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 2023]
My curated recommendations include 25+ 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 four months later—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.
Win Without Pitching Workshop
January 15-18, 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. Sessions run January 15-28, 2024—plus an orientation session on January 8, 2024.
The workshop’s not cheap, but you’ll likely see a strong positive ROI from the trip. 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.
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).
- January 15-18, 2024
- March 18-21, 2024
- June 3-6, 2024
- September 16-19, 2024
- November 4-7, 2024
Leadership Team Camp Online
January 22-23, 2024 (virtually)
This virtual event for agency leadership team members—for instance, department heads—is hosted by the Bureau of Digital.
The initial 2024 description notes:
“We’ve had great camps for owners, operators, design leaders, project managers, and more… but what we need now is a chance for Leadership Teams to get together and learn from those having success. This is your chance to talk about what’s working and what isn’t.”
As of early November 2023, further details were coming soon.
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:
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.
The 2023 speakers included Alyson Caffrey, Danielle Fauteaux, David C. Baker, Kayla Baretta, Larry Waddell, Liz Ott, Rob Harr, Tom O’Neill, and Traci Barrett. My colleague Kate attended in 2022 and 2023. The previous event was virtual on April 24-25, 2023.
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). See the details and FAQs here.
Sign up here to get notified when 2024 applications open in November 2023.
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).
Account and Project Management seminar
March 12-13, 2024 in Atlanta
This in-person with agency expert David C. Baker—and account management expert Jenny Plant—focuses on Account Management and Project Management. The 2023 description notes:
We have reconfigured our popular Account and Project Management seminar this year, making it longer (now it spans two days) and bringing in expert Jenny Plant as a speaker. The result is an intensive two-day crash course on all things account and project management. Those just starting to explore the subject and those who have been steeped in it will both benefit greatly.
Strong client management 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.
As of early October 2023, the next event will be March 12-13, 2024, in Atlanta.
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. The 2023 event was in New Orleans.
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. Early Bird pricing is available through November 22, 2023. As of early November 2023, the 2024 speaker lineup and 2024 agenda were TBD.
Owner Camp
May 19-23, 2024 in London
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.
Here’s more about the London 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.”
There’s also a December 2024 “ski camp” edition in Whistler; more on that below.
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. As of early October 2023, the 2024 agenda and speaker lineup was TBD—but you can see the 2023 agenda.
Understanding and Benchmarking Your Firm’s Financial Performance
TBD for 2024
This in-person 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 late October 2023, the 2024 dates were TBD. The previous events were January 30, 2023, in Atlanta at Monday Night Brewing—and a second “section” of the program in Dallas, on May 22, 2023.
Mirren Live
TBD in Spring 2024 in New York
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 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.”
4A’s Management Practitioners’ Forum (MPF)
TBD in 2024
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.
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 October 2023, details for 2024 were TBD.
Agency Summit: A Masterclass for Agency Owners
TBD for June 2024
This free virtual agency conference from social platform Agorapulse focuses on scaling your agency. The 2023 description noted:
“Just like climbing a summit takes time, effort, and patience, growing your agency takes the same. But the rewards are worth it, as you’ll learn at Agency Summit ‘23. Join us and find out how to grow & scale your agency to new heights.”
Here’s the 2023 speaker lineup. I was on a panel about how employees can best contribute to agency profitability; in 2022, I did a breakout about handling difficult clients.
As of early October 2023, the next event will be in June 2024 (specifics TBD).
Ad Age Small Agency Conference & Awards
TBD for 2024
This annual Ad Age event is designed for small- to mid-size agencies. 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.
As of early October 2023, details for 2024 were TBD.
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. My latest talk was an “Ask Me Anything” Q&A session about how to keep 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.
Leadership Live Las Vegas!
September 24-27, 2024 in Las Vegas
This new in-person event for agency leaders is hosted by the Bureau of Digital.
The initial 2024 description notes:
“Embark on a transformative journey for your shop at Leadership Live Las Vegas! This inaugural event offers a game-changing opportunity to learn the ropes from established industry giants. We’ll focus on scaling companies on purpose. So ditch the growing pains and discover actionable strategies to elevate your agency to new heights and levels of stability.”
As of mid-November 2023, you can see more information here.
Content Jam
TBD for 2024 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.
As of early October 2023, the 2024 details were TBD.
Content Marketing World (CMW)
TBD for 2024
The annual Content Marketing World Conference & Expo (CMW) includes learning and networking with content marketing industry leaders.
The previous event was September 26-29, 2023. In a big move, the conference shifted from Cleveland to Washington, D.C.
As of early October 2023, details were TBD for 2024.
Agencynomics Big Event
TBD for 2024
In October 2023, Agencynomics ran “The Big Event” in London. They expected more than 200 agency founders and leaders. The 2023 description noted:
On Wednesday 11th October 2023, we’re going back to basics…
An awful lot has happened in recent years – a global pandemic, the emergence of Web3, a hyper-focus on AI, customer attitudes and needs have evolved. The basics of scaling and leading our businesses have changed too.
From marketing and pipeline building to profitable service delivery. From retaining and hiring talent to managing cashflow and finances – these are the greatest challenges. Whilst these basics haven’t changed, how you tackle them have. Just like people and tech, things change, develop.
Across the day, we’re going to address what these new fundamentals are of growing your agency. We’ll consider mindsets, sales and marketing, financial intelligence, operational delivery, client centricity, people and culture – all the vital ingredients to running and scaling a healthy and happy agency.
What worked 5-7 years ago has evolved. What are the new basics you need to have in place in 2023?
As of late September 2023, the keynote speaker lineup included: Phil Blackmore, Sarah Brewster, Jo Reid, Jenny Plant, Lucas Bergmans, Kathryn Strachan, Jon Craddock, and Daryll Scott. Panelists include Dan Archer, Camilla Honey, Jennifer Szczepaniak Sloane, Vimal Patel, Luci Perry, Rob Dando, Joe Walton, and Alfie Wenegieme. Clair Heaviside will serve as emcee.
As of early October 2023, detail for 2024 were TBD.
Digital PM Summit
October 13-16, 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 spoke at DPM Summit in 2014, and my colleague Kate attended virtually in 2022 and 2023.
The previous event ran virtually on October 23-24, 2023 virtually.
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.
Digital Mastermind Group (DMG): Annual Summit
TBD for 2024
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.
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.
As of early October 2023, the 2024 details were TBD. The latest event was October 16-18, 2023, in St. Petersburg, Florida.
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.
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.”
David invited me to lead a Breakfast Roundtable; my 2022 topic was “Managing Humans vs. Managing Robots.” My 2023 topic was “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; buy your ticket sooner than later, to get the automatic early-bird price. See you in Atlanta!
Advertising Week New York
TBD for 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 October 2023, details were TBD for 2024. The latest NYC event ran October 16-19, 2023.
HighLevelUp Summit
TBD for 2024
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 October 2023, details were TBD for 2024. The previous event ran October 23-26, 2023 in Dallas.
Mirren CEO Summit
TBD for 2024
This event focuses 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. The 2023 event shifted from virtual back to in-person in New York. Here’s the 2023 speaker lineup.
As of early October 2023, details were TBD for 2024.
Succession Planning: Valuation and Your Exit via Internal Transfer, Merger/Acquisition
TBD for 2024
This in-person agency M&A seminar with expert David C. Baker focuses on owners who want to sell their agency. Expanded to 1.5 days, the 2023 description noted:
“Our retooled “Succession Planning” seminar is a must for principals looking to maximize the value of their creative and digital firms by building towards a succession process… whether it happens or not. We are holding an intimate 1.5-day seminar in Atlanta, GA to help you plan an exit, whether that means a sale, an ownership transfer, or simply a better work/life balance. Previously, this was a 1-day seminar, but content and agenda has been reworked based on past event feedback to include more time for workshopping, questions, and content expansion. If you are ready to pick your head up and think about your particular future, consider joining us. Lunch, dinner, and all beverages (alcoholic and otherwise) are included.”
As of early October 2023, details for 2024 were TBD. The latest event ran December 4-5, 2023, in Atlanta at Monday Night Brewing.
Owner Camp: Whistler
December 8-12, 2024 in Whistler, British Columbia
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.
After London earlier in 2024, here’s a summary on the December 2024 event:
“Running a digital agency is tough. Like many of us, you probably didn’t study business management in school and are now inexplicably running a business. Wouldn’t it be nice just to get away for a few days to recharge your batteries and talk to your peers? Your real peers? Join us at Owner ‘Ski’ Camp Whistler, to enjoy the splendor of the wilderness and take some time for yourself. And you can’t get great answers just sitting in a conference room, so we’ll spend a day engaged in great discussions either on the slopes or by the fire with a hot toddy.”
Inactive Events for 2024
As of early November 2023, these previously-operating events were inactive for 2024:
- 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)
- 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 16, 2023).
