30 Best Business Conferences in 2026 for Professionals

Business conferences offer great opportunities for networking and learning, and an array of organizations are hosting conferences, summits, and expos in 2026. No matter your industry, title, or goals, you can find an event to expand your knowledge and strengthen your skills. 

This guide will help you explore a wide range of the best business conferences in 2026, showcasing the top options and sharing their dates, locations, and key focus areas. 

These conferences span multiple sectors and cater to professionals at every stage of their careers, from those in their first jobs to executives with decades of experience. 

Business management conferences in 2026

Business management conferences are an excellent way for leaders at all levels to explore new skills and strategies. These events highlight emerging management trends so leaders can stay current and evolve with their organizations. 

1. Workhuman® Live Orlando

• Date: April 27-30
• Location: Orlando, Florida
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: From $1595 (team discounts are also available) 
• Key focus: Leadership and human resources, including employee recognition, performance management, diversity and inclusion, and workplace culture
• Notable speakers: Past speakers include Arianna Huffington, Simon Sinek, Michelle Obama, and Amal Clooney 
• Ideal for: Business leaders, people managers, culture curators, CXOs, and CHROs
• Register here: https://www.workhumanlive.com/pricing/

Why attend:

Workhuman Live addresses the most pressing topics for people leaders, bringing together leading voices and up-and-coming professionals to connect and share ideas. The conference features compelling speakers, interactive workshops, and dozens of breakout sessions. With more than 3000 expected attendees, it's also perfect for networking. 

2. ICAM 2026

• Date: April 13-15
• Location: Seattle Convention Center, Seattle, Washington
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: Tickets are $1495 for members or $1795 for non-members through March 12 and then $1645 for members and $1945 for non-members. 
• Key focus: Business management and leadership, best practices and strategies in business education
• Notable speakers: Not yet announced
• Ideal for: Corporate professionals and individuals in business education
• Register here: https://my.aacsb.edu/Events/Calendar-Of-Events/Registration-Start

Why attend:

Business professionals from more than 60 countries attend this conference, giving you access to a wide variety of perspectives and ideas in the field of business education. 

3. OR Business Management Summit

• Date: February 9-11
• Location: Austin, Texas
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: Starting at $825  
• Key focus: Strategies and tools healthcare organizations can use to improve the efficiency and profitability of their surgical suites
• Notable speakers: Not yet announced
• Ideal for: Healthcare facility employees and business leaders in perioperative services
• Register here: https://accessintel.swoogo.com/orbms26/register

Why attend:

This financial summit is exclusive to healthcare professionals, with targeted information to help them overcome difficulties in cost management and financial performance. 

4. For All Summit

• Date: April 21-23
• Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: Early bird tickets through December 31, 2025, are $1795, advance tickets through February 15 are $1995, and full price tickets through April 23 are $2195. Special rates are available for nonprofit, government, and education professionals, groups, and veterans. 
• Key focus: Leadership strategies to create positive work environments and cultures
• Notable speakers: Not yet announced, but past speakers include Jon M. Chu and Penny Pennington 
• Ideal for: Business leaders in executive management, human resources, diversity and inclusion, and training and development
• Register here: https://www.forallsummit.com/register

Why attend:

Sponsored by Great Place to Work, this conference offers professional development credit hours and extensive exposure to leaders from hundreds of companies. 

5. Responsible Business USA

• Date: May 2026
• Location: United States
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: Not yet announced
• Key focus: Sustainable business practices
• Notable speakers: Not yet announced, but past speakers include Gina McCarthy and Philippe Cousteau Jr. 
• Ideal for: Senior sustainability executives
• Register here: https://events.reutersevents.com/sustainable-business/responsible-business-usa/register

Why attend:

Responsible Business USA aims to provide actionable guidance to professionals in sustainability and features leaders in the field, including voices from government and business. 

Business & leadership conferences in 2026

If you work in a leadership position, a conference can help you connect with people in similar roles and learn from their insights. You'll have an opportunity to refine your leadership skills, including communication and performance management. 

6. Business & Leadership Conference

• Date: February 24-26
• Location: Ritz-Carlton Dallas Las Colinas, Irving, Texas
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: Not yet announced
• Key focus: Technology, the business of systems integration, and industry networking
• Notable speakers: Not yet announced
• Ideal for: Integration leaders and professionals
• Register here: https://members.nsca.org/nsca-events/business-and-leadership-conference-2026/register

Why attend:

Hosted by the National Systems Contractors Association (NSCA), this conference for professionals in the systems integration industry offers dozens of breakout sessions and extensive networking opportunities. 

7. NBAA Leadership Conference

• Date: February 2-4
• Location: San Antonio, Texas
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: Before January 11, 2026, NBAA members pay $1,94,0 and non-members pay $2330. Regular registration prices are $2270 and $2670. 
• Key focus: Aviation leadership, including communication and performance in flight departments and businesses
• Notable speakers: Not yet announced 
• Ideal for: Business aviation professionals
• Register here: NBAA Leadership Conference registration

Why attend:

The National Business Aviation Association's (NBAA's) annual leadership conference provides practical advice for improving leadership skills and connects attendees with respected experts and authors. 

8. ALP National Conference

• Date: July 13-16
• Location: Omaha, Nebraska
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: Not yet announced
• Key focus: "Building Connections. Building Community," equitable leadership models, resilience and adaptation, and collaborative problem-solving
• Notable speakers: Not yet announced, but past speakers include Dr. Shideh Shafie and Aiko Bethea 
• Ideal for: Community leadership program professionals
• Register here: ALP National Conference interest form

Why attend:

This conference features hands-on learning activities, workshops, and sessions, as well as opportunities to network with more than 250 leadership professionals. 

9. NEWH Leadership Conference

• Date: March 26-28
• Location: Westin Washington DC Downtown, Washington, D.C.
• Event format: In-person 
• Pricing: Not yet available 
• Key focus: Hospitality business strategies and networking opportunities 
• Notable speakers: Victoria LaBalme
• Ideal for: Hospitality professionals
• Register here: Not yet available

Why attend:

The Network of Executive Women in Hospitality (NEWH) connects hospitality professionals from around the world, focuses on critical topics in the industry, and has multiple highly regarded keynote speakers. 

10. EntreLeadership Summit

• Date: May 17-20
• Location: Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Florida
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: Contact summit organizers for pricing details
• Key focus: Leadership and entrepreneurship skills, practical strategies, and common obstacles 
• Notable speakers: Dave Ramsey, Arthur Brooks, and Brian Buffini
• Ideal for: Current and prospective leaders and entrepreneurs
• Register here: EntreLeadership Summit registration

Why attend:

The EntreLeadership Summit features nearly a dozen well-known speakers with expertise in entrepreneurship and leadership, as well as multiple breakout sessions and social activities for networking. 

Small business conferences in 2026

Small business leaders have unique needs, particularly in terms of networking and growth. A small business conference is a prime opportunity to meet other members of your industry and discover new ways to help your company thrive.

11. Small Business Expo

• Date: Various dates during 2026
• Location: Various locations around the United States
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: Green badges are free, and prices top out with the $250 VIP badge. 
• Key focus: Elements of entrepreneurship, including marketing, sales, leadership, and financial management
• Notable speakers: Differs by location
• Ideal for: Entrepreneurs, business owners, and start-ups
• Register here: Small Business Expo registration

Why attend:

The expo has sessions, exhibits, and presentations centered around developing small businesses, and you can meet vendors who offer valuable services for your business. 

12. National Small Business Conference

• Date: January 26-29
• Location: Nashville, Tennessee
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: Early bird rates range from $475 for members to $575 for non-members. 
• Key focus: Connecting small businesses with government agencies 
• Notable speakers: Not yet announced
• Ideal for: Small business owners
• Register here: National Small Business Conference registration

Why attend:

This conference is ideal if you own a small business and are interested in government contracting because you can gain exposure as an exhibitor who demonstrates and explains your products or services. 

13. Federal Small Business Conference for the A/E/C Industry

• Date: November 4-6
• Location: Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: Not yet available
• Key focus: Small businesses working with the government and competing for contracts 
• Notable speakers: Not yet announced
• Ideal for: Small business owners in architecture, engineering, and construction
• Register here: Not yet available

Why attend:

More than 5,000 people attend this conference, including members of federal agencies interested in meeting with new service and product providers. 

14. SBI 50th Annual Conference

• Date: April 8-11
• Location: Luminary Hotel, Fort Myers, Florida
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: Not yet available
• Key focus: Small business development
• Notable speakers: Not yet announced
• Ideal for: Small business owners
• Register here: Not yet available

Why attend:

The Small Business Institute (SBI) conference shares current industry research through presentations, roundtables, and workshops and honors an outstanding Project of the Year. 

15. Small Business Workshop & Conference

• Date: February 2-3
• Location: Louisville, Kentucky
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: Not yet available
• Key focus: Small business development
• Notable speakers: Not yet announced
• Ideal for: Small business owners
• Register here: Not yet available

Why attend:

The Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) small business conference includes an opportunity to discuss and receive feedback on your business development plans. 

Women's business conferences in 2026

Women in business, particularly in leadership roles, often have to break through additional barriers to succeed. These conferences empower them to overcome those obstacles and expand their skill sets. 

16. GLOW Conference

• Date: Not yet announced
• Location: Not yet announced
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: Not yet available 
• Key focus: Leadership development, cultural issues, and entrepreneurship
• Notable speakers: Not yet announced
• Ideal for: Women entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders
• Register here: Not yet available

Why attend:

The goal of the Growing, Leading, and Owning the Win (GLOW) conference is to give women the tools they need to grow their businesses and help them bond with leaders and colleagues. 

17. EquipHer Conference

• Date: April 13-14
• Location: ChurchLV, Las Vegas, Nevada
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: General admission tickets are $125 and the VIP experience is $500
• Key focus: Networking opportunities and business development
• Notable speakers: Hosted by Pastor Wendy Perez and Carrie Pasch
• Ideal for: Christian businesswomen
• Register here: EquipHer Conference registration

Why attend: 

This conference includes a social hour and networking roundtables, as well as an optional VIP experience with additional access to keynote speakers. 

18. She Speaks CEO: Women in Leadership Conference

• Date: May 15-17
• Location: Sheraton Denver Downtown, Denver, Colorado
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: Early bird tickets are $475 for Denver residents and $575 for others. VIP tickets are $1,500. 
• Key focus: Leadership styles, personality profiles, artificial intelligence, and work/life balance
• Notable speakers: Not yet announced
• Ideal for: Women in leadership
• Register here: She Speaks CEO Women in Leadership Conference registration

Why attend: 

Women in leadership roles can participate in "how-to" sessions with practical guidance in core areas and participate in panel discussions with industry experts. 

19. Women in Leadership Conference

• Date: February 27
• Location: Rice University, Houston, Texas
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: Not yet available 
• Key focus: Leadership styles, personal brands, artificial intelligence, and common challenges
• Notable speakers: Not yet announced, but past speakers include Marie Myers and Kathryne Reeves 
• Ideal for: Women leaders in business
• Register here: Not yet available

Why attend: 

This conference, hosted by Rice University, gives women a forum to discuss their ideas and connect with corporations and important business figures. 

20. Women Inspire 2026

• Date: March 6
• Location: The Quay in Toronto, Ontario
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: Early bird tickets are $74.82 (Canadian), general admission tickets are $79, and CEO table tickets are $115. Tickets are free for partners and Women's Entrepreneurs Exchange (WEEx) members. 
• Key focus: Women's leadership skills in Canada's trade and economic sectors
• Notable speakers: Not yet announced
• Ideal for: Women in business and trade
• Register here: Women Inspire registration

Why attend: 

Scheduled to coincide with International Women's Day, this one-day conference includes keynote addresses from government officials, roundtables, and networking sessions. 

Black business conferences in 2026

Conferences for Black business professionals offer support based on the specific challenges they face. These are some of the most prominent conferences in 2026. 

21. IAmBlack Conference

• Date: March 30
• Location: Technology and Innovation Centre, Glasgow, United Kingdom
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: Early bird tickets are £10 for students and £20 for professionals until September 26, 2025. Prices are then £20 for students, £40 for professionals, and free for youth ages 11 to 17. 
• Key focus: Diverse leadership, mentorship programs, and inclusive workplace cultures
• Notable speakers: Not yet announced
• Ideal for: Black professionals and talent
• Register here: IAmBlack Conference registration

Why attend: 

This conference provides strategies for developing and retaining Black talent and features 30 employers, more than 20 speakers, and a variety of educational sessions. 

22. Women of Power Summit

• Date: March 11-15
• Location: Bellagio Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: Early registration tickets are $1,495, registration after September 1, 2025, is $1,695, and registration beginning January 2, 2026, is $1,895. 
• Key focus: Corporate trends and leadership skills for women of color
• Notable speakers: Not yet announced
• Ideal for: Executive women of color
• Register here: Women of Power Summit registration

Why attend: 

This conference honors and develops women of color in business with multiple well-respected speakers, networking opportunities, and breakout sessions. 

23. Pitch Black Conference

• Date: May 2
• Location: MCC Institute for the Culinary Arts, Omaha, Nebraska
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: Tickets are $130 for members and $140 for non-members. 
• Key focus: Entrepreneurship in diverse communities 
• Notable speakers: Not yet announced
• Ideal for: Entrepreneurs who are people of color, refugees, and immigrants
• Register here: Pitch Black Conference registration

Why attend: 

In addition to learning opportunities, this conference includes a business pitch competition with a grand prize of up to $15,000 for entrepreneurs. 

24. The UK Black Business Entrepreneurs Conference

• Date: Not yet announced
• Location: Not yet announced
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: Not yet available
• Key focus: Entrepreneurship, brand equity, market exposure, and business development strategies
• Notable speakers: Not yet announced, but past speakers include Carlton Brown and Tskenya-Sarah Frazer
• Ideal for: Black entrepreneurs 
• Register here: UK Black Business Entrepreneurs Conference registration

Why attend: 

This conference includes hands-on panels, helps you gain market exposure to increase your brand equity, and highlights the experiences of Black business owners. 

25. Black Business Summit 2026

• Date: March 18-20 
• Location: Halifax Convention Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: Summit-only tickets are $200, and full summit package tickets are $250.
• Key focus: "Innovation in Motion," trends in business and technology 
• Notable speakers: Not yet announced
• Ideal for: Black entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators 
• Register here: Black Business Summit registration

Why attend: 

Attendees interested in the role of technology in business can explore new strategies, tools, and resources and strengthen their skills. 

Sports business conferences in 2026

Sports business conferences are pivotal for professionals in sports management and related industries. These events are tailored to their needs. 

26. International Sports Convention

• Date: March 25-26
• Location: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: Tickets purchased by December 19, 2025, are £695, with discounted rates for multiple tickets. 
• Key focus: Brands and sponsorship, sports investment, sports integrity, and digital and fan engagement
• Notable speakers: Not yet announced, but past speakers include Dan Barker and Elis Wyn Jones 
• Ideal for: Sports business professionals
• Register here: International Sports Convention registration

Why attend: 

The ISC conference is one of the largest sports-based conferences in the world, with 120 speakers and opportunities to meet with potential clients. 

27. Business of Football Summit

• Date: February 25-26
• Location: London, England
• Event format: Hybrid
• Pricing: Digital passes are £219, in-person passes are £1,679, and special rates are available for groups. 
• Key focus: Networking opportunities and the most important trends in the business of football
• Notable speakers: Not yet announced, but past speakers include Richard Masters and Todd Boehly 
• Ideal for: Football and finance leaders
• Register here: Business of Football Summit registration

Why attend: 

With online and in-person attendance options, this conference is highly accessible and focuses on financial issues in the sports management world, including regulations and operating costs. 

28. National Sports Forum

• Date: February 22-24
• Location: Union Station Hotel, St. Louis, Missouri
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: Early registration is $1,395 for teams and leagues and $1,595 for all other sectors. 
• Key focus: Ticket sales and service, marketing and fan engagement, diversity and inclusion, and business development
• Notable speakers: Not yet available 
• Ideal for: Sports business professionals
• Register here: National Sports Forum registration

Why attend: 

Hosted by the Sports Business Journal, this conference connects more than 1,000 members of the NFL, NBA, and NHL through workshops, main stage sessions, and breakout sessions. 

29. Global Sport Business Association Conference

• Date: February 16-20
• Location: Fort Lauderdale, Bimini, and Nassau on the Celebrity Reflection
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: Early bird pricing through October 1, 2025, is $275 for regular registration and $50 for students and guests. 
• Key focus: "Ideas in Motion" 
• Notable speakers: Not yet announced
• Ideal for: Scholars, practitioners, and entrepreneurs in the sports business 
• Register here: GSBA Conference registration

Why attend: 

This conference centers around research in sport business and pedagogy, specifically related to new technologies, cross-border partnerships, and sports business models. 

30. Annual COSMA Conference

• Date: February 4-5
• Location: St. Augustine, Florida
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: General registration is $200, and the conference is free for students and CSM Hall of Fame members.
• Key focus: Sports management and administration strategies and teaching ideas
• Notable speakers: Not yet announced
• Ideal for: Sports management professionals
• Register here: COSMA Conference registration

Why attend: 

At the COSMA conference, you'll gain exposure to academics and industry leaders in sports business and will learn about pedagogical practices and the newest research. 

Why attending business events is valuable

Investing your time and energy in a business conference can deliver long-lasting rewards. These events are designed to spark new ideas, expand your network, and keep you ahead of the curve. You’ll not only connect with like-minded professionals but also gain exposure to innovations and strategies that can shape your career and business growth.

Networking opportunities

Business conferences bring together industry leaders, trendsetters, and peers in one place, making them a powerful space for building relationships. 

Every conversation has the potential to open doors, whether it’s a future job opportunity, a strategic partnership, or a client referral. The connections you make at a conference often extend well beyond the event, becoming valuable resources throughout your career journey.

Gaining industry insights and trends

Workshops, keynote speeches, and panel discussions give you direct access to the latest thinking in your field. From emerging technologies to innovative business models, you’ll gain insider knowledge before it reaches the mainstream. 

Conferences also highlight proven best practices, offering you practical takeaways you can apply immediately to boost your professional performance and organizational impact.

Personal and professional development

Conferences aren’t just about keeping up with industry trends; they’re also about investing in yourself. Leadership sessions, hands-on training, and skill-building workshops help you develop confidence, sharpen your decision-making, and strengthen your communication skills. 

The result is growth that benefits both your career advancement and your day-to-day professional life.

How to get the most value from business conferences

The benefits you gain from a conference largely depend on what you make of the experience. A few simple steps can help maximize the value of your time. 

Set clear goals before attending

Although the organizers will provide you with a conference agenda, set your own objectives before attending. Consider what you want to accomplish, whether that's expanding knowledge in certain areas or meeting key industry leaders. These goals will help you decide what sessions, panels, and events to attend once you arrive.

Effective networking strategies

Plan your networking efforts before the conference. For example, if you have an innovative idea or are interested in connecting with a prospective employer, prepare an elevator pitch so you're ready to share your vision on the spot. 

Take advantage of social events, such as lunches or dinners, to get to know fellow attendees, and be prepared to share your contact details and social media handles so you can connect.  

Follow up after the conference

You can still continue learning when a conference ends. Follow up with any new contacts and reference ideas you discussed or lingering questions you have. 

Consider reaching out to individuals on professional social media networks, and look for ways you might collaborate or support one another in the future. 

Conclusion

Business conferences offer far more than a few days away from the office; they provide opportunities to sharpen your skills, expand your network, and gain insights that can transform your career. 

In 2026, you’ll find events that cover every angle of business: from management and leadership to small business growth, women’s entrepreneurship, Black business excellence, and even the sports industry. Each gathering connects you with industry leaders, highlights the latest trends, and gives you practical tools you can put to use immediately.

If you only have time to attend one event this year, make it Workhuman Live 2026. With its focus on leadership, workplace culture, and innovation, it delivers a transformative experience that stands apart from the rest. No matter which conference you choose, investing in your professional development is one of the smartest decisions you can make for long-term success.

About Alex Yap-Dubois

Alex is a workplace storyteller with a knack for breaking big ideas into clear, actionable insights. As an author on the Workhuman Live Blog, he focuses on list-style articles that bring clarity to the most pressing workplace trends, from recognition and culture to leadership and the future of work. With a background in digital strategy and content creation, he approaches every topic with a balance of research and practical takeaways, helping readers find inspiration they can put into action right away.