Every Tech Conference & Trade Show in the U.S. (2026)
If you're looking for technology conferences in 2026, you're in the right place. I've put together the most complete calendar of tech conferences, trade shows, and expos happening across the United States this year - organized by state so you can plan around geography, not just interest.
Whether you're into cybersecurity, AI, cloud infrastructure, robotics, or MSP growth, there's something on this list for you. I attend a handful of these events every year, and the networking alone has been worth the travel. One tip before you dive in: if you're going to any of these, ditch the paper business cards. I've watched thousands of them end up in hotel trash cans. A digital business card saves you the hassle and actually gets you follow-ups. But more on that later.
For now, here's every major tech event in the U.S. for 2026. 📅
What's in This Guide
- 70+ events: Every major technology conference, trade show, and expo in the U.S. for 2026
- Organized by state: Alphabetical by state so you can plan trips efficiently
- Quick-reference table: Sortable overview of all events with dates, locations, and focus areas
- Full details per event: Dates, venues, what it's about, cost, and registration links
- Networking tips: How to make the most of every conference you attend
2026 U.S. Tech Conferences - Quick-Reference Calendar
Here's every event at a glance. Scroll down to each state section for full details, descriptions, and registration links.
| Month | Event | Dates | City, State | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | FETC | Jan 11-14 | Orlando, FL | EdTech (K-12) |
| Feb | Right of Boom | Feb 3-6 | Las Vegas, NV | Cybersecurity |
| Feb | ITEXPO | Feb 10-12 | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Cloud, AI, Cybersecurity |
| Feb | Pink26 | Feb 16-19 | Las Vegas, NV | IT Service Management |
| Feb | Developer Week | Feb 18-20 | San Jose, CA | Software Dev, AI Engineering |
| Mar | XChange | Mar 1-3 | Orlando, FL | IT Channel (Invite-Only) |
| Mar | Pittcon | Mar 7-11 | San Antonio, TX | Analytical Chemistry, R&D |
| Mar | TechAdvantage | Mar 8-11 | Nashville, TN | Electric Cooperative Tech |
| Mar | Ohio Info Security Conference | Mar 11 | Dayton, OH | Cybersecurity |
| Mar | NVIDIA GTC | Mar 15-19 | San Jose, CA | AI, GPUs, Robotics |
| Mar | IPC APEX Expo | Mar 17-19 | Anaheim, CA | Electronics Manufacturing |
| Mar | MES IT Security | Mar 17-18 | Ponte Vedra Beach, FL | Enterprise Security (Invite-Only) |
| Mar | Phoenix Technology Summit | Mar 19 | Phoenix, AZ | Emerging Tech Trends |
| Mar | APEC | Mar 22-26 | San Antonio, TX | Power Electronics |
| Mar | RSA Conference | Mar 23-26 | San Francisco, CA | Cybersecurity |
| Mar | ISC West | Mar 25-27 | Las Vegas, NV | Physical & Cyber Security |
| Apr | TECHSPO Los Angeles | Apr 1-2 | Los Angeles, CA | AdTech, MarTech, SaaS |
| Apr | HumanX | Apr 6-9 | San Francisco, CA | AI Leadership |
| Apr | RAPID + TCT | Apr 13-16 | Boston, MA | 3D Printing, Additive Manufacturing |
| Apr | Adobe Summit | Apr 20-22 | Las Vegas, NV | Digital Experience, AI |
| Apr | Microsoft 365 Conference | Apr 21-23 | Orlando, FL | Microsoft Copilot, AI Workplace |
| Apr | Google Cloud Next | Apr 22-24 | Las Vegas, NV | Cloud, AI, Infrastructure |
| Apr | eMerge Americas | Apr 22-24 | Miami Beach, FL | AI, Startups, Deep Tech |
| Apr | MES Spring | Apr 26-28 | Houston, TX | Midsize Enterprise IT |
| Apr | Kaseya Connect | Apr 27-30 | Las Vegas, NV | MSP/IT Automation, AI |
| Apr | TECHSPO Houston | Apr 29-30 | Houston, TX | AdTech, MarTech, SaaS |
| May | HDI Service Management World | May 3-7 | Las Vegas, NV | ITSM, Support Ops |
| May | MMS (Midwest Management Summit) | May 3-7 | Bloomington, MN | Microsoft Endpoint Management |
| May | Extreme Connect | May 4-7 | Orlando, FL | Networking, Extreme Portfolio |
| May | OTC | May 4-7 | Houston, TX | Energy Sector Tech |
| May | Sensors Converge | May 5-7 | Santa Clara, CA | IoT, Sensors, AI |
| May | TECHSPO Boston | May 12-13 | Boston, MA | AdTech, MarTech, SaaS |
| May | Women of the Channel West | May 12-13 | Carlsbad, CA | IT Diversity & Leadership |
| May | XPONENTIAL | May 12-14 | Detroit, MI | Drones, Autonomous Systems |
| May | MSPGeekCon | May 17-19 | Orlando, FL | MSP Community |
| May | Dell Technologies World | May 18-21 | Las Vegas, NV | AI, Multicloud, Edge |
| May | TECHSPO Chicago | May 19-20 | Chicago, IL | AdTech, MarTech, SaaS |
| May | Robotics Summit & Expo | May 27-28 | Boston, MA | Robotics |
| May | Cisco Live! | May 31-Jun 4 | Las Vegas, NV | Networking, Security, Cloud |
| Jun | Space Tech Expo USA | Jun 3-4 | Anaheim, CA | Space Hardware Supply Chain |
| Jun | TECHSPO Atlanta | Jun 3-4 | Atlanta, GA | AdTech, MarTech, SaaS |
| Jun | Pax8 Beyond | Jun 7-9 | Salt Lake City, UT | MSP Cloud, Automation |
| Jun | Info-Tech LIVE | Jun 9-11 | Las Vegas, NV | AI, Exponential Tech |
| Jun | ChemE Show | Jun 9-10 | Houston, TX | Chemical Engineering |
| Jun | TECHSPO Phoenix | Jun 11-12 | Phoenix, AZ | AdTech, MarTech, SaaS |
| Jun | TECHSPO Silicon Valley | Jun 16-17 | San Francisco, CA | AdTech, MarTech, SaaS |
| Jun | InfoComm | Jun 17-19 | Las Vegas, NV | Professional AV |
| Jun | BIO International Convention | Jun 22-25 | San Diego, CA | Biotechnology |
| Jun | Automate | Jun 22-25 | Chicago, IL | Robotics & Automation |
| Jul | DAC | Jul 26-29 | Long Beach, CA | Chip Design, EDA |
| Aug | Black Hat USA | Aug 1-6 | Las Vegas, NV | Cybersecurity |
| Aug | Ai4 | Aug 4-6 | Las Vegas, NV | AI for Business |
| Aug | ISE EXPO | Aug 18-20 | Nashville, TN | Fiber, 5G, Network Infra |
| Sep | CEDIA Expo / CIX | Sep 1-4 | Denver, CO | AV Integration |
| Sep | Splunk .conf | Sep 14-17 | Denver, CO | Security, SOC, SPL |
| Sep | Dreamforce | Sep 15-17 | San Francisco, CA | CRM, AI, Data Cloud |
| Sep | LOUPE Americas | Sep 15-17 | Chicago, IL | Printing, Packaging |
| Sep | EDUCAUSE | Sep 29-Oct 2 | Denver, CO | Higher Ed IT |
| Oct | North American Cloud Summit | Oct 4-6 | Branson, MO | Microsoft Cloud |
| Oct | TECHSPO Philadelphia | Oct 8-9 | Philadelphia, PA | AdTech, MarTech, SaaS |
| Oct | TECHSPO Miami | Oct 14-15 | Miami, FL | AdTech, MarTech, SaaS |
| Oct | Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo | Oct 19-22 | Orlando, FL | CIO/IT Executive |
| Oct | TSIA World ENVISION | Oct 19-21 | Las Vegas, NV | B2B Customer Lifecycle |
| Oct | TECHSPO Jacksonville | Oct 22-23 | Jacksonville, FL | AdTech, MarTech, SaaS |
| Oct | Oracle AI World | Oct 26-29 | Las Vegas, NV | AI, Cloud, Data |
| Oct | TECHSPO San Antonio | Oct 29-30 | San Antonio, TX | AdTech, MarTech, SaaS |
| Nov | IT Nation Connect Global | Nov 4-6 | Orlando, FL | MSP Growth, Cybersecurity |
| Nov | TECHSPO Las Vegas | Nov 4-5 | Las Vegas, NV | AdTech, MarTech, SaaS |
| Nov | Spice World | Nov 12-13 | Austin, TX | AI, Cloud, Security |
| Nov | Microsoft Ignite | Nov 17-20 | San Francisco, CA | Enterprise AI, Copilot, Cloud |
| Nov-Dec | AWS re:Invent | Nov 30-Dec 4 | Las Vegas, NV | Cloud, Generative AI |
| Jan '27 | CES 2027 | Jan 6-9, 2027 | Las Vegas, NV | Consumer Electronics |
Dates and details verified as of February 2026. Always check official event websites for the latest updates - conferences occasionally shift dates.
All 2026 Tech Events by State
Below you'll find every event organized alphabetically by state. Each listing includes the official website, venue, dates, what to expect, and pricing where available. I've added my own notes on events I've attended or that people in my network rave about.
Arizona
Phoenix Technology Summit
A one-day summit where industry experts discuss emerging technology trends. It's a good option if you're in the Phoenix area and want high-level conversations about where tech is heading without committing to a multi-day event. Great for local networking.
TECHSPO Phoenix
Part of the TECHSPO series that runs in cities across the U.S. Focused on AdTech, MarTech, and SaaS technologies. These events are solid for discovering new tools and meeting vendors - think expo floor energy with plenty of demos and hands-on conversations.
California
No surprise here - California dominates the conference calendar. Between the Bay Area and Southern California, you could easily spend a quarter of the year at events in this state alone.
Developer Week (DeveloperWeek)
One of the biggest independent developer conferences in the world. It's shifted hard toward AI engineering in the last couple of years. If you're building with LLMs, fine-tuning models, or integrating AI into products, this is where your people are. The expo is huge.
NVIDIA GTC
If you care about generative AI, accelerated computing, GPUs, or robotics, GTC is the event. Jensen Huang's keynotes alone are worth watching. The in-person experience is next level - hands-on labs, deep technical sessions, and access to researchers pushing the boundaries of AI. The free virtual pass is a great fallback if you can't make it to San Jose.
IPC APEX Expo
The largest electronics manufacturing event in North America. If you're in PCB design, assembly, or the broader electronics supply chain, this is where the industry gathers. Think soldering standards, factory automation, and supply chain innovation.
RSA Conference
One of the most established cybersecurity events in the world. Tens of thousands of security professionals descend on Moscone Center every year. The expo floor is massive, the keynotes feature industry heavyweights, and the hallway conversations are where the real deals happen. If you're in security, this is likely already on your calendar.
TECHSPO Los Angeles
The LA edition of the TECHSPO series. Covers AdTech, MarTech, and SaaS with an expo-focused format. A good way to discover tools and meet vendors in the Southern California market.
HumanX
A newer conference focused on AI leadership and enterprise AI transformation. It's less about the technical "how" and more about the strategic "why" and "what next." If you're a CTO, VP of Engineering, or product leader figuring out how to integrate AI into your organization, HumanX is built for you.
Sensors Converge
Focused on IoT, embedded systems, MEMS, automation, and AI as they relate to sensor technology. If you're building anything that interacts with the physical world - whether that's industrial automation, wearables, or autonomous vehicles - this conference brings together the sensor and embedded tech community.
Women of the Channel Leadership Summit West
Focused on advancing organizational diversity in IT and the channel ecosystem. It's a leadership development event with peer networking, executive workshops, and sessions on building inclusive organizations. A premium, intimate event with a strong community.
Space Tech Expo USA
If you're in the space hardware supply chain - components, subsystems, testing equipment, launch services - this is your event. It's grown significantly with the commercial space boom. You'll find everyone from SpaceX suppliers to satellite manufacturers to NASA contractors.
TECHSPO Silicon Valley / San Francisco
The Silicon Valley TECHSPO brings the expo format to the heart of the tech world. AdTech, MarTech, and SaaS vendors demo their products. Good for discovery and vendor conversations if you're already in the Bay Area.
BIO International Convention
The world's largest biotechnology conference. Pharma, biotech, genomics, life sciences - they're all here. BIO is where billion-dollar deals get started over coffee. If you're in biotech or adjacent industries, this is the annual pilgrimage. Massive expo, thousands of partnering meetings.
DAC (Design Automation Conference)
The premier event for electronic design automation, chip design, and the broader "chips to systems" ecosystem. With the CHIPS Act driving massive investment into domestic semiconductor manufacturing, DAC is more relevant than ever. Deep technical sessions, academic papers, and vendor showcases.
Dreamforce (by Salesforce)
Dreamforce is less a conference and more a phenomenon. Tens of thousands of attendees take over downtown San Francisco for Salesforce's annual showcase. AI-powered CRM, data cloud, customer experience - it's all here. The networking is unmatched, the expo is enormous, and the concert at the end is legendary. Book hotels early.
Microsoft Ignite
Microsoft's flagship enterprise conference. Enterprise AI, Copilot across the Microsoft ecosystem, Azure, security, and development tools. If your organization runs on Microsoft, this is where you learn what's coming next. The product announcements alone make it worth following, even if you can't attend in person.
Going to One of These Events?
Skip the printer. Create a free digital business card in 60 seconds and share it with anyone at the conference - QR code, NFC tap, or a simple link. They don't need an app. You get analytics on every share.
Get Conference-Ready →Colorado
Denver has become a serious conference city. Three major tech events in the fall alone make it worth planning a Colorado trip.
CEDIA Expo / CIX
The residential and commercial AV integration event. Smart home tech, custom installation, home theater, commercial audio/video - CEDIA is the place where integrators, manufacturers, and designers come together. If you install, design, or sell AV systems, you know this show.
Splunk .conf
The annual Splunk user conference. If you live in a SOC, write SPL queries, or manage security operations, .conf is where Splunk power users gather. Deep technical workshops, certification opportunities, and the latest on Splunk's evolving platform (now under Cisco's umbrella). The community here is passionate.
EDUCAUSE Annual Conference
The premier higher education IT conference. If you work in university IT, campus networking, student information systems, or edtech at the college level, EDUCAUSE is your annual gathering. Covers everything from cybersecurity in higher ed to AI in the classroom to campus infrastructure modernization.
Florida
Florida - especially Orlando - has become a major conference hub. The combination of large convention centers, warm weather, and theme park proximity makes it irresistible for event planners. You could spend most of the year at Florida tech events alone.
FETC (Future of Education Technology Conference)
The go-to K-12 edtech event. Teachers, administrators, and district IT leaders flock to FETC for hands-on workshops, classroom tech demos, and sessions on everything from AI in education to digital equity. If you sell to or work in K-12, start your year here.
ITEXPO
A broad technology expo covering cloud, cybersecurity, AI, and communications. With 300+ exhibitors, ITEXPO is one of those events where you can cover a lot of ground in a couple of days. The expo floor is the main attraction - think vendor demos, product launches, and deal-making.
XChange
An invite-only IT channel event by The Channel Company. XChange brings together solution providers, MSPs, and vendors for curated one-on-one meetings, peer networking, and business development sessions. If you're in the channel and can get an invite, the ROI on these facilitated meetings is hard to beat.
MES IT Security
A focused, invite-only event for midsize enterprise security leaders. Think CISOs and security directors from companies in the 500-5,000 employee range. The format is intimate - curated meetings with vendors, peer roundtables, and candid conversations about real security challenges. No generic keynotes here.
Microsoft 365 Conference
All things Microsoft 365, with a heavy focus on AI-powered workplace tools and Microsoft Copilot. If your organization is deploying Copilot or figuring out how to get more from Teams, SharePoint, and the broader M365 ecosystem, this is three days of deep-dive sessions from the people building these tools.
eMerge Americas
Miami's flagship tech event. AI, deep tech, health tech, fintech, and startups converge in one of the most vibrant tech scenes in the country. eMerge is particularly strong for its Latin American connections - if you're building or expanding into LATAM markets, this is where those bridges get built.
Extreme Connect
Extreme Networks' annual customer education and peer networking conference. If you're running Extreme switches, APs, or fabric infrastructure, this is where you get hands-on labs, certification prep, and direct access to product teams. The peer networking is genuinely useful - you meet other admins solving the same problems.
MSPGeekCon
A community-driven MSP conference that's grown into one of the more genuine events in the managed services space. MSPGeekCon prioritizes real conversations over sales pitches. If you're running an MSP and want practical advice from people actually doing the work, this one's worth your time.
TECHSPO Miami
The Miami edition of TECHSPO. Two days of AdTech, MarTech, and SaaS technology showcases. Good for marketers and SaaS buyers looking to discover new tools.
Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo
The biggest event on the CIO calendar. Gartner IT Symposium is where IT executives go to hear about the trends that'll shape their strategy for the next 3-5 years. It's expensive - no getting around that - but if you're a CIO, CTO, or senior IT leader, the analyst access and peer networking justify the investment. The "Xpo" portion is a massive vendor showcase.
TECHSPO Jacksonville
TECHSPO hits Jacksonville with its standard AdTech, MarTech, and SaaS expo format. A good option for Northeast Florida tech professionals who don't want to trek to Orlando or Miami.
IT Nation Connect Global
ConnectWise's flagship MSP conference. Focused on MSP growth, operations, and cybersecurity. IT Nation is where MSP owners go to learn how to run a better business - not just better technology. The peer groups are the real value here. I've met MSP owners at IT Nation who completely changed how they think about their business model.
Georgia
TECHSPO Atlanta
Atlanta's TECHSPO brings the AdTech, MarTech, and SaaS expo format to the Southeast's biggest tech hub. Atlanta's tech scene has exploded in recent years, and this event taps into that energy. Good for Southeast-based professionals who want expo-floor discovery without traveling to the coasts.
Illinois
TECHSPO Chicago
TECHSPO at Soldier Field - yes, the home of the Bears. AdTech, MarTech, and SaaS demos in a pretty iconic venue. Chicago's strong B2B tech community makes this one of the more business-focused TECHSPO events.
Automate
The largest robotics and automation show in North America. Industrial robots, machine vision, motion control, AI for manufacturing - Automate is the event where you see what factory floors will look like in 5 years. McCormick Place gives it the space to be truly massive. If you're in manufacturing, logistics, or industrial automation, this is a must-attend.
LOUPE Americas (formerly Labelexpo Americas)
The printing, packaging, and converting industry's big North American show. If you're in label printing, flexible packaging, or converting technology, LOUPE showcases the latest in digital print, automation, and materials science. Live demonstrations are a highlight.
Massachusetts
Boston continues to punch above its weight as a tech conference destination, especially for robotics, manufacturing, and deep tech.
RAPID + TCT
North America's premier additive manufacturing and 3D printing event. From prototyping to production-scale 3D printing, RAPID showcases the entire ecosystem. The technology has matured significantly - you'll see real production parts, not just prototypes. If you're evaluating 3D printing for your supply chain, start here.
TECHSPO Boston
The Boston TECHSPO covers AdTech, MarTech, and SaaS. Boston's deep enterprise tech market makes this a particularly strong event for B2B SaaS discovery.
Robotics Summit & Expo
Focused on commercial robotics across healthcare, logistics, defense, and agriculture. This isn't an industrial automation show - it's about the next generation of robots that operate alongside humans. Think surgical robots, warehouse bots, autonomous delivery, and field robotics. Boston's deep robotics talent pool makes it the natural home for this event.
Michigan
XPONENTIAL
The largest event for autonomous and uncrewed systems. Drones, UGVs, autonomous vehicles, undersea systems - XPONENTIAL covers them all. It's run by AUVSI and attracts a mix of defense, commercial, and government attendees. With Detroit as the host city, expect a strong automotive autonomy presence this year.
Minnesota
Midwest Management Summit (MMS)
A deeply technical, community-driven conference focused on Microsoft endpoint management - Intune, ConfigMgr, Autopilot, Windows deployment. Capped at 750 attendees, so it's intimate and the access to speakers is exceptional. If you manage Windows endpoints at scale, MMS is the conference your peers won't shut up about. And they're right.
Missouri
North American Cloud & Collaboration Summit
A community-run summit focused on Microsoft cloud technologies - Power Platform, Azure, Microsoft 365. The Branson location keeps it affordable and intimate. Great for admins and developers working in the Microsoft ecosystem who want deep technical content without the mega-conference chaos.
Nevada
Las Vegas is the undisputed capital of U.S. tech conferences. The sheer volume of events here is staggering - if you work in tech, you'll end up in Vegas at least once this year. Probably twice. 🎰
Right of Boom
A cybersecurity-focused event built around incident response, threat detection, and what happens after a breach. The name says it all - it's about what you do when things go wrong. Practical, hands-on, and no sugarcoating.
Pink26
The premier IT Service Management conference. If you live in ITIL, manage service desks, or work in IT operations, Pink26 is the gold standard. Deep sessions on ITSM frameworks, automation, and service delivery. The Bellagio venue doesn't hurt either. Premium event at a premium price.
ISC West
Where physical security meets digital security meets IoT. ISC West is the convergence point for access control, video surveillance, cybersecurity, smart building tech, and fire/life safety. If you're responsible for securing physical spaces and the technology that protects them, ISC West is the one show you can't miss.
Still Carrying Paper Cards to Conferences?
I've watched thousands of business cards end up in hotel trash cans after events. A digital card lives on your phone, updates in real time, and tells you exactly who saved your info. Zero waste, 100% follow-through.
Ditch the Paper →Adobe Summit
Adobe's annual digital experience conference. AI-driven content creation, personalization at scale, customer journey analytics, and the full Adobe Experience Cloud. If you're a marketer, creative director, or digital experience leader, Adobe Summit is where you see what's possible with modern marketing tech. Production values are outstanding.
Google Cloud Next
Google's flagship cloud conference. AI, cloud infrastructure, data security, BigQuery, Vertex AI - it's all here. Google has been making serious moves in enterprise AI, and Next is where they showcase it. The hands-on labs are excellent, and the Mandalay Bay venue gives it room to breathe. Worth the trip if you're building on Google Cloud or evaluating it.
Kaseya Connect
Kaseya's annual conference for MSPs and IT professionals. MSP/IT automation, AI integration, security operations - plus product-specific deep dives across the Kaseya portfolio (Datto, IT Glue, Unitrends, etc.). The MSP track is particularly valuable if you're building or scaling a managed services practice.
HDI Service Management World
HDI's annual gathering for ITSM and support operations professionals. Think service desk managers, support team leads, and IT operations leaders. The focus is on running support operations effectively - metrics, automation, AI for support, and leadership skills. Practical sessions from practitioners, not just vendors.
Dell Technologies World
Dell's flagship event covering AI, multicloud, edge computing, and security. If your infrastructure runs on Dell - servers, storage, networking, or PCs - this is where you get roadmap visibility, hands-on labs, and face time with product teams. The AI and edge computing tracks have gotten significantly stronger as Dell doubles down on AI infrastructure.
Cisco Live!
The mothership for Cisco network engineers. Networking, security, hybrid cloud, collaboration - Cisco Live covers the full portfolio. The certification opportunities are a huge draw (you can take exams on-site), and the walk-in labs let you get hands-on with gear you might not have in your own lab. If you hold a CCNA, CCNP, or CCIE, this is your annual pilgrimage.
Info-Tech LIVE
Info-Tech Research Group's annual conference. AI, exponential technologies, and IT strategy. It's an analyst-driven event aimed at IT leaders who want research-backed guidance on where to invest. If you're an Info-Tech member, LIVE is where you get the most value from your subscription.
InfoComm
The premier professional AV event. LED walls, projectors, digital signage, unified communications, control systems - InfoComm is where the commercial AV industry comes to see what's new. Whether you're designing boardrooms, outfitting stadiums, or deploying campus-wide AV, this show floor is massive and worth walking every aisle.
Black Hat USA
The cybersecurity conference. Period. Black Hat's training sessions (first 4 days) are world-class, and the briefings (last 2 days) feature cutting-edge security research - zero-days, exploit techniques, and defensive strategies presented by the researchers who found them. The Arsenal section lets you test open-source security tools hands-on. It's often paired with DEF CON the following week. If you're in cybersecurity, you already know. 🔐
Ai4
AI for business leaders - not researchers. Ai4 is about practical AI implementation: how to build an AI strategy, deploy models in production, measure ROI, and navigate governance. If you're a VP, director, or C-suite exec trying to figure out how AI actually impacts your bottom line, this is built for you.
TSIA World ENVISION
TSIA's conference for B2B technology companies focused on the customer lifecycle - customer success, professional services, managed services, and support. If you lead a customer-facing function at a B2B tech company, ENVISION gives you benchmark data and best practices from TSIA's extensive research.
Oracle AI World
Oracle's event focused on AI across data, applications, and cloud infrastructure. Oracle has been making aggressive moves in AI - from embedded AI in Fusion apps to OCI's growing GPU infrastructure. If you're an Oracle shop, this is where you see the roadmap. If you're not, it's worth watching to see how Oracle's AI strategy evolves.
TECHSPO Las Vegas
The Vegas edition of TECHSPO. AdTech, MarTech, and SaaS technology showcases at the Luxor. Given the city's endless conference calendar, TECHSPO Las Vegas benefits from the overflow crowd that's already in town for other events.
AWS re:Invent
AWS's mega-conference and arguably the biggest cloud event in the world. Generative AI, data platforms, serverless, security, containers - everything AWS. Re:Invent is so big it takes over multiple venues along the Strip. The product announcements during Andy Jassy's keynote (and the Builder's Session that follows) set the tone for cloud computing for the next year. Book early - Vegas hotels sell out for this one.
CES 2027
I know this is technically 2027, but CES planning starts months in advance, and it's the event that kicks off the tech year. 130,000+ attendees, 3,500+ exhibitors, and every consumer technology trend you can imagine. From AI to smart home to automotive to health tech, CES is the spectacle. If you've never been, add it to your bucket list.
Ohio
Ohio Information Security Conference
A one-day CISO and security-focused conference with multiple tracks. Regional security conferences like this are underrated - you get real conversations with local security leaders, practical advice from practitioners (not just vendor pitches), and the networking is more accessible than at massive national events.
Pennsylvania
TECHSPO Philadelphia
Philly's TECHSPO brings the standard AdTech, MarTech, and SaaS expo format to the Mid-Atlantic. Good for Philadelphia and tri-state area tech professionals who want expo-floor discovery without traveling far.
Tennessee
Nashville's growing tech scene is attracting more conferences every year. Two solid events in 2026.
TechAdvantage
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association's technology conference. Focused on electric cooperative technology - grid modernization, smart meters, renewable integration, and operational tech for power utilities. If you work in the utility/energy sector, TechAdvantage is highly specialized and valuable.
ISE EXPO
Focused on network infrastructure - fiber deployment, wireless technology, 5G, and broadband. ISE EXPO is where telcos, ISPs, and network builders come to see the latest in last-mile connectivity, fiber installation, and wireless access. With rural broadband funding pouring in, this event has become increasingly relevant.
Texas
Texas brings a strong mix of energy tech, enterprise IT, and general technology events. Houston and San Antonio lead the charge, with Austin closing out the year.
Pittcon
The premier conference for analytical chemistry, instrumentation, and laboratory science. Pittcon attracts researchers, scientists, and lab equipment manufacturers from around the world. The expo is massive - if you're buying lab instruments, spectroscopy equipment, or analytical tools, you'll see everything in one place.
APEC (Applied Power Electronics Conference)
The leading conference for applied power electronics. Power converters, motor drives, power quality, renewable energy systems - APEC brings together the engineers designing the power systems that run everything from EVs to data centers. Highly technical, with excellent papers and industry sessions.
MES Spring
The Channel Company's Midsize Enterprise Summit (Spring edition). Curated meetings between IT leaders at midsize companies and technology vendors. If you're a CIO or IT director at a 500-5,000 employee company, these facilitated one-on-one meetings can be incredibly productive.
TECHSPO Houston
Houston's TECHSPO covers AdTech, MarTech, and SaaS. Given Houston's energy industry dominance, expect some interesting crossover between enterprise tech and energy sector digital transformation.
OTC (Offshore Technology Conference)
The flagship event for the offshore energy sector. Subsea engineering, drilling technology, production systems, and increasingly, the tech behind offshore wind and carbon capture. OTC is massive - tens of thousands of attendees from the global energy industry. If you're in energy tech, this is where the deals happen.
ChemE Show
Focused on chemical engineering and process technology. Covers everything from process optimization and safety to sustainability and decarbonization in chemical manufacturing. Houston's petrochemical corridor makes it the natural home for this event.
TECHSPO San Antonio
San Antonio's TECHSPO. Standard AdTech, MarTech, and SaaS expo format. A good option for South Texas tech professionals.
Spice World
Spiceworks' annual community conference in Austin. AI, cloud, and security - but with the Spiceworks community twist. This is one of the most accessible and affordable IT events out there. The vibe is casual, the sessions are practical, and the vendor access is genuinely useful (not just sales pitches). Great for IT admins and small team leads.
Utah
Pax8 Beyond
Pax8's annual partner conference. If you're an MSP buying through Pax8's marketplace, Beyond is where you learn about new vendor integrations, automation tools, and growth strategies. The MSP-to-MSP networking is the real draw - you'll meet hundreds of partners solving the same problems you are. Salt Lake City is a surprisingly great conference city, too.
How to Make the Most of Tech Conferences
I've been attending tech conferences for years. Here's what I've learned about actually getting value from them - beyond just collecting swag bags. 😄
Before the Conference
- Set 3 specific goals. "Network" isn't a goal. "Meet 5 potential partners in the MSP space" is. Be specific about what you want to walk away with.
- Pre-schedule meetings. Most conferences have apps or platforms for scheduling one-on-ones. Don't wait until you're on the expo floor to figure out who you want to talk to. The best meetings are booked weeks in advance.
- Ditch the paper business cards. Seriously. I've been to enough conferences to know that 90% of paper cards end up crumpled in a jacket pocket, never to be seen again. A digital business card lets you share your contact info instantly via QR code or NFC tap, and the recipient actually saves it. Plus, you get analytics on who opened your card after the event.
- Download the event app. Most major conferences have an app with schedules, maps, and networking features. Download it before you fly.
During the Conference
- Hallway conversations > keynotes. I know that sounds counterintuitive, but the best insights and connections happen in hallways, at lunch, and at after-parties. Don't pack your schedule so tight that you don't have time to be spontaneous.
- Take notes in real-time. After 3 days of sessions, everything blurs together. Jot down action items after each session while they're fresh.
- Work the expo floor strategically. Don't just wander. Identify 10-15 booths you want to visit, hit those first, then explore. The best demos happen early when booth staff are fresh and lines are short.
- Use QR codes, not business card bowls. When someone asks for your card, show them a QR code from your phone or tap an NFC card. It takes 2 seconds and they instantly have your full contact info, photo, and links. I've used this at dozens of events and people always remember the interaction.
After the Conference
- Follow up within 48 hours. This is where most people fail. You meet great people, collect contacts, then... nothing. Send a quick LinkedIn message or email within 48 hours while the conversation is still fresh. Reference something specific you talked about.
- If you used a digital business card, check your analytics. You'll know exactly who opened your card, when, and how many times. That data tells you who's genuinely interested - prioritize those follow-ups. Learn more about sharing your digital business card at events.
- Write a recap. Even if it's just for yourself. What did you learn? What vendors impressed you? What follow-ups do you need to send? A 15-minute recap saves you from losing all the value of a 3-day trip.
Your Next Conference Deserves a Better Business Card
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Create Your Free Card →Frequently Asked Questions
What are the biggest tech conferences in the U.S. in 2026?
CES (Las Vegas, Jan 2027), AWS re:Invent (Las Vegas, Nov-Dec), Google Cloud Next (Las Vegas, Apr), Microsoft Ignite (San Francisco, Nov), and Dreamforce (San Francisco, Sep) are the largest by attendance. Black Hat USA and RSA Conference are the biggest in cybersecurity.
Which tech conferences are free to attend?
NVIDIA GTC offers a free virtual pass, and many TECHSPO events offer free expo passes. Most large conferences charge for full access but offer free or discounted expo-only passes.
What's the best tech conference for AI in 2026?
NVIDIA GTC (March, San Jose) is the top pick for technical AI content. For business-focused AI, try Ai4 (August, Las Vegas) or HumanX (April, San Francisco).
What's the best cybersecurity conference in 2026?
Black Hat USA (August, Las Vegas) for technical research, and RSA Conference (March, San Francisco) for the broader security industry. Both are must-attend events for security professionals.
How much do tech conferences typically cost?
Prices range widely - from $195 (Developer Week) to $8,200+ (Gartner IT Symposium). Most mid-tier conferences fall in the $500-$2,000 range for full passes. Expo-only passes are often significantly cheaper.
Which state has the most tech conferences?
Nevada (Las Vegas specifically) hosts more tech conferences than any other state, followed by California and Florida. Las Vegas's convention infrastructure, hotels, and flight connectivity make it the default conference city.
Are tech conferences worth attending in person?
Yes - the networking, hallway conversations, and expo floor interactions are impossible to replicate virtually. The ROI comes from the people you meet, not just the sessions you attend.
How far in advance should I register for tech conferences?
3-6 months in advance for best pricing and hotel availability. Major events like AWS re:Invent and CES sell out months ahead, and early-bird pricing can save 20-40%.
What should I bring to a tech conference?
A digital business card (or NFC card), a portable charger, comfortable shoes, and a light laptop or tablet for notes. Skip the stack of paper cards - a QR code on your phone works better.
How do I network effectively at tech conferences?
Set specific goals, pre-schedule meetings through the event app, and follow up within 48 hours. Quality conversations beat quantity of card exchanges every time.
Heading to a Conference in 2026?
Create a free digital business card before your next event. Share via QR code, NFC tap, or link - no app required for you or your contacts. Free forever, with analytics included.
Create Your Free Digital Business CardAbout the Author: George El-Hage is the Founder of Wave Connect, a browser-based digital business card platform serving 150,000+ professionals worldwide. With 6+ years helping organizations transition from paper to digital networking, George has deep expertise in what makes digital business cards successful for individuals and teams. Wave Connect is SOC 2 Type II compliant and integrates with leading CRM platforms like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Pipedrive.
