Trying to decide which agency conferences to attend in 2024? Here’s my 8th annual roundup, including virtual, in-person, and hybrid events. [Last updated: November 2024]
My curated recommendations include 30+ events to consider—in chronological order—with a focus on U.S. and virtual events. I’ve noted events where I have experience as a speaker or attendee.
Know any agency conferences that should be on this list? Let me know; I’ll continue to update this throughout 2024. They’re listed in chronological order, based on confirmed (or likely) timing. Some are still “to be announced” or “to be determined” (TBD).
Want to pitch events as a speaker? Check out my book on speaking for agency lead-gen. But plan ahead—events typically recruit speakers several months to a year in advance.
Traffic & Conversion Summit (T&C)
January 9-11, 2024 in Las Vegas
After moving online in 2020, Traffic & Conversion Summit went hybrid for 2021 and 2022. Previous speakers have included Magic Johnson, Martha Stewart, and Marie Forleo. I spoke in the previous “Agencies Only” track in December 2020, on how to fix “profit leaks” at your agency.
In late March 2023, T&C announced the event was moving to January 9-11, 2024. They were also shifting the venue from San Diego to Las Vegas, which should make the event easier to access without flight connections.
I’m glad to see they’re bringing back the “Agencies Only” track for 2024. Here’s their earlier advice on submitting a winning speaker application.
Agency New Business Virtual Conference
February 5-9, 2024 (virtually)
This virtual conference on agency new business is from RSW/US. The previous event ran February 6-10, 2023—focused on business development. The theme was: “New Year Outlook” Last year’s topics included trends predictions from agency leaders and CMOs, benchmarks and best practices, and client-win case studies.
According to RSW/US, the 2024 event will run February 5-9 from 12:00-1:30pm EST each day. Previous speakers included agency search consultants, marketing clients, agencies, and RSW/US team members.
I like the “90 minutes a day” format; it’s easier to fit into your schedule. And you can save $100 with code 100off at registration, through November 30, 2023.
Operations Summit
February 26-27 for 2024 (virtually)
This virtual event for agency operations leaders is hosted by the Bureau of Digital. The 2024 description notes a focus on Strategic Studio Operations:
So you have the basics of studio operations down. Congrats. Now, what do you do with all of the data? What is a signal, and what is noise? How do we turn all of that data and good operations habits into a strategic advantage for our business? We’ll look at the four critical areas of our business: People, Biz Dev, Delivery, and Finance, and take the next step to leverage your operations into running a better business.
Here’s the 2024 agenda; speakers in 2024 include: Jen Dary, Joe Rinaldi, Kathryn Murphy, Katie Jennings, Larry Waddell, Tanya Tarr, Rob Harr, Ryan Watson, and Vince Cabansag. My colleague Kate attended in 2022 and 2023.
Pipeline Kickstarter
February 27-28, 2024 in Atlanta
David C. Baker announced a new event in mid-January 2024, for late February 2024:
“Hey, all you 2024ers who are looking at your pipeline and thinking it looks a little too much like 2023 did. Stay tuned for more information, but we’re doing a pop-up bootcamp/seminar in Atlanta on Tues/Wed, Feb 27-28, to give you a collaborative, hands-on kick in the pants to fix your 2024. We’ll review your positioning, help you think through service offering design, and then suggest a very doable, personalized lead gen plan that you can actually pull off.
It’s an intentionally small group:
We’ve never done anything quite like this before, and it’s a first-come, first-served sort of thing. … We’re limiting attendance to 32 people and it’ll be $3,000. If you need personalized advice specifically applied to you afterward, we’ll arrange it, but I don’t think you will.”
Here’s more about the event; I’ve recommended it to several of my clients.
All-In Agency Summit
February 28, 2024 (virtually)
Organized by leadership coach and former agency owner Chris DuBois, this live virtual agency summit focuses on agency growth.
Speakers in 2023 included: Alex Glenn (Partnerhub), Chris DuBois (Leading for Effect), Ed Forteau (Email Open Rate Optimzation), Gray MacKenzie (ZenPilot), Miles Ukaoma & Matt Cunard (Sprocket Rocket), Nick Bennett (Harness & Hone) Pete Caputa (Databox), and William Attaway (Catalytic Leadership).
Chris invited me to do a keynote in the 2024 event; I’m sharing about how to Design Your Ideal Agency. Other topics include pricing, project management, and business development. Sessions are live and a bite-size 30 minutes apiece.
Here’s the full 2024 schedule and speaker lineup. Keep an eye on the event website for the latest information.
AI & Your Agency
March 4-5, 2024 in Atlanta
This workshop-style event from the Bureau of Digital focuses on how to apply generative AI at your agency. The October 2023 description noted:
“Feeling like you’ve missed the AI train? Good news! You haven’t. AI & Your Agency is your chance to get smarter on AI fast and plot your shop’s course to a better tomorrow. Both in how you run your company and how you create your products and services. You’ll leave the event with a plan to accelerate your AI adoption, automate admin tasks, amplify your thought leadership, eliminate tedious work, train your staff, deploy AI-enabled workflows, write code and develop content faster all the while enhancing your strategic thinking.”
In October 2023, speakers and facilitators include: Britney Muller, JP Holecka, Mike King, and Wil Reynolds. I attended the 2023 event; it was excellent… and I took lots of notes.
There will be more AI events in 2024. The next two-day in-person workshop will be in Atlanta over March 4-5, 2024.
Check out the Bureau’s event list for the latest details. Other events will be in a webinar format: AI & Content Strategy (February 8, 2024) and AI & SEO (September 12, 2024).
Agency Leadership Intensive (ALI)
March 6 to April 24, 2024 (virtually)
You can’t up-level your agency without up-leveling your leadership. My Agency Leadership Intensive (ALI) will help you do just that. The 100% virtual 8-week program is:
- Exclusive: This isn’t a leadership program open to any generic business; it’s agencies-only. And it’s not for first-time managers. The by-application-only program is custom-designed exclusively for agency owners and executive-level leaders.
- Transformational: Get personalized 360° insights into yourself (plus insights on your team), so you can prioritize where to up-level, based on the unique challenges at your agency.
- Action-Oriented: It’s not just learning new ideas. You’ll practice what you learn, and you’ll create a custom “choose your own adventure” plan to start 2024 strong. And since it’s not enough to just create the plan, you’ll get accountability support to make it happen.
- Supportive: Your value continues beyond the program itself. You’ll get access to a private network of fellow agency leaders. This means you’ll get re-energizing support before, during, and after the live sessions. And you’ll get time-saving templates to create a “multiplier effect” for the future.
The 2024 program will be six Wednesdays over eight weeks in March and April 2024 (at 12-2pm ET). We’ll have Pre-Sale and Early Bird pricing—so the sooner you apply, the more you’ll save. There’s also a discount if you bring 2-3 people from your agency (but each person needs to apply individually).
Applications for 2024 closed in late February 2024. Want to join a future edition? Sign up to get notified!
Leading Your Firm’s Growth With Account Management
March 12-13, 2024 in Atlanta
Focused on agency growth through account management, Punctuation is leading this in-person. Presenters include agency expert David C. Baker, operations expert Jack Skeels, and account management expert Jenny Plant. The 2024 description notes:
We have further focused and expanded our popular Account Management seminar this year, adding content and bringing in experts Jenny Plant and Jack Skeels as speakers. The result is an intensive two-day crash course on all things account management. Those just starting to explore the subject and those who have been steeped in it will both benefit greatly.
This seminar is designed for the account management team and the project management team that works alongside them. Strong client and project management is no substitute for great work, but it is key to the success of growing client relationships, and therefore growing a successful practice.
This should be a good event; a past attendee noted:
“I went to the seminar with the goal of being able to find where the line is between AM and PM role. What I got out of it was so much more! Most importantly I realized exactly how much money we’re leaving on the table by not continually engaging our clients and actively building those relationships.”
As of mid-December 2023, David had added Jack Skeels to the presenting lineup—in addition to Jenny Plant returning from 2023.
PRSA Counselors Academy
April 9-11, 2024 in Palm Springs
This annual conference by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) focuses on C-suite issues, case studies, and research that leads growth. The conference draws primarily from PR and communications agency owners. I spoke at the 2016 event in Puerto Rico.
As of early October 2023, the next event will be April 9-11, 2024, in Palm Springs. Here’s the full event schedule.
Agency Builders Retreat
April 17-19, 2024 in St. Augustine, Florida
Organized by agency owner and community builder Jay Owen, this is the third annual edition of the Agency Builders Retreat.
The program runs through the Agency Builders community. The 2024 event website notes:
“We believe there’s more power in community and collaboration than competition. That’s why we’re taking our decades of agency experience and building an event (and community) that helps you build a business without being stressed out, worn out, and ready to quit. Together, we can do so much more.“
Jay shared that 2022 speakers and moderators included: Dr. JJ Peterson from StoryBrand, Mike Kaput from the Marketing AI Institute, Jody Grunden from Summit CPA, Tyler Pigott from Lone Fir Creative, Brandon West from PHOS Creative, and David Annis from Parallax. I haven’t attended or spoken at the event before, but I first connected with Jay in ~2017.
You can see the agenda online. Speakers in 2024 include: Brandon West, Cassie Shea, Clay Vaughan, James Kwon, Jay Owen, Jody Grunden, Rob Harr, and Tyler Pigott. As of October 2024, the next event will be March 26-28, 2025, in St. Augustine, Florida.
Benchmarking Your Firm’s Financial Performance
April 18, 2024 (Atlanta)
This event with expert David C. Baker focuses on financial benchmarks for agency performance… and how to start closing the gaps. The 2023 description noted:
“Our reworked ‘Benchmarking Your Financial Performance’ seminar is a must for principals who want to understand what metrics they need to pay attention to and how to impact those metrics to make their firms stronger.”
I regularly recommend David’s book on financial management for agencies, recently updated in 2023 from the 2010 first edition.
As of early February 2024, the one-day event will take place in Atlanta on April 18th.
Ecommerce Agency Summit
April 30 – May 1, 2024 in Austin
This event by ecommerce agency consultant Rachel Jacobs focuses on growth. The 2024 description notes:
“Ecommerce Agency Summit is the only industry conference dedicated exclusively to ecommerce agencies – truly a one-of-a-kind in the industry. For those who attended last years summit in Toronto, whatever I put in writing wouldn’t be able to capture how awesome the event was.”
As of mid-April 2024, speakers include: Rachel Jacobs, Peter Kang, Marcel Petitpas, Eric McElvenny, and more.
Mirren Live
May 7-8, 2024 in New York and virtually
Mirren Live focuses on agency growth. Topics include aligning agency and client incentives, the latest tools to run your agency, how to turn your website into an active lead-gen tool, and agency pitch demonstrations.
In 2022-2023, the event moved from New York to Kansas City, at the headquarters of agency Barkley, plus a virtual broadcast. For 2024, the event is moving back to New York.
As of early January 2024, the event will run May 7-8, 2024 in New York and virtually. As of June 2023, Mirren shared: “Back in New York for 2024, 60 industry innovators in 30 sessions will share how they’re innovating to future-proof their shops and generate new revenue growth.”
Here’s the 2024 speaker lineup; I like that the event features a mix of agency leaders and client-side execs.
Owner Camp England
May 19-23, 2024 in Kent, UK
The Bureau of Digital offers a long-running deluxe event for agency owners: Owner Camp. The program is usually members-only; learn more about membership. I’ve been a member for years, and recommend the Bureau frequently. In 2023, events ran in Montreal and Santa Fe. There were two events in Costa Rica in late 2022.
The latest is Owner Camp England. Here’s more about the UK event, as of mid-October 2023:
“Experience the camaraderie of Owner Camp for the first time in the UK! Tailored for digital agency leaders, Owner Camp facilitates honest, collaborative discussions to navigate the best practices and overcome real challenges. It’s not a conference, but a series of engaging conversations to tackle problems together.”
The event is at Leeds Castle, about an hour from London. There was previously a December 2024 “ski camp” edition in Whistler.
Build a Better Agency Summit
May 20-22, 2024 in Denver
This third annual Agency Management Institute (AMI) event is from long-time agency owner and consultant Drew McLellan. Last year, the BABA Summit was held in-person in Chicago. For 2024, it’s moving to Denver.
The 2024 agenda and speaker lineup went online in January. This year’s speakers include: Susan Baier, Robin Boehler, Steve Boehler, Melissa Breker, Michael Brenner, Casey Brown, Vicky Brown, Jenny Magic, Juliana Marulanda, Lee McKnight Jr., Drew McLellan, Danyel Newcom McLellan, Casey Meehan, J. Mark Riggs, Jeff Salzenstein, Pamela Slim, Mark Sneider, and Sharon Toerek.
After this, the next event will be May 19-21, 2025, in Denver.
4A’s Management Practitioners’ Forum (MPF)
June 5-6, 2024 in Chicago
This members-only agency management conference is hosted by the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s). The previous event June 7-8, 2023 in Chicago; here are the 2023 agenda and the 2023 speakers.
The 2024 theme is “Leading Through Continued Disruption.” Past themes have included: creating inclusive work and cultures, pitching and new business in the virtual era, the future of work, building your agency for growth, and how agencies punch above their weight. The speaker lineup typically includes both agencies and brands.
As of early January 2024, the event will be June 5-6, 2024 in Chicago.
Diversify Your Agency’s Lead-Gen Strategy
July 10-24, 2024 (virtually)
Have you seen a drop in your agency’s lead-gen pipeline? This 3-part virtual workshop is for you! My co-presenter is Gabriel Marguglio, founder of Nextiny Marketing. The goal is to share tips and accountability—and networking to meet potential partners—to end the year strong… and reduce your dependence on passive referrals.
Session 1: Upsells, Referrals, and Pricing (July 10th)
- Before you look to new business, make the most of your current client base. You’ll get agency-tested tips on upsells, cross-sells, above-average referrals, and price increases. You’ll leave with ideas to help you collect all the low-hanging fruit.
Session 2: Inbound+ Marketing (July 17th)
- You know how to market your clients… but are you practicing this in your own marketing? We’ll review the latest tips in a range of areas, including SEO, content, marketing automation, your website, and more. You can become a “magnet” for your target market, using tactics you can sustain.
Session 3: Outbound, Events, and Partnerships (July 24th)
- Expand to outbound tactics, run events to generate highly-qualified leads, and foster productive partnerships. In addition to tips, we’ve built-in time to help you start meeting potential referral partners during the workshop itself.
Missed the live program? Buy an on-demand ticket, for instant access to the recordings, slides, bonus links, assignments, and more.
Ad Age Small Agency Conference & Awards
July 23-24, 2024 in Boston
This annual Ad Age event is designed for small- to mid-size agencies (up to 150 people). Pre-pandemic, the schedule typically combined an evening of networking and cocktails, plus a day of conversation and talks that tackle challenges and opportunities in small agencies. Things shifted back in-person again for 2022-2023.
The previous event was July 25-26, 2023 in Atlanta. The 2023 speaker lineup included agency and brand-side people from 4A’s, Coca-Cola, Hanson Dodge, NBA, Ocean Spray, The Variable, Via, WPP, and more.
The event will be July 23-24, 2024, in Boston. Award applications opened in February 2024—closing in late April. In mid-April, Ad Age announced the 15-member judging panel:
“This all-star judges lineup for 2024 includes Suzanne Barbosa, partner, managing director, Atlantic New York; Scott Bell, chief creative officer at Droga5; Dhaval Bhatt, co-founder and chief creative officer, Courage; Frank Cartagena, U.S. CEO, MullenLowe; Gati Desai Curtis, president, Elite Media; Tara DeVeaux, CEO, Burrell Communications; Christy Hiler, president and owner, Cornett; Jay Kamath, founder, chief creative officer, Haymaker; Flor Leibaschoff, chief creative officer, BeautifulBeast; Marissa Nance, founder and CEO, Native Tongue Communications; Gordy Sang, co-founder and co-chief creative officer, Quality Meats; Ciro Sarmiento, chief creative officer, Colle McVoy; Kendra Schaaf, founder, Schaaf; Kwame Taylor-Hayford, creative executive and co-founder, Kin; and Ari Weiss, founder and creative chairman, Quality Experience.”
As of early May 2024, here’s the 2024 speaker lineup:
“This year’s keynote is Bonnie Wan, partner and head of brand strategy at Goodby, Silverstein & Partners and author of “The Life Brief: A Playbook for No-Regrets Living.” Other speakers include Lindsey Slaby, founder of consultancy Sunday Dinner; Pete Carter, founder of Creative Haystack; influencer marketing strategist Lindsey Gamble; Kristin Lane, VP head of consumer activation and engagement, MassMutual; Marian Leitner-Waldman, founder and CEO of Archer Roose Wines; and Michael Sugar, principal at Sugar23.”
Win Without Pitching Workshop
September 16-19, 2024 (virtually)
Want to charge more? You should be following agency bizdev expert Blair Enns of Win Without Pitching (WWP).
His two-day workshop (offered just a few times a year) focuses on changing your sales process (and your mindset) to go from low-priced vendor to high-priced partner. The live virtual event is limited to 18 attendees.
The workshop will take place five times in 2024. Each program is virtual, and runs for four days (three hours each day, from 8-11am PT), plus an earlier orientation session.
- January 15-18, 2024
- March 18-21, 2024
- June 3-6, 2024
- September 16-19, 2024
- November 4-7, 2024
The workshop’s not cheap, but you’ll likely see a strong positive ROI from the ticket price. As I shared about his Pricing Creativity book: “Blair’s advice on value-based pricing will make your agency six or seven figures if you dare to apply it.” I like that his approach combines what to do with helping you feel more confident about applying the advice.
Agencynomics Big Event
September 18, 2024 in London
In October 2023, Agencynomics ran “The Big Event” in London. They expected more than 200 agency founders and leaders.
As of early May 2024, the next event will be September 18, 2024, in London, around “Overcoming Agency Myths”:
“Join us and 200 other agency owners on September 18th, at the Ham Yard Hotel in London. In an era flooded with information, distinguishing fact from fiction is more challenging than ever. This year, we’re dedicated to Overcoming Agency Myths—the misconceptions that hold us back. Our speakers and panellists will engage in vital discussions, debunking these myths and setting the record straight.”
You can see event info here.
INBOUND
September 18-20, 2024 in Boston
HubSpot’s signature event has evolved a lot over the years. After going virtual and then offering in-person+virtual options, the conference is back to an in-person format in Boston for 2024.
Past keynotes have included Oprah Winfrey, Spike Lee, Adam Grant, Beth Comstock, Brené Brown, Ed Catmull, Michelle Obama, and Shonda Rimes. I spoke at INBOUND in 2015, 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2021—on topics ranging from scaling your agency, to creating a “fast fail” sales process, to keeping your best clients happy.
As of early October 2023, the next event was scheduled for September 18-20, 2024, in Boston. This is a shift away from the event’s traditional timing, as Tuesday-Friday the week of Labor Day. Speaker applications closed on February 16, 2024. Here’s the 2024 agenda.
In a huge shift, INBOUND 2025 will move across the country to San Francisco, for September 3-5, 2025.
Digital Mastermind Group (DMG): Annual Summit
September 23-25, 2024 in Clearwater, Florida
Hosted by the Digital Mastermind Group (DMG), this multi-day agency conference features a mix of expert speakers, in-depth roundtable discussions among agency owners, BarCamp sessions with quick tips, and networking. It’s open to agency owners and executives, and capped at 40 attendees.
As of early February 2024, the 2024 event will be September 23-24, 2024, in Clearwater, Florida. As of mid-July 2024, here’s the latest agenda info. Speakers include:
- Build a Better Sales Program – Ali Mirza
- Your Agency on AI – Mike Filsaime
I was the keynote speaker at the October 2021 event near Las Vegas, where I shared my advice to help agency owners “Work Less, Earn More.” It’s a nice group; they’ve found the right balance on learning, networking, and sharing.
Leadership Live Las Vegas!
September 25-26, 2024 in Las Vegas
This new in-person event for agency leaders is hosted by the Bureau of Digital. First announced in 2023, the description notes:
“Learn from the biggest shops around. Join us for this new Bureau event designed to bridge the gap between conventional digital agencies and the giants of the digital services world. In this exclusive gathering, we are bringing together some of the most renowned firms to share their insights and methodologies. This is a rare opportunity for us to learn directly from industry leaders about their strategies, operational tactics, and the reasons behind their remarkable success. It’s not just about understanding what they do, but also delving into the ‘why’ that drives their decisions and innovations. Prepare to be enlightened, inspired, and equipped with knowledge that will transform your agency.”
I’ll be there—as a facilitator for the agency problem-solving roundtable sessions. You can save $200 with code KarlsGuest at checkout. Here’s a direct discount link.
The full speaker lineup includes: Michael Koziol (ex-Huge), Yasmine Nozile (YKira Financial Services), Robert Sfeir (EPAM Systems), Brandy Porter (WW), Traci Barrett (Navigate the Journey), Larry Waddell (Seer Interactive), Josh Barrett (Matchstick Legal), Jenny Plant (Account Management Skills Ltd), Ryan Watson (Upsourced), Natalie Kent (Focus Lab), and Tom O’Neill (Parallax).
You can see more information here, and then register. As of August, tickets are now “pay what you can” (with break-even at $999).
Control (and Maximize) Your Agency Exit
October 2-16, 2024 (virtually, over three 2-hour sessions)
What’s your agency exit strategy? Planning doesn’t guarantee success… but if you don’t plan at all, you likely won’t reach your exit goals. And it’s something you’ll likely do just once in your professional life, so it helps to have someone on your side.
That’s why I’ve created a new 3-part workshop: Control (and Maximize) Your Agency Exit. My co-presenter is exited client Mike Belasco, who sold his agency in 2023. But it’s not just what Mike and I have to share.
Guest Experts (Session 1 & Session 3)
- Jonathan Baker (M&A advisor at Punctuation)
- Pradeep Nalluri (CEO of Beam, the $100 million agency division at Tiny)
Panelists: Sellers & Buyers (Session 2)
- Agency Sellers:
- Emily Schmitz (exited from MedVoice PR, to Hahn Health & Nutrition)
- Khaleelah Jones (twice-exited founder + former agency owner)
- Nick Yorchak (exited from Big Footprint Digital, to Fusion 92)
- Agency Buyers:
- Gabriel Murillo (acquirer via Easton Digital)
- Hugh Boston (former head of M&A for Interpublic Group)
Here’s a preview of the 3-part schedule (meeting live via Zoom on Wednesdays in October at 12-2pm EDT).
Session 1: What to Expect: Your Exit Options (October 2nd)
- Learn about your exit options, hear from a M&A expert on current M&A trends, and estimate the valuation you might get if you were to sell today.
Session 2: What They Wish They’d Known: Learning from Experience (October 9th)
- Hear from a panel of agency sellers and buyers, on what they wish they’d known before closing the deal. Learn about timing, people, and deal structure, to help you get the best outcome.
Session 3: Grow Your Valuation: Where to Focus Next (October 16th)
- Learn what the CEO of a $100 million agency holding company looks for when he acquires agencies. Then, get Karl’s advice on how to increase your valuation to help get your ideal exit.
Buy your ticket now, to get the lowest available price. It includes on-demand access, if you need to miss a live session.
All-In Agency Summit (Fall 2024)
October 2, 2024 (virtually)
Organized by leadership coach and former agency owner Chris DuBois of The Dynamic Agency OS, this live virtual agency summit focuses on agency growth.
I spoke at the fall 2023 and early 2024 events but have a conflict this time. Keep an eye on the event website for the latest Fall 2024 information.
Advertising Week New York
October 7-10, 2024 in New York
This week-long event features seminars and workshops on topics like storytelling through different mediums, creating connections in the industry, what brands want, and influencer stories and lessons. The New York events are part of an international network that reports reaching ~100,000 people.
As of early August 2024, the next event will run October 7-10, 2024. The previous NYC event ran October 16-19, 2023.
Mirren AI & Tech Summit
October 9-10, 2024 in New York and virtually
Historically, the Mirren CEO Summit focused on agency CEOs and their top lieutenants. Previous topics included: profit margins, breakthrough innovation, engaged remote workforce, operational strategy, revenue growth, and account profitability. The latest event was November 7-8, 2023.
For 2024, the event is now the Mirren AI & Tech Summit. The description notes:
“Get your agency out ahead of the coming AI transformation. Over 2 jam-packed days, 30+ agency leaders and innovators will outline how to put AI and new tech to work at your agency – across day-to-day client management, strategic development, creative development, new business, and back-end operations. Leave this Summit with far more possibilities to put AI to work at your agency.”
It’ll be a hybrid event, in New York and virtually, over October 9-10, 2024. They previously ran “Putting AI to Work at Your Agency” virtually in February 2024.
Registration opened in July, including both in-person and virtual options.
AIGA Design Conference
October 10-12, 2024 (virtually)
The 2024 AIGA Design Conference will be virtual, over October 10-12. The 2024 agenda is coming soon; in the meantime, here’s the 2023 lineup. This year’s theme is “Margins“:
Get ready to redefine the boundaries of creativity at the 2024 AIGA Design Conference! Join us for a groundbreaking virtual experience that pushes the boundaries of what a design conference can be. This year, we’re embracing our theme, “Margins,” and exploring the uncharted territories of design.
I’m impressed by their accessible ticket pricing—$200 for members and $400 for nonmembers. For more on the “Margins” theme, see the current season of the AIGA Design Podcast by Lee-Sean Huang. (And save the date: October 9-11, 2025 in Los Angeles.)
Digital PM Summit
October 14-15, 2024 in Austin
This long-running digital PM conference is hosted by the Bureau of Digital. If you have PMs, they should go there… and ideally have already pitched you on going. (It’s a sign they’re not a “reluctant PM.”)
I’m speaking at the 2024 event; my topic is “Say ‘No’ to Clients, Without Getting Fired.” I previously spoke at DPM Summit in Austin in 2014, and my colleague Kate attended virtually in 2022 and 2023. The conference is back in-person; the previous event ran virtually on October 23-24, 2023 virtually.
As of mid-July 2024, here’s the latest information for Austin in 2024. Speakers include: host Patrice Embry, Sara Doubleday, Dave Prior, Kayla Keizer, founder Brett Harned, Val Hinze, Galen Low, Karl Sakas, Reese Schmit, and Zach Stone.
MYOB Conference: Mind Your Own Business
October 21-23, 2024 in Atlanta
Agency expert David C. Baker re-launched his MYOB Conference (aka “Mind Your Own Business”) for 2022. Looking ahead to 2023, David shared:
“Mind Your Own Business (MYOB) Conference is back after a successful return in 2022. Making the transition from writer or designer to successful business owner can be challenging. Establishing your business, achieving growth, and balancing your roles as CEO, CFO and HR director… it’s a stark contrast to the blue sky culture of marketing and communications. MYOB was built specifically to address the business side of your creative-service business.”
And:
“Get the business savvy you need from experts who specialize in working with creatives. Conference sessions cover everything from recruiting and keeping talented employees to managing your finances to winning new business—all geared specifically for principals and directors of design and creative-service firms.”
I’m speaking in 2024, on How to Stop Scope Creep. I previously did a Breakfast Roundtable in 2022 (“Managing Humans vs. Managing Robots”) and 2023 (“Finding Your Ideal Right-Hand Person”).
The 2023 keynote and breakout speaker lineup included: Adrian McIntyre, Alyson Caffrey, Andrew Barry, Anese Cavanaugh, Blair Enns, David C. Baker, Jack Skeels, Jonathan Baker, Rochelle Moulton, Wil Reynolds, and Zack DeLisa. Here’s the full schedule; from my own experience, you can expect great content and great networking.
As of late October 2023, the 2024 event will be October 21-23, 2024. For further information, visit the conference website—and then book your hotel. See you in Atlanta!
Content Marketing World (CMW)
October 21-23, 2024 in San Diego
The annual Content Marketing World Conference & Expo (CMW) includes learning and networking with content marketing industry leaders. In a big move in 2023, the conference shifted from Cleveland to Washington, D.C.
As of late March 2024, the next event will be October 21-23, 2024 in San Diego. They accepted speaker applications until April 12, 2024.
LevelUp Summit
October 21-24, 2024 in Dallas
This conference is run by marketing platform HighLevel. The 2022 and 2023 events had dozens of speakers on a range of marketing topics, including keynotes by people like Frank Kern.
As of early January 2024, the next event will be October 21-24, 2024 in Dallas. The previous event ran October 23-26, 2023 in Dallas.
Operations Camp
November 10-14, 2024 in New Orleans
This conference from the Bureau of Digital is tailored to operations leaders at digital agencies. In 2022, the speaker lineup included agency leaders and industry experts with agenda topics that included studio operations, delivery, outbound sales, revenue forecasting, team health, and ops tools.
My colleague Kate attended the event, and I’ve recommended the program to several of my clients for their Ops leader. The previous event ran virtually on June 23-24, 2022 virtually.
As of early May 2024, here’s the latest information for New Orleans in 2024, plus the agenda/schedule. Hosted by Rob Harr, events start Sunday afternoon, and people will fly home Thursday.
Succession Planning: Valuation and Your Exit via Internal Transfer, Merger/Acquisition
December 3-4, 2024 in Atlanta
This in-person agency M&A seminar—with David C. Baker, Jonathan Baker, and guest expert Chris Handy—focuses on owners who want to sell their agency. The 2024 description notes:
“We are thrilled to be able to reprise our Succession Planning seminar on December 3-4 in Atlanta, focused on valuation and your exit via internal transfer, merger, or acquisition. This year’s seminar will maintain an intimate format (limited to 35 agency principals, with plenty of networking opportunities.”
As of early August 2024, the event will run December 3-4, 2024 in a 1.5 day format in Atlanta at Monday Night Brewing.
Want a preview? You can get a replay of Jonathan’s free September 10 webinar, on The Current State of the M&A Market.
Content Jam
TBD for Spring 2025 in Chicago
This long-running event by Andy Crestodina features national-level speakers (e.g., Ann Handley, Gini Dietrich, and Joanna Wiebe) while providing the intimacy of a regional conference.
Compared to conferences with thousands of guests, think of it as “big names in a smaller setting.” The 2023 speaker lineup included Andy Crestodina, Chrisopher Penn, Jay Baer, and Joanna Wiebe. The event ran October 19, 2023, at the University of Chicago’s downtown riverside Gleacher Center.
As of early August 2024, the next event will move to early 2025:
Content Jam is getting a new season! We’re moving Content Jam to the spring of 2025. Stay tuned for updates on the date. In the meantime, Orbit is still hosting webinars with the same amazing speakers and sharing insights into content strategy, promotion, conversions, analytics and AI.
Inactive Events for 2024
As of early October 2024, these previously-operating events were inactive for 2024:
- Agorapulse Agency Summit (previously in June 2023)
- Ad World Conference (previously in October 2022)
- Ontraport Agency Summit (previously in April 2022)
- HeyOrca! Agency Conference (previously in October 2020)
- SMX: Agency Operations & Management (previously in November 2019)
- AgencyCon (previously in September 2019, but pending for Spring 2025 as of mid-July 2024)
- The SoDA Academy (previously in 2018)
If that changes, I’ll post updated information here.
Pick the Right Agency Conferences
Conferences can be great, but they can also be a time-suck—even if they’re fully or mostly online. Read my article on how to get more out of your next conference, including things you need to do before, during, and after the event. And if you’re thinking of organizing your own lead-gen event, see my 47 tips.
QUESTION: Which agency conferences are you planning to attend in 2024?
Note: This post was originally published October 24, 2023. We’re updating it regularly with the latest event info (currently: as of November 8, 2024).
