Any entrepreneur, business owner, or leader knows that lifelong learning is the key to success. Complacency and arrogance about our knowledge and skill are sure ways to get left behind. Instead, investing in yourself, your skills, and your knowledge will help you grow and reach new goals.
One of my favorite ways to invest in learning, personal development, and building my Garen Armstrong brand is by attending conferences. I love the energy of the crowds, networking with other entrepreneurs, and learning from a diverse group of leaders and professionals.
If you think a conference is what you need to hit the next level, here are five of the best conferences for business owners or entrepreneurs to attend:
1. INBOUND
Time and Place: September 6-9 in Boston, Massachusetts, or September 7-9 virtually.
Details: Hosted by HubSpot, this conference focuses on all-things marketing, business management, and customer satisfaction. You’re sure to learn something to apply directly to your work from the variety of experts and speakers, including former President Barack Obama, actor and producer Viola Davis, and bestselling author Glennon Doyle.
2. Small Business Expo
Time and Place: Varies. Expos coming up in September (Phoenix), October (San Diego and Dallas), November (Austin and Houston), and December (Atlanta).
Details: Check out the biggest business-to-business tradeshow and networking event. You’ll have the chance to hear from entrepreneurs and small business owners just like you, learning from their journeys and experiences. The Small Business Expo takes place in cities throughout the US, so check out the one closest to you!
3. LeadsCon
Time and Place: March 13-15 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Details: This conference has been inspiring business leaders and marketers since 2007. They help marketers connect by providing unique insights and strategies from executive-level speakers. There are people from all business segments who come out to network and learn together.
4. Digital Summit
Time and Place: August 18-19, 2022, in Minneapolis, MN (stay tuned for 2023 dates!)
Details: This conference is a great place to develop hands-on skills through workshops designed to give you practical marketing strategies that work. They also boast some of the biggest names out there as conference attendees, including 3M, Best Buy, Target, and Google!
5. FinCon
Time and Place: September 7-10, 2022, in Orlando, Florida
Details: This event is the biggest gathering of personal finance enthusiasts and creators from around the country. It’s a conference that brings together all money nerds to learn, network, collaborate, and share ideas.
Whether your business is centered on finances or financial content, or you just want to learn more for yourself, FinCon is a great place to be.
Most conferences follow a similar pattern of keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and network opportunities. So, you can learn by hearing from the best of the best in the industries or just grab a beer with a new connection and swap ideas.
I love attending conferences. When else do you get to be in the same room as so many entrepreneurs? It’s inspiring to learn from other business leaders and entrepreneurs who will motivate you to step up to the next level.
So, where are you going next? Maybe I’ll see you there!