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While your competitors are running on autopilot, the marketers driving real results are the ones who invest in staying sharp. They're learning how emerging trends are reshaping customer experience before those trends become table stakes. They're connecting with the practitioners who've already solved the problems you're facing.

This is where the right conferences become part of your competitive edge. With 2026 packed with marketing events, the question isn't whether to attend, it's deciding which ones will give you the best ROI and translate into better performance.

Whether you're setting up new workflows with AI, or are just curious to see if you're following best practices, there's something here for you.
2026 is packed with marketing events that can help you sharpen your skills, solve current challenges, and connect with thought leaders. Check out the list below.

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Best Marketing Automation Conferences in 2026 Shortlist

Here's a shortlist of the best marketing automation conferences I think are worth attending in 2026:

  1. Advanced Email Conference - Manchester, UK (January 21, 2026)
  2. The AI Conference - San Jose, CA (March 16-19, 2026)
  3. SocialWest - Calgary, Canada (May 27-29, 2026)
  4. AI Summit London - London, UK (June 10-11, 2026)
  5. Email Marketing Automation Summit - Circa Amsterdam, Netherlands (June 11, 2026)
  6. ATOMICON - Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (June 16, 2026)
  7. The MarTech Conference - Virtual (September 2, 2026)
  8. Marketing Artificial Intelligence Conference (MAICON) - Cleveland, OH (October 13-15, 2026)
  9. DigiMarCon World - Las Vegas, NV (November 4-6, 2026)
  10. MarTech Conference - Virtual (November 4, 2026)

Overview of the Best Marketing Automation Conferences of 2026

Below are my summaries of the best marketing automation conferences on my shortlist. My reviews offer a look at each event's dates, location, pricing, and unique offering.

1. Advanced Email Conference- Manchester, UK (January 21, 2026)

Advanced Email Conference website showing attendees listening to a presentation in Manchester, UK.
The audience gathered during a live session at the Advanced Email Conference in Manchester.

The Advanced Email Conference is a premier event for professionals in email marketing and CRM strategies, with a strong focus on personalization and optimization. It was a platform for sharing innovative strategies and has featured notable speakers in the past, although specifics for 2026 have yet to be announced. Organized by a dedicated UK team, the conference promises fresh insights and practical case studies.

Why attend? If you're seeking to enhance your email marketing strategies, this conference offers unique insights into AI, customer personalization, and effective email design. With expert panels and interactive sessions, teams working in B2B marketing and e-commerce can gain actionable knowledge and connect with industry professionals. The event's focus on real-world applications and networking opportunities makes it a standout choice for marketing professionals.

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2. The AI Conference - San Jose, CA, USA& Virtual (March 16-19, 2026)

NVIDIA GTC AI Conference website displaying event highlights and attendee activity in San Jose.
Scenes from the NVIDIA GTC show floor featuring demos, talks, and attendee interactions.

The AI Conference, part of NVIDIA's GTC, is a leading event for developers, researchers, and business leaders focused on AI advancements. It started as a platform to share cutting-edge AI technologies and has featured notable speakers, including NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang. Organized by NVIDIA, the conference offers sessions, hands-on training, and networking opportunities with industry experts.

Why attend? You and your team will explore the latest in AI, including physical AI and agentic AI, through interactive sessions, labs, and certifications. The event hosts special activities like hackathons and startup showcases, making it ideal for gaining practical skills and insights into future AI trends.

3. SocialWest - Calgary, Canada (May 27-29, 2026)

SocialWest conference website showing a packed audience attending a keynote session in Calgary.
Full conference hall during a keynote session at SocialWest in Calgary.

SocialWest is Canada's largest marketing conference, drawing professionals across content, automation, and social media marketing. Since its inception, it has provided a platform for marketing experts to share insights and strategies. Notable speakers for 2026 include Emma Stevens and Paula Worthington. The conference is organized around practical sessions and networking opportunities.

Why attend? At SocialWest, you'll immerse yourself in over 40 expert-led sessions, keynotes, and workshops. The event's emphasis on networking, with three evenings dedicated to connecting with peers, sets it apart. Whether you're interested in content marketing, AI, or digital strategy, this conference offers valuable insights and connections for you and your team.

4. AI Summit London - London, UK (June 10-11, 2026)

AI Summit London website showing attendees posing in front of event branding at Tobacco Dock.
Attendees captured in front of the official AI Summit London signage at the venue.

The AI Summit London is a key event during London Tech Week, attracting over 5,000 attendees with its focus on AI advancements and business impacts. It features more than 300 speakers and numerous immersive experiences. Organized by Informa Tech, it provides a platform for industry leaders to share insights and showcase the latest AI solutions.

Why attend? At the AI Summit London, you and your team can explore cutting-edge AI technologies through interactive sessions and networking opportunities. The event focuses on real-world AI applications and industry-specific panels. This makes it a must-attend for professionals looking to stay ahead in the AI landscape, particularly for teams operating across Europe

5. Email Marketing Automation Summit - Amsterdam, Netherlands (June 11, 2026)

Email Marketing Automation Summit website showing networking and stage sessions in Amsterdam.
Conference moments highlighting discussions and networking at the Amsterdam event.

The Email Marketing Automation Summit, organized by DDMA, is scheduled for June 11, 2026, in Amsterdam. It targets marketing professionals, CRM specialists, and digital marketers interested in the latest trends in email marketing automation. The summit features industry experts who discuss deliverability, security, and analytics, offering valuable, actionable insights.

Why attend? The summit appeals to marketers familiar with platforms like HubSpot and Adobe, offering expert insights into deliverability and lifecycle marketing. It offers unique insights into deliverability, security, and lead generation, making it a must-attend for those seeking to enhance their email marketing strategies. Networking opportunities with industry leaders add to the event's appeal.

6. ATOMICON - Newcastle upon Tyne, UK & Virtual (June 16, 2026)

ATOMICON conference website showing a large audience and speakers on stage in Newcastle.
Wide view of the main stage and audience during an ATOMICON session.
  • Dates: June 16, 2026 (with a fringe event on June 15)
  • Location: The Glasshouse
  • Pricing: From £210

ATOMICON is a dynamic sales and marketing conference designed for small business owners. It takes place in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, and is organized by Andrew and Pete. Known for its no-pitch environment, the conference focuses on actionable insights in digital marketing, audience growth, and productivity. It attracts over 1,500 attendees and offers both in-person and virtual experiences.

Why attend? At ATOMICON, you'll benefit from expert-led sessions on topics like SEO, branding, and social media strategies. The event's friendly atmosphere encourages networking through workshops and parties. You'll leave with practical skills and inspiration to boost your business growth.

7. The MarTech Conference - Virtual (September 2, 2026)

MarTech Conference website showing a marketer using analytics dashboards on a tablet and laptop.
Visual highlighting data-driven workflows and analytics tools featured on the MarTech Conference website.
  • Dates: September 2, 2026
  • Location: Virtual
  • Pricing: TBA
  • Social Media: Facebook

The MarTech Conference is a leading event for marketing technology professionals, offering insights into the latest tools and strategies. Organized by Third Door Media, it caters to marketing leaders and innovators seeking to enhance their technology stack and improve marketing efficiency. The conference features expert speakers from top companies sharing their experiences and knowledge.

Why attend? The MarTech Conference provides a unique platform to explore cutting-edge marketing technologies and strategies. With a focus on practical applications and real-world case studies, you and your team can gain valuable insights to drive your marketing efforts. The virtual format ensures accessibility to global attendees, fostering a diverse and enriching experience.

8. Marketing Artificial Intelligence Conference (MAICON) - Cleveland, OH, USA (October 13-15, 2026)

MAICON conference website showing a speaker presentation focused on AI marketing topics.
Speaker presenting data-driven insights during a MAICON conference session.

MAICON is a premier event for marketers looking to integrate AI into their strategies. Since its inception, it has focused on demystifying AI and making it accessible for marketing professionals. The Marketing AI Institute organizes the conference and features speakers such as Paul Roetzer and other AI experts who share insights on leveraging AI for marketing success.

Why attend? The conference attracts senior marketing professionals and influencer voices shaping how AI is applied in modern marketing organizations. The event offers a unique opportunity to learn from AI pioneers and case studies, and to network with peers facing similar challenges. It's ideal for marketers eager to embrace AI and gain a competitive edge.

9. DigiMarCon World - Las Vegas, NV, USA& Virtual (November 4-6, 2026)

DigiMarCon World website showing a speaker presenting to an audience in Las Vegas.
Live presentation in progress during a DigiMarCon World conference session.

DigiMarCon World is a premier digital marketing conference held annually in Las Vegas that attracts over 35,000 attendees. It features more than 1,000 speakers, including industry leaders, and offers sessions on AI, content marketing, and social media strategies. DigiMarCon organizes the event and includes extensive networking opportunities, as well as the TECHSPO Technology Expo.

Why attend? At DigiMarCon World, you and your team can explore the latest digital marketing trends and technologies. The conference offers a diverse range of sessions and workshops that provide practical insights to enhance your marketing strategies. Networking opportunities with global professionals make this event an ideal way to expand your connections and knowledge.

10. MarTech Conference - Virtual (November 4, 2026)

MarTech Conference website highlighting event content and participating enterprise brands.
Overview of featured companies and content promoted on the MarTech Conference website.
  • Dates: November 4, 2026
  • Location: Virtual
  • Pricing: Free

The MarTech Conference is a vital event for marketing professionals seeking to integrate technology into their strategies. Organized by Third Door Media, it began as a platform to explore the intersection of marketing and technology. The conference features experts like Scott Brinker, who share insights on optimizing marketing operations and technology stacks.

Why attend? The MarTech Conference offers a comprehensive look at the latest marketing technologies and best practices. You and your team can learn from industry leaders through interactive sessions and case studies. Its virtual format ensures accessibility and a diverse range of perspectives, making it a must-attend for those looking to innovate in marketing.

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Breanna Lawlor

As Community Editor for The CMO, Breanna helps B2B and B2C brands connect with their audiences through authentic storytelling that drives engagement and loyalty. By sourcing and sharing expertise from accomplished CMOs, VPs of Marketing and those who've built high-powered marketing teams from the ground up, you'll find insights here you won't discover elsewhere.

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