Conferences have been on my mind a lot lately—specifically, the ones that bring together the brightest marketers and creators in the industry.
After sharing the list with my Marketing team, one thought echoed across the board: "Our readers would probably love this, too".
So, why are conferences on our radar in the first place? Well, being a remote team has some huge perks—working with people from around the globe, for starters. But there's something about meeting face-to-face that simply can’t be replicated through a Zoom call.
Plus, the right conference does two things at once: gives you access to top-tier education and opens doors to incredible networking opportunities.
If you’ve been toying with attending one this year (or just got the idea beamed into your head), you’re in luck. I’ve rounded up the top conferences on my radar, with dates, locations, and highlights. These events tick one or more of these boxes:
- Relevant topics: You’ll walk away with strategies that actually work and insights on trends shaping social media, marketing, and business today.
- Great speaker lineups: Think industry leaders and innovators across tech, branding, and the creator economy.
- Networking opportunities: Perfect for meeting collaborators, sponsors, and professionals who can help take your business or creator journey to the next level.
So, let’s dive into the events you’ll want on your calendar for 2025.
1. Creator Economy Live
Date: Feb 4-5, 2025
Location: Caesars Forum, Las Vegas
Price: $999-2,099
Best for: Creators looking to connect with decision-makers and influencer marketing pros
Creator Economy Live is a two-day deep dive into the creator economy, focusing on the strategies, relationships, and platforms that drive the industry forward. Whether you're a creator, agency rep, or marketing professional, you'll find valuable insights to help you grow.
What to Expect:
- Panels and fireside chats with experts sharing their success stories and strategies on building sustainable careers in the creator space.
- Networking lounges and interactive sessions provide opportunities to meet brand partners and other creators.
If making strategic connections and learning from top-tier experts is your goal, this one’s a must.
2. SXSW Austin
Dates: March 7–15, 2025
Location: Austin, Texas
Price: $895-2,195
Best for: Creators and marketers interested in digital innovation, culture, and technology trends
SXSW Austin blends film, music, technology, and interactive media, offering a dynamic space for creative and tech professionals. The conference track is a major draw, focusing on topics that matter to social media, content creation, and digital innovation.
What to expect:
- Panels and workshops on storytelling, audience engagement, and tech innovation.
- Networking mixers and live showcases to connect with potential collaborators in a high-energy, creative atmosphere.
3. Social Media Marketing World
Date: March 30–April 1, 2025
Location: San Diego Convention Center, California; Virtual
Price: $497-1,497
Best for: Marketing professionals, social media managers, and small business owners
Hosted by Social Media Examiner, Social Media Marketing World offers practical training to level up your social me