Top Social Media Conferences to Attend in 2026

Social media professionals preparing for 2026 will find a robust lineup of conferences addressing the industry’s most pressing challenges, from artificial intelligence integration to platform fragmentation and evolving content strategies.

The conference circuit kicks off with SXSW in Austin, Texas, from March 12-18, showcasing the intersection of technology and culture. Following closely, Adweek’s Social Media Week runs April 14-16 in New York City, focusing on social-first strategies as growth drivers and tackling issues like AI-generated content proliferation.

AI Takes Center Stage at Major Events

Social Media Marketing World, scheduled for April 28-30 in Anaheim, marks its 13th year with artificial intelligence as the centerpiece. The conference will explore how AI impacts social media strategy while covering essential topics including organic versus paid marketing approaches and platform-specific tactics.

The ANA Digital & Social Media Conference, taking place July 8-10 in Los Angeles, emphasizes networking while addressing retail media networks, connected TV, and influencer marketing trends. Content Marketing World rounds out the fall schedule in Denver from October 5-7, catering specifically to content marketing professionals.

Creator-Focused Events Round Out Calendar

Several creator-oriented conferences complete the 2026 landscape. VidSummit helps influencers build brands and monetize content, while VidCon in Anaheim brings together fans, creators, and brands across three specialized tracks. TwitchCon continues its dedication to streaming platform creators, offering panels and networking opportunities.

Industry experts emphasize that attending these conferences provides crucial opportunities to stay current amid rapid changes in social media marketing, including new platform features, algorithm updates, and emerging best practices for audience engagement.