18 Events and Conferences for Entrepreneurs in 2024 and 2025

Entrepreneurial success often hinges on staying connected with the right people, ideas, and trends. One of the best ways to gain this advantage is by attending industry-leading events and conferences. These gatherings offer a wealth of opportunities, from networking with peers to learning from experts and discovering the latest innovations shaping the future of business. Here are 18 must-attend events for entrepreneurs in 2024, with detailed information on locations, dates, and the value they bring to your entrepreneurial journey.

1. CES 2025 (Consumer Electronics Show)

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Dates: January 7-10, 2025

Overview of CES 2025

CES is one of the largest and most significant global technology conferences. This annual event showcases the latest innovations in consumer electronics, from smart home devices to AI-driven technologies. It attracts over 170,000 attendees from around the world, making it a massive hub for tech enthusiasts and business leaders alike.

Key Benefits for Entrepreneurs

For entrepreneurs, CES offers invaluable insights into the future of technology. By attending, you can explore emerging trends and technologies that could shape your business. You’ll have the chance to meet industry leaders, potential partners, and investors, giving you a competitive edge.

2. TechCrunch Disrupt 2024

Location: San Francisco, California, USA
Dates: September 16-18, 2024

Overview of TechCrunch Disrupt

TechCrunch Disrupt is the ultimate event for startups and technology enthusiasts. It is known for featuring innovative startups pitching to top-tier investors, and it includes sessions on the latest trends in entrepreneurship, product development, and business growth.

Why Entrepreneurs Should Attend

Entrepreneurs attending TechCrunch Disrupt can network with investors, pitch their startups, and learn from the successes and failures of others. This event offers both inspiration and practical advice, making it a key stop for any serious entrepreneur in the tech space.

3. SXSW (South by Southwest) 2024

Location: Austin, Texas, USA
Dates: March 7-15, 2024

Creative Innovation and Entrepreneurship

SXSW is more than just a music and film festival—it's also a haven for entrepreneurs looking to tap into creative innovation. With its blend of technology, culture, and media, SXSW provides a unique platform for entrepreneurs to explore the intersection of creativity and business.

Networking Opportunities

The networking opportunities at SXSW are unparalleled. With thousands of attendees from various industries, you’ll have countless chances to meet potential partners, collaborators, and investors. From informal meetups to formal networking sessions, this event fosters meaningful connections.

4. Web Summit 2024

Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Dates: November 4-7, 2024

The Global Stage for Tech Entrepreneurs

Web Summit is considered one of the largest tech conferences in the world. It attracts over 70,000 attendees from more than 160 countries, including influential entrepreneurs, CEOs, and tech leaders.

Startups and Investor Meetings

If you’re a startup looking for funding or mentorship, Web Summit is a golden opportunity. The event features dedicated tracks for startups and investors, making it an ideal venue for entrepreneurs seeking to scale their businesses globally.

5. World Business Forum 2024

Location: New York City, New York, USA
Dates: October 15-16, 2024

Leadership and Business Growth

The World Business Forum is designed for business leaders who want to learn from some of the biggest names in business, economics, and leadership. The event brings together speakers who have shaped industries, offering lessons on leadership, innovation, and business strategy.

Learning from Business Icons

This event gives you direct access to the minds of global business icons. From CEOs of Fortune 500 companies to visionary entrepreneurs, you'll walk away with actionable insights to drive business growth and improve your leadership skills.

6. SaaStr Annual 2024

Location: San Mateo, California, USA
Dates: September 10-12, 2024

SaaS Entrepreneurship Focus

SaaStr Annual is the largest SaaS (Software as a Service) conference in the world. It focuses on the growth and scaling of SaaS businesses and brings together over 12,500 cloud professionals from around the globe.

Actionable Insights for SaaS Startups

If you're building or scaling a SaaS business, SaaStr Annual is a must-attend. With sessions led by the industry's most successful entrepreneurs, you’ll leave with practical tips on how to grow and improve your SaaS company.

7. The Next Web (TNW) Conference 2025

Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Dates: June 19-20, 2025

Europe's Premier Technology Festival

TNW Conference is one of Europe’s most anticipated tech events, combining insightful talks, cutting-edge innovation, and ample networking opportunities for entrepreneurs.

What Entrepreneurs Can Expect

Entrepreneurs can expect a focus on digital transformation, emerging technologies, and the future of entrepreneurship. With top-tier speakers and a vibrant atmosphere, TNW offers a unique European perspective on global tech trends.

8. Startup Grind Global Conference 2025

Location: Redwood City, California, USA
Dates: April 29-30, 2025

Connecting Startup Leaders Worldwide

Startup Grind is a global community of entrepreneurs who come together to share ideas, learn from each other, and grow their businesses. Its annual global conference is the perfect venue to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs.

Fireside Chats and Workshops

One of the highlights of Startup Grind is its intimate fireside chats with industry leaders, where you can hear their stories and ask questions in a more personal setting. Workshops offer actionable takeaways to help you implement new strategies immediately.

9. GITEX Global 2024

Location: Dubai, UAE
Dates: October 6-10, 2024

Innovation and Technology Showcase

GITEX Global is the largest tech show in the Middle East, offering a massive platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their latest innovations. It covers various sectors including AI, robotics, and blockchain.

Focus on Emerging Markets

For entrepreneurs interested in emerging markets, GITEX is an invaluable resource. It offers opportunities to connect with key players in the Middle East and Africa, two regions with rapidly growing tech ecosystems.

10. Lean Startup Conference 2024

Location: San Francisco, California, USA
Dates: October 21-23, 2024

Practical Entrepreneurship Advice

The Lean Startup Conference is focused on providing actionable advice for entrepreneurs at all stages of their business journey. With a focus on the lean startup methodology, the event teaches attendees how to build scalable businesses with minimal risk.

Learning Lean Methodologies

By attending this event, you’ll learn how to test your business ideas efficiently, reduce waste, and create a product that truly resonates with your market. It’s a perfect conference for both new and seasoned entrepreneurs.

11. Future Festival 2024

Location: Toronto, Canada
Dates: September 16-18, 2024

Trend and Innovation Acceleration

Future Festival is designed to accelerate business innovation by providing attendees with insights into the most important upcoming trends. It's perfect for entrepreneurs looking to get ahead of their competition by capitalizing on future market shifts.

Business Applications of Trends

Future Festival offers more than just theoretical knowledge. Attendees will learn how to apply future trends in real-world business scenarios, giving them the tools to stay ahead in rapidly changing industries.

12. Collision 2025

Location: Toronto, Canada
Dates: May 17-20, 2025

North America’s Fastest-Growing Tech Conference

Collision is known for being one of the fastest-growing tech conferences in North America, attracting entrepreneurs, investors, and tech enthusiasts from around the world.

Networking and Learning Opportunities

Collision provides numerous opportunities to meet with investors, collaborate with other startups, and attend hands-on workshops designed to spark innovation and growth.

13. Social Media Week 2025

Location: New York City, New York, USA
Dates: June 18-19, 2025

Digital Marketing for Entrepreneurs

Social Media Week is the go-to event for entrepreneurs looking to harness the power of digital marketing. It focuses on trends, tools, and techniques for leveraging social media to grow a brand and engage with customers.

Growing a Brand Online

By attending, you’ll gain the skills needed to build a powerful online presence, optimize your social media strategy, and effectively engage your audience. It's ideal for entrepreneurs who are focusing on digital-first marketing strategies.

14. Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) 2025

Location: Melbourne, Australia
Dates: June 2-5, 2025

Worldwide Collaboration for Entrepreneurs

GEC is a unique event that brings together global entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors to discuss the challenges and opportunities in entrepreneurship.

Focus on Startup Ecosystems

The event focuses on improving startup ecosystems around the world, making it an excellent platform for entrepreneurs to gain global perspectives and network with key players in various industries.

15. Rise Conference 2025

Location: Hong Kong
Dates: May 28-31, 2025

Asia’s Leading Tech Conference

Rise is one of Asia’s most influential tech conferences, attracting thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, and journalists each year. It focuses on the latest in tech, business, and media.

Impact of Startups in Asia

Asia is a rapidly growing market for tech startups, and Rise provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs looking to expand into the region. Attendees will gain critical knowledge on how to navigate the complex landscape of the Asian tech ecosystem.

16. VentureBeat Transform 2025

Location: San Francisco, California, USA
Dates: July 17-19, 2025

AI and Data Innovations for Entrepreneurs

VentureBeat Transform is focused on AI, machine learning, and data-driven innovation. It is perfect for entrepreneurs who want to learn how to integrate these technologies into their business models.

Machine Learning and AI-driven Businesses

With sessions on the practical applications of AI and machine learning, entrepreneurs will leave with a better understanding of how to leverage these technologies to create scalable, innovative businesses.

17. INBOUND 2025

Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Dates: September 3-6, 2025

Marketing, Sales, and Business Growth Conference

INBOUND is a comprehensive business conference that focuses on marketing, sales, and customer success strategies. Entrepreneurs attending will learn how to grow their businesses by adopting new marketing techniques and sales strategies.

Entrepreneurial Growth Tactics

The conference offers actionable strategies for business growth, including how to attract and retain customers while fostering long-term success.

18. B2B Marketing Expo 2024

Location: London, United Kingdom
Dates: November 13-14, 2024

Business Marketing Strategies

B2B Marketing Expo focuses on the unique challenges and opportunities in the B2B sector. Entrepreneurs looking to scale their B2B efforts will find workshops, expert panels, and networking events that provide strategies for lead generation and client retention.

How Entrepreneurs Can Leverage B2B

This event is particularly valuable for entrepreneurs working in or targeting the B2B space. By attending, you’ll learn how to position your business to maximize growth and profitability.

Conclusion

Attending conferences and events is an essential step for entrepreneurs looking to grow their business and expand their network. These 18 events for entrepreneurs in 2024 span the globe, offering something for every kind of entrepreneur, from tech enthusiasts to marketing gurus. Whether you're seeking investment, mentorship, or new insights, these conferences will provide you with the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to elevate your business in 2024 and beyond.

FAQs

1. What’s the benefit of attending conferences as an entrepreneur?

Conferences offer a chance to learn from industry leaders, stay updated on the latest trends, and network with peers and potential investors, making them essential for business growth.

2. How can I make the most out of a business conference?

To maximize your experience, set specific goals, attend sessions relevant to your business, network proactively, and follow up with contacts after the event.

3. What should I bring to an entrepreneurial event?

Bring business cards, a notebook or tablet for taking notes, and an open mindset. Don’t forget to have your elevator pitch ready to share with potential investors and collaborators.\

4. Are these events suitable for startups?

Yes, many of these events are geared towards startups and offer opportunities to connect with investors, mentors, and other entrepreneurs, which can be crucial for startup growth.

5. How do I network effectively at large conferences?

Be proactive, introduce yourself to people, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Follow up with the people you meet after the event to nurture those new relationships.