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Top Marketing Events in 2026
Source: marketingdive.com
Published on October 2, 2025
Updated on October 2, 2025
Top Marketing Events in 2026: A Comprehensive Guide
Marketing professionals are gearing up for a busy year in 2026, with a lineup of major events designed to showcase the latest trends, technologies, and networking opportunities. From the Consumer Electronics Show to the Cannes Lions Festival, these events will provide a platform for industry leaders to connect, learn, and innovate.
The marketing landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by advancements in AI, social media, and connected technologies. As brands seek to stay ahead of these changes, attending key conferences and expos will be essential for gaining insights and building strategic partnerships.
Consumer Electronics Show (CES)
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) remains a cornerstone event for consumer technology professionals. Hosted by the Consumer Technology Association, CES attracts over 142,000 attendees and features more than 4,500 exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations. The event provides a unique opportunity for brands to introduce new products, participate in live demos, and connect with industry partners.
SXSW Conference & Festivals
Taking place from March 12-18 in Austin, Texas, the SXSW Conference & Festivals is a multidisciplinary event that brings together professionals from the music, tech, film, and television industries. With a mix of conference sessions, film screenings, music showcases, and exhibitions, SXSW offers a dynamic platform for learning and networking. In 2026, the event celebrates its 40th anniversary with streamlined access and reduced badge prices.
Possible
Held from April 27-29 in Miami Beach, Florida, Possible is a three-day event focused on marketing strategies and innovation. Co-founded by industry veterans Greg Stuart and Christian Muche, the event features sessions, meetups, and networking opportunities for marketers. With over 5,000 attendees and 350 speakers in 2025, Possible continues to grow as a key event for brand marketers and executives.
ANA Brand Masters Conference
The Association of National Advertisers’ (ANA) Brand Masters Conference is a premier event for brand leaders and CMOs. Scheduled for Spring 2026, the conference explores trends in branding and marketing strategies. Past speakers have included representatives from companies like Poppi, True Religion, and Diageo, making it a must-attend event for industry professionals.
IAB NewFronts
The IAB NewFronts serves as a digital content marketplace, connecting brands with native digital content providers. The event showcases new innovations and partnerships, with presentations from major players like Google, Vizio, and NBCUniversal. For marketers looking to leverage digital content, IAB NewFronts is an essential event.
Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity
From June 22-26 in Cannes, France, the Cannes Lions Festival celebrates creativity in advertising. Hosting thought leaders from companies like YouTube, Apple, and Microsoft, the event provides a global stage for recognizing excellence in the industry. Organized by Informa, the festival is a highlight of the marketing calendar.
Advertising Week New York
Advertising Week New York is a four-day event that brings together professionals from marketing, advertising, tech, and brand sectors. With over 16,000 attendees and 1,300 speakers, the event offers a comprehensive look at industry trends and innovations. It remains a key gathering for professionals seeking to stay informed and connected.
DMEXCO
The Digital Marketing Exposition & Conference (DMEXCO) takes place on September 23-24 in Cologne, Germany. As one of Europe’s leading digital marketing events, DMEXCO brings together industry experts to discuss the digital economy through classes, presentations, and keynotes. It is a critical event for marketers focused on digital strategies.
ANA Masters of Marketing Conference
The ANA Masters of Marketing Conference is designed for marketing experts to refine their strategies and explore future trends. Featuring keynotes, workshops, and discussions, the conference attracts speakers from top companies like Adobe, PMG, and the NFL. It is an essential event for forward-thinking marketers.
AdExchanger’s Programmatic I/O
AdExchanger’s Programmatic I/O focuses on programmatic media and marketing, offering content and workshops for marketers, publishers, and tech providers. With past speakers from companies like LG Ad Solutions, TripleLift, and Spotify, the event provides valuable insights into the programmatic landscape.
These events in 2026 will not only shape the marketing industry but also provide unparalleled opportunities for professionals to stay informed, network, and drive innovation. As the year approaches, marketers are encouraged to plan their attendance to maximize their impact in the ever-evolving marketing landscape.