live entertainment, networking opportunities and catering included, this is an event you don’t want to miss out on. Rub shoulders with thousands of meeting planners, event planners and marketers.

Choose the ticket that best suits your business needs here.

Machine learning

2024 9th International Conference on Machine Learning Technologies

When: 24–26 May

Where: Oslo, Norway

Aimed for scientists, engineers, industrialists and scholars, the conference offers an ideal platform to foster collaboration and the exchange of research outcomes on machine learning technologies. The conference is also aimed at motivating next-gen researchers to showcase their interests in machine learning technologies. The esteemed panel of keynote speakers features seasoned professors who will be sharing their insights.

To find out more about the registration process, click here.

Affiliate marketing and ecommerce

Affiliate World Dubai 2024

When: 28–29 February

Where: Dubai

This two-day conference brings together the brightest minds in digital marketing, advertising and ecommerce marketing who are driving some of the world’s fast-growing businesses. It’s a marketplace that’s buzzing with actionable ideas for marketers and content creators in the online realm. This year’s line-up of speakers are experienced professionals in charge of implementing data-driven creative strategies for big brands.

Secure your ticket to be part of the Affiliate World here.

Emerging technologies and venture capitalism

Web Summit

When: 11–14 November

Where: Lisbon, Portugal

Originally held in Dublin, this annual technology conference has been hosted in Lisbon since 2016. Past speakers have included CEOs, industry experts, celebrities and politicians. Every year, the event attracts more than 70,000 attendees, from fast-growing startup founders to investors. Web Summit partners with tech giants Google and Microsoft alongside Fortune 500 companies to help you better navigate these uncertain times. Whether you’re attending to seek guidance or make new business contacts, you can definitely expect to bring valuable new skills back to the office gained through the masterclasses and roundtable discussions.

Pre-register here to get two Web Summit tickets for the price of one.

Risk management and cybersecurity

Gartner Security & Risk Management Summit 2024

When: 3–5 June

Where: National Harbor, Maryland, United States

This Summit provides the most up-to-date insights for senior leaders looking to expand their knowledge on the topics of risk management, cybersecurity and cloud security in order to make smarter business decisions. Alongside top-tier exhibitors in the technology space, the event includes expert guest speakers on cybersecurity and risk.

Register either online, via email or phone here. Early bird conference tickets are available until 5 April.

Negotiation

Negotiation Conference 2024: Leading High-Stake Negotiations

When: 17-18 October

Where: Zurich, Switzerland

This annual gathering of global business leaders provides an opportunity to meet with other executives, thought leaders and decision-makers from various sectors including business, politics, academia, and law enforcement. The conference covers topics that range from intercultural negotiations and conflict resolution to strategic leadership and decision-making.

“Leadership, especially in negotiation, is a complex challenge full of bold choices. In an era where global dynamics are constantly shifting, it requires significant self-leadership to confront and adapt to these shifts and guide one’s team towards success,” explains Anna Cajot, Conference Director at the Schranner Negotiation Institute. “That’s why we’ve chosen ‘Leading High-Stake Negotiations’ as our central theme. We’re excited to present a line-up of speakers who exemplify this spirit.”

To find out more information, or to register online click here.