Businesswoman speaking to an audience
Great leaders are always striving to learn how to better serve their teams and bring out the best of their abilities. It’s an ongoing goal that involves staying on top of changes in employer-employee dynamics and leadership strategies and techniques. While articles and books can provide helpful insights, I find that leadership conferences offer something the written word can’t.
In my experience, conferences have an energy and excitement about them as attendees and speakers learn from each other in real time. The conference environment also creates opportunities for two-way conversations and lasting connections. I’ve found these encounters one of the best ways to get real-world advice.
If you’re a leader who want to stay ahead of trends, gain actionable tips and make a difference, such events are key. The below events are timeless conferences I think you should have on your radar—many of which are still up and running. For the latest conferences, you can also check out the 2024 conferences I recently published an article about.
1. EY Strategic Growth Summit
For 14 years, Ernst and Young’s Strategic Growth Forum has brought together CEOs from companies around the nation. I was a recipient of the award several years ago. The Strategic Growth Forum’s motto is to build a better working world for all. Attendees can experience panels with thought leaders, keynote addresses and networking sessions.
This year’s Strategic Growth Forum will welcome animated discussions with C-suite executives and entrepreneurs specializing in high-growth ventures. The conference will also feature stimulating sessions with leaders from industries such as agribusiness, financial services, advanced manufacturing and mobility, health and life sciences.
2. Forbes Leadership Events
Forbes hosts a variety of top-notch events, such as their Under30 Summit and their Small Business Summit. I’ve attended several of them and have had a great experience every time. The speaker lineup is always strong, and they also provide a variety of options so you can select the best event (or events) for you.
If you click on the link above, you will see the different events and the speakers and benefits they offer. What’s nice about them is that Forbes has also established content channels that allow you to follow related content around these communities.
3. INBOUND
INBOUND, HubSpot’s annual event, returns September 6-9. For the first time ever, the event is going hybrid. So, this event will be taking place in both Boston, MA, and online. Professionals in marketing, sales, customer success, and revenue operations will hear from 95+ industry experts and a top-tier lineup of speakers to include: Former President Barack Obama, Viola Davis, Dr. Jane Goodall, and Glennon Doyle. Connect with dozens of impactful speakers, explore new perspectives from thousands of business leaders, and build your future this September. From free Starter Passes to in-person VIP Passes, be sure to check out all the ways to attend and get tickets.
4. Talent Development Think Tank
Mark your calendar for February 22 and 23, so you can attend the talent development and human resource event of the year. The Talent Development Think Tank allows people to learn and network in a unique way that is different from just about any other conference out there. Because of focus on interactive sessions and the intimate setting, you are not just getting the chance to learn from keynote speakers and interactive session hosts. You’re also able to learn from the professionals sitting beside you to solve real problems and understand best practices.
All speakers are handpicked to be relevant and engaging. This upcoming event will even have Chief Heart Officer at VaynerMedia, Claude Silver, as one of the five keynote speakers. She often speaks on the importance of empathy, leading with the heart, and putting people first. With the current state of the world, we can all benefit from learning more about empathetic leadership and creating a safe space for the people around us.
5. The Human Gathering
The Human Gathering’s annual event in Malibu, CA brings together some of the most well connected professionals in the world, taking place this year at a 4-Acre Private Estate from March 30th - April 1st. Attendance is limited to 125 people. And each person is required to go through a curation process.
In its unique, signature manner, there are no traditional speakers but instead “Storytellers” who are never financially compensated to be there. Over the 3 day experience the attendees build authentic, long term relationships, collaborating to support each other’s ambitions and create positive impact.
6. FinCon
Do your brand and your digital content deal with personal finance? FinCon is a conference that explores how personal finance companies can create better digital content and reach more people.
FinCon emphasizes networking and collaboration opportunities and learning sessions with industry champions. This year’s speaker lineup features Allison Baggerly, Clark Howard and Anthony O’Neal.
7. Capital Camp
Get on 2023’s waitlist for three days and nights of thought leadership, interactive programs and outdoor activities. This conference is for investors, capital providers, executives and entrepreneurs who want to push the envelope. Discussions center around innovation, breaking new ground and discovering new horizons in the business world.
8. Content Marketing World
At this event, you’ll go through four days of learning from the best content marketers around and networking with fellow digital content creators.
Discovering how to grow your business through engaging and effective content is also on the agenda. Choose from over 100 forums, workshops and sessions, customizing your conference schedule according to topic and each speaker’s expertise. And if you can’t attend in person, there’s a virtual option as well.
9. Collision
Collision is all about tech and what’s happening in the industry. Learning sessions focus on the uncertainty and challenges that tech companies face.
The conference draws leading companies and more than 1,200 journalists from prominent global publications. Plus, there are networking and lead gen opportunities for those who want to build community connections. The conference features over 600 speakers, including Nicolas Cary of Blockchain.
10. Hawkefest
Hawkefest is put on by Los Angeles–based Hawke Media and has been around the time of LA eCommerce Week in the past. It’s a good event for marketing leaders, especially ones that are in the eCommerce space.
I was a keynote at this event years ago and it typically has an impressive group of speakers that range from celebrity NBA stars to media CEOs that are in the media and eCommerce space.
The months ahead will likely prove challenging for business leaders, offering the promise of continued pandemic recovery—fitful though it may be—combined with significant economic uncertainty. Conferences are an opportunity to learn from peers, find out what’s working in real-world environments and prepare for the unexpected. Choose one or more that look to offer the insights and sessions that can most benefit your work and vision.
