Marketing is changing faster than ever. While many marketers started venturing out to a few events this past year, 2023 is shaping up to be a big year for marketing events. This is also putting pressure on marketing event organizers to bring back the magic to create the best marketing event they can in a competitive market.
Are you looking for the best marketing event to attend in 2023?
We attend industry events so we can learn from marketing’s top thinkers and speakers and stay on top of the latest trends in the marketing industry. But you might also meet your new best friend, find a new marketing tool to make your job easier, and get to spend some quality in-person time with your boss or your colleagues at one of these 2023 marketing conferences.
Has there ever been a time when the marketing world has changed so much in such a short time? Over the past few years, the world has shifted dramatically to adjust to the requirements of operating in times of great fear and uncertainty.
That has included the changes in consumer behavior, the threat (and what I think is an opportunity) of Artificial Intelligence, and all that is impacting the ways marketing teams operate in today’s business environment.
According to Forbes, one way to be sure you’re staying in-the-know is to attend marketing events and conferences throughout the year. This is easier than ever now that many events have digital components that eliminate the need to travel in order to participate.
Marketing conferences are also perfect opportunities to network with peers in the industry and stay inspired throughout the year by learning about new ideas.
That’s why I’ve put together this list of the best marketing conferences for 2023. It’s a list of some of my favorites that I recommend you check out. I’ve spoken at nearly all of these so I can talk first-hand about the value and quality of the event. And if you are looking for a speaker at your marketing event, please let me know right away. My calendar is booking up fast!
Quick Takeaways:
- Marketing events and conferences offer the opportunity to both learn and build connections in the industry
- Many marketing events are going to continue with their own versions of “phygital marketing” (offering in-person and digital components)
- Registering early for many of the events below can lead to discounts and other perks
- One of the best ways to figure out whether an event is for you is to check out the previous year’s program and their speakers
How I Identify The Best Marketing Conferences Each Year
I’ve been to more than 100 different marketing events in the past 10 years or so! So every year, I include the events I KNOW are the best because I’ve been there and I go back every year.
I also look for a few events I haven’t heard of or been to but that seem really interesting. So, I included a few of those here as well. I haven’t traveled overseas in a few years, so I only included one non-US event this year. (But if you know of any “can’t miss” marketing events outside the US, please add a comment.)
The best event for you will likely depend on your specific industry niche and service specialties. Be sure to check them all out to find the one(s) that will provide the most value for you!
One of the best ways to tell if one of these marketing events is one you don’t want to miss is to look at the quality and caliber of the keynote speakers. Are these people who know what they’re doing and share it without promoting themselves? Are they random lists of brand marketers who haven’t spoken before? Or professional and experienced speakers?
With the right budget, anyone can get Oprah to speak at their event and Coldplay to do a concert. But we’re looking for quality not quantity of people. Events that only go after brand-side speakers who have never spoken before, or those big-name celebrities are just trying to sell as many tickets as they can.
You can also tell something about an event by the way in which it is marketed. The marketers I know marketing many of the events below are the best in the business. They use super creative ways to keep us engaged.
Ok so without further ado, here are your best marketing events in 2023.
Best Marketing 2023
B2B Marketing Exchange
Dates: February 27 – March 1
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
This is a core event for B2B marketing, covering the current issues in B2B, including Demand Generation, Messaging Frameworks, AI and Audience Centricity. Is there yoga in the morning? You bet.
“Easily one of the best marketing events I’ve attended in my career.” Jeanne Hopkins – CRO, HappyNest
I try to go this event about every other year and have spoken hear a handful of times. I love to re-connect with old friends, meet amazing B2B marketers, and stay in touch with everything B2B!
MarTech
Dates: Online March 28-29 and September 26-27 | Free registration
The MarTech Conference is your opportunity to discover dozens of time-saving, profit-boosting tools and technologies while exploring the tactics and strategies you need to effectively leverage them to power organizational success. Registration is free!
Check out the agendas from the previous fall and spring events while we wait for additional 2023 details.
Search Marketing Expo
Dates: SMX Advanced – Online June 13-14 | SMX Next – Online November 14-15 | SMX Master Classes – Online March 1-2 and August 16-17
Check out the agendas from the previous Advanced and Next events while we wait for additional 2023 details.
Hungry for more? SMX Master Classes are 100% live, two-day training experiences that dive deep into specific areas of search marketing and offer plentiful live Q&A opportunities.
(P.S. – I’m presenting an SMX Master Class in March and August about creating an SEO-friendly content marketing program. Let me know if you’re interested!)
CEX – Creator Economy Expo
Dates: May 1-3, 2023
Location: Cleveland, OH
This event being run by my good friend and amazing creator himself Joe Pulizzi will bring together more than 500 content creators…all gathering to build more loyal audiences, generate substantially more revenue, become smarter at content operations, and understand new Web3 business models.
CEX 2023 is for content creators interested in building and growing their content businesses without relying on social platforms.
The speaking lineup from last year was amazing including Dan Pink, TikTok/Twitch Star Leesh Capeesh, Media and Writer Superstar Ann Handley, Instagram Phenom Wally Koval (Accidentally Wes Anderson), Web3 Expert Jeremiah Owyang and nearly 40 other content entrepreneurs.
If you are truly serious about the business of content and growing your content business, this is the event for you. The best networking, food/drinks and (probably) the getaway you deserve.
Content Marketing World
Dates: September 26-29, 2023
Location: Washington, DC (new location)
Content marketing world is the largest four-day content event in the world and one of the only marketing events that focuses exclusively on content marketing. You’ll learn why content marketing matters. You’ll see examples and frameworks of how to develop a content marketing strategy (my workshop on day 1).
You’ll see case studies on how to reach, engage and convert new customers. You’ll learn how to create meaningful content experiences. You’ll meet amazing content marketers from all over the world
One of the reasons why this is an event I never miss is because Content Marketing World puts an emphasis on building a content community. The event is attended by thousands of content marketers from big brands, emerging brands, agencies and more, and it features more than 100 sessions, workshops, and forums led by leaders in the industry. But you’ll make life-long friends. You’ll see that the fun and the learning never stop – long after the event is over.
Want to get a glimpse of what you can expect? Check out the Content Marketing Institute’s video from 2022.
If content technology and strategy is part of your focus, you might also want to attend CMI’s ContentTECH Summit, June 20-22. This event brings together practitioners and thought leaders in content tech innovation, process, and strategy.
Digital Summit
Dates: Multiple
Locations: Multiple virtual and in-person
Digital Summit events are held annually in more than 20 cities across the country. Thanks to the number of events they hold, their multiple formats, and wide range of topics, the Digital Summit Series is one of the most accessible and high-value marketing events in the industry.
I spoke to some amazing, masked-up digital marketing crowds at a number of these summits in 2021. Hoping we can lose the masks and the worries as we head into 2022!
Check out their full lineup of upcoming and past events here.
MarketingProfs B2B Forum
Dates / Location: Online April 6-7, 2022 and In-person Fall, 2022
This is an event I haven’t missed in over a decade! Why? Because B2B marketing has its own set of trends, best practices, and quirks that differ from regular B2C strategies. That’s why MarketingProfs has held this event specifically every year dedicated to addressing topics relevant to brands in the B2B space.
The MarketingProfs B2B forum is hosted by my good friend Ann Handley and covers proven strategies, actionable insights, and interactive huddles that make it an engaging two-day event. Even better? A ticket to the event includes a full year of PRO membership to their many resources!
Registration is already open for 2022, and you can still register separately for access to the complete 2021 program!
LeadsCon
Dates: March 21-23, 2022
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Organic traffic is great, but ultimately every brand needs leads and conversions in order to make any money. LeadsCon is focused specifically on performance marketing — the type that converts. The event features a mix of keynote talks, breakout sessions, exhibits, and networking events. It’s a great opportunity to both learn and build new industry connections.
The agenda for 2022 is still being built, but you can check out last year’s speakers to get an idea of what you can expect at the event! I’ve spoken here a few times and found the audience and speaker lineup pretty awesome.
Date(s): August 3-5, 2022Location: Cleveland, OhioUnless you’re living under a rock, you know that artificial intelligence is becoming a core component of every data-driven content strategy (and they should all be data-driven). MAICON, the Marketing Artificial Intelligence Conference, focuses on how human marketers can leverage AI-powered marketing technology better, smarter, strategies that lead to bigger results. Specifically, they aim to cover how to make every software tool marketers use — for email, search, ad buying, automation, content strategy, and more — more effective by leveraging AI.This year’s event is focused on the next-generation marketer – how to learn from them, and how to become one. There are several registration options available, and you can check them out here.MozConDates: July 11-13, 2022Location: Seattle, WashingtonMozCon proclaims to be “not your average marketing conference,” and we agree. It hones in on extremely actionably and tactical approaches to SEO and other components of search marketing, which we know is one of the most critical components of every marketing strategy, but also one of the fastest changing.The 2022 schedule and speakers are still being curated, but you can check out the 2021 agenda for an idea about some of the innovative topics covered at MozCon.ConfabDates: May 9-12, 2022Location: Minneapolis, MNLike Content Marketing World, Confab is one of the few conferences focused specifically on content marketing and strategy. The event focuses on both education and collaboration, with a schedule that mixes in keynote speakers, workshops, breakout sessions and networking events. It’s a perfect event if you’re looking to make new connections, up your skill set in a particular area, or just get inspired by industry leaders and peers.Confab has already got their speaker lineup all set for 2022 — you can check it out here!LavaConDates: October 23-26, 2022Location: New Orleans, LAOk this is my favorite new little gem. I’m not sure if I can go this year but it seems amazing! LavaCon started in Hawaii (get it?) but now takes place in a new location every year.The aim of the conference is to help marketing organizations leverage content technologies — an always-relevant topic in a world where technology is changing every single day. But, like many of the other events we shared, it’s also focused on building community and sharing best practices.This year’s event tackles one of marketing’s biggest challenges: Connecting Content Silos Across the Enterprise. Here’s a perk: if you register before January 10, 2022, you can bring a colleague for free!Check out last year’s program here or go right to registering for 2022!InboundDates: TBDLocation: BostonInbound is a (huge) annual marketing event hosted by marketing guru brand Hubspot, and it’s set to once again be one of the best marketing events in 2022. It features speakers like Michelle Obama, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Oprah Winfrey (Oh my!) and is attended by tens of thousands of people from around the world.As you might expect from Hubspot, the event covers a really wide range of topics for marketers (you can see the 2021 agenda here to get an idea) and also features meetup sessions and other interactive events to help attendees network with peers.Check out one of last year’s talks with Hubspot co-founder and Executive Chairman, Brian Halligan and CEO Yamini Rangin:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShX6UKAGTcsB2B Marketing IGNITE Date: June 1-3Location: Chicago, ILI spoke (virtually) in 2021 at both of these next 2 events put together by the great folks at B2B Marketing. The 2022 US-based “Ignite” Event is going to focus a lot on B2B Brand.Why? Because in the post-Covid, high-churn recruitment market, Brand is an organization’s number one weapon in the battle to win. B2B buying has evolved, with decision-makers preferring to ‘buy in’ to a company, rather than ‘buy from’ them. And inclusivity and diversity have become a cornerstone of both organizational design and employee development.B2B Marketing Ignite USA will explore these intertwined themes in detail and provide both the inspiration and the actionable solutions that B2B marketers need to succeed.B2B Marketing EXPODate: November 22-23Location: London, UKB2B Marketing Expo is one of the best marketing events in the UK and a must-attend for any B2B Marketer. I was honored to speak at this event 2 years ago and was shocked at just how many smart marketers I watched on the stage and met during the show.Jumpstart your marketing strategy with killer contentDon’t just attend marketing events in 2022 — apply what you learn by launching a content strategy that delivers. At Marketing Insider Group, we have a team that can help. Our writers and SEO experts can deliver optimized, ready-to-publish content every week for one year (or more!). Build on what you learn at these events and out those best practices into action.Check out our weekly content subscription service to learn more or schedule a quick consultation with me today!
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