Would you believe that we’re over halfway through the year? Mid-year reviews are likely in full swing, if not already completed. The marketing plans made at the end of 2017 are under evaluation in preparation for planning cycles to come.
Now is the time to take an honest look at outlying goals for 2018 from both a business and professional growth standpoint. If you’ve yet to hit the conference circuit this year, consider putting those plans into action. When thoughtfully selected, marketing conferences can not only keep you ahead of the curve on trends and tactics in 2019—they can also re-energize a team that’s already in motion.
Here’s a look at some of the best marketing conferences to attend through the rest of 2018:
Conex – The Content Experience
August 21-22 in Toronto
Presented by Uberflip, Conex brings together the best and brightest in digital marketing, demand generation, and content marketing. It’s two days of keynotes and presentations with this year’s lineup featuring marketing heavy hitters like Omar Johnson, the former VP Marketing at Apple, and Jay Baer, President of Convince & Convert. Late Standard Pricing for tickets set at $799/ticket ends on July 31 with Full Conference Pass tickets falling at $899/ticket.
Brand Marketers Insider Summit
August 19-22 in Utah
If you’re looking to mingle with big brands in the market, look no further than the Brand Marketers Insider Summit. This year’s focus aims to align brand marketers with the idea that data, cross-channel, and tech tactics will all need to be put to work in defining who your brand is, as it exists today. Get your tickets before July 16 to qualify for an early discounted price on tickets at $2,395.
Content Marketing World Conference and Expo
September 4-7 in Cleveland
Dubbed as “the largest content event”, brands set to attend this year’s conference and expo include Honeywell, Zappos, Under Armour, Volvo, and more. With over 120 sessions and workshops to offer, there’s sure to be a little something for everyone, from agency business modeling to mastering SEO. Pricing starts at $699.
Inbound
September 4-7 in Boston
Another mega conference in its own right, Inbound is sponsored by HubSpot and caters to those active in the HubSpot community and passionate marketers alike. In past years, the event has featured inspiring talks from speakers like Michelle Obama, Issa Rae, and Gary Vaynerchuk, in addition to a multitude of breakout sessions. This year promises to be no different with spotlight speakers representing Google X, Soulcycle, Shopify, the ‘me too.’ Movement, and more. Tickets are available at early bird prices starting at $399 through July 20.
STORY 2018
September 20-21 in Nashville
An “uncommon creative community” is one way to describe the group that descends upon Nashville in late September. One thing’s for certain though, this STORY 2018 event aims to inspire. And that’s just what they do during two days of immersive speaking engagements and small group sessions. This year’s lineup of presenters speaks to the creativity that remains ever-present and needed among brand marketers, with producers, costume designers, storytellers, authors, and more. Individual ticket prices start at $399.
Advertising Week
October 1-4 in New York City
This worldwide gathering of marketing, advertising, technology, and brand professionals is in its 15th year for a reason. The Advertising Week conference offers a blend of thought leadership, content, and special sub-events to those across a variety of fields, from public relations specialists to CMOs. It is certainly a one-of-a-kind experience that offers access to insights, as well as hands-on interactive installations around AI, VR, holograms, and more. Passes are now available with pricing set through August 8, starting at $219.
Brandemonium
October 2-5 in Cincinnati
Businesses of all shapes and sizes flock to this event for the latest and greatest in the future of branding. 8 keynotes, 50 sessions, and over 100 speakers and panelists will make up the 4-day Brandemonium experience, featuring presentations from brands like Arby’s, PNC, and Salesforce. Get your badge before September 1 to take advantage of early bird pricing, starting at $499.
Content Jam
October 9-10 in Chicago
Ann Handley, Andy Crestodina, Joanna Wiebe, Joel Klettke — these are the go-to names in content marketing today. And in October, they’ll be taking the stage in Chicago to provide over 300 attendees with insights into all things content strategy, promotion, conversion, and analytics at Content Jam. Small group breakout sessions made available throughout the 2-day event will ensure marketers walk away with not just the knowledge and know-how to put tactics into play.
PubCon
October 16-18 in Las Vegas
If you’re an “SEO nerd”, consider the three-day PubCon conference will be right up your alley. Deep dives into topics on search and social media marketing education will go beyond best practices and shed light on what’s sure to come from mobile SEO, AdWords, neuromarketing, and beyond. Ticket prices start at $499.
MarketingProfs B2B Forum
November 13-16 in San Francisco
With an explicit focus on B2B marketers, the MarketingProfs conference ends the year with innovation and insight into what’s to come for 2019. If you want to make the most of your experience, consider taking advantage of the full-day workshop on November 13. Choose from topics like content strategy, digital analytics, and sales & marketing alignment, for an intensive, hands-on event full of actionable takeaways. Workshop-only, conference-only, and VIP ticket packages are available, starting at $1,095.
Planning to attending a marketing conference in 2018 that we’ve missed in this round-up? Let us know.
