At this point, you should be ready for your first small business conference or trade show.
We’ve spent the last few weeks on the topic, after all. We’ve talked about how conferences and trade shows can benefit your small business. You’ve learned some great tips for marketing at these events. And you’ve even discovered how to set up your booth to draw maximum traffic and exposure.
Now, you just have to find one of these events.
We can help. Check out these five fantastic small business conferences and prepare to be impressed — and more importantly, make your own impression!
5 Small Business Conferences to Look Out For
- WBENC National Conference and Business Fair: If you’re one of the growing number of female entrepreneurs out there, this event put on by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) is a can’t-miss. You’ll find dozens of engaging speakers, a pitch competition, plenty of networking opportunities and much more. This year’s conference takes place June 23-25 in Atlanta, and is currently expected to host more than 4,700 attendees. Price: $599-$1,400, depending on level of registry and when you register.
- Pubcon: How does spring break in Florida sound? Mix pleasure with business March 24-26 by attending Pubcon, billed as the No. 1 marketing conference in the world. You’ll learn to take your small business marketing to the next level with sessions in search engine optimization (SEO), organic social media, search and content marketing, link building and more. Price: $325-$1,599, depending on level of registry and when you register.
- Dreamforce: Brought to you by cloud software giant Salesforce, Dreamforce draws a veritable “who’s who” of the business industry. Past speakers have included Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Megan Rapinoe and Yo-Yo Ma. 2020 dates and speaker lineup should be set soon, so check back regularly, but plan to spend some time in San Francisco this November. Price: TBD.
- Small Business Expo: Each year, the Small Business Expo is held in 17 major cities across the U.S. It brings together business owners from all walks of life to network, learn and connect through workshops, seminars, business card exchanges and exhibitions. All of this can be had for the low, low price of absolutely free, though you can get perks like a lead-scanner app and priority seating in the speed networking event by ponying up $50 to $100 on higher-tier “badges.” Click here to find a location near you. Price: Free-$100, depending on level of registry.
- SXSW Startups Track: Learn about emerging business trends and rub elbows with investors and industry leaders at the SXSW Startups Track, March 13-17 in Austin, Texas. (Note: The full SXSW conference takes place March 13-22.) With plenty of meetups, breakout sessions and product demonstrations, SXSW is the place for the savviest of small business owners to see and be seen! Price: $540-$1,600, depending on level of registry and when you register.
Boost Your Small Business Sense by Attending a Conference!
Think conferences are just a bunch of bored suits sitting around in a hotel ballroom listening to speakers drone on and on? Think again! Today’s small business conferences are high-energy events filled with lively discussions, hands-on training, networking mixers and exciting entertainment. Make 2020 the year you hit the conference circuit!
Not a fan of the conference crowds? Not to worry! There are plenty of other ways to share your small business with the world, and we’d love to tell you all about them. Get in touch with Mischa Communications today and let’s get the conversation started!