2025 Meetings Industry Events Calendar: Top Conferences & Must-Attend Events
Skift Take
So you can plan ahead, Skift Meetings has compiled a list of 2025’s must-attend events for meetings and events industry professionals.
This calendar focuses on top events that offer valuable networking, learning, and business development opportunities. Whether you're looking to attend international conferences, expos, or industry-specific gatherings, you’ll find the best events right here.
Registration fees vary. Details about each event can be found on the linked website.
Only industry events with confirmed dates, locations, and an official website are included. Invitation-only, member-only, certification-only, or hosted buyer-only events are not included for broader accessibility.
Think we’ve missed including an event in this 2025 meetings industry calendar? Contact us at meetings@skift.com.
2025 Meetings Industry Events Calendar
January
Houston, TX | January 12 – January 15
"Go beyond your orbit," is the tagline of PCMA's annual meeting this year. It promises to bring together "decision-makers from across the event industry to explore uncharted territories of knowledge, skills, and innovation."
BOE International (Best of Events)
Dortmund, Germany | January 15 – 16
Messe Dortmund hosts 10,000 experiential marketing professionals. It invites attendees to "discover innovations and creative solutions from leading national and international exhibitors and network with decision-makers and creative minds from the industry."
February
Edmonton, AB, Canada | February 2 – 4
GO WEST, an event aimed at Canadian event professionals is produced by Timewise Event Management. It expects to gather over 600 event professionals over three days for "social events, bootcamps, keynote sessions, an experiential tradeshow, and much more."
Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME)
Melbourne, Australia | February 10 – 12
AIME, owned by the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) and managed by Talk2 Media & Events, "is Asia Pacific’s largest and longest-running business events exhibition and learning platform." It offers education sessions as part of the AIME Ideas Academy and features over 600 exhibitors, including destinations, venues, and suppliers.
Melbourne, Australia | February 13 – 14
Organized by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, this conference brings together exhibition industry professionals from across the Asia-Pacific region. Expect "two days packed with networking, insightful speakers, and engaging panels.” Topics include “sustainable events, the impact of AI, the booming Indian market, the future of M&A in our industry, and innovative event ideas.”
Salt Lake City, UT | February 18 - 20
RainFocus' annual user conference promises to connect "leaders from events, marketing, technology, and beyond." The content focuses on "trends, data, and solutions that enhance event impact."
IAPCO Annual Meeting and General Assembly
Taipei, Taiwan | February 20 – 23
Hosted by the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO), this gathering is for global leaders in the meetings and congresses sector. “The theme of the 55th Annual Meeting in Taipei embodies the communal spirit of Taiwan’s tribe culture and frames our target to collaborate respectfully.”
MPI European Meetings and Events Conference (EMEC)
Istanbul, Turkey | February 22 – 25
Meeting Professionals International (MPI) defines its flagship European event as “a global idea incubator for event professionals.” With "immersive experiences, host destination highlights, and actionable insights, EMEC is renowned for setting global meeting trends.”
Arlington, TX | February 23 – 25
Organized by the Association of Destination Management Executives International (ADMEI), this conference focuses on destination management professionals. Expect “educational sessions, network with industry peers, and celebrate with DMCs from across the globe.”
Catersource + The Special Event
Fort Lauderdale, FL | February 24 – 27
Bringing together catering and event professionals, this combined event by Informa Connect promises an "exclusive opportunity to gain insights from industry experts and position yourself at the forefront of event planning and catering excellence.” Catersource + The Special Event attracts an audience mix of business owners, chefs, caterers, and event planners.
Johannesburg, South Africa | February 25 – 26
This Pan-African business events trade show, organized by South African Tourism, is a hub for the "growth of the business events industry on the continent and ultimately contributes towards its economic growth." The trade show brings together over 20 African countries, exhibiting over 350 products from business events leaders.
London, UK | February 26 – 27
Touted as "a launching pad for ideas that define the next era of events," International Confex invites over 7,000 attendees to "engineer team-building masterpieces, infuse your events with creative flourishes, or explore the next big thing in event tech." Organized by Mash Media, it’s a gathering for event planners, organizers, and suppliers “seeking to elevate their events.”
March
Tulum, Mexico | March 3 – 6
The Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) is taking its flagship event to the popular Mexican destination of Tulum, bringing together incentive travel professionals from around the world. This year's conference promises to "explore how incentive travel continues to build and bridge cultures, fostering deeper connections and collaborations across the world."
Seattle, WA | March 26 – 27
Present by Butler Events, this regional event is a hub for event planners, marketers, and business professionals from the Northwest. Attendees can “connect one-on-one, spark new ideas, and grow both personally and professionally."
IACC Americas Knowledge Exchange
College Station, TX | March 31 – April 2
IACC’s flagship annual members conference offers venue operators, meeting professionals, and vendors an opportunity to “develop leaders in our business to re-imagine the IACC Venue Difference.”
Austin, TX | March 31 – April 3
Hosted by the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO), this summit gathers CEOs and senior executives from across the exhibitions and events industry. It promises "networking and information-sharing for the global show organizers, both large and small.”
April
Destination Capitol Hill (DCH)
Washington, D.C. | April 1 – 2
Organized by the U.S. Travel Association, this advocacy event connects travel industry leaders with policymakers to "stress the importance of travel as an economic driver." The event is a “legislative fly-in,” featuring advocacy training, networking, and meetings on Capitol Hill.
Stowe, VT | April 1 – 4
SITE’s main fundraising event brings together leaders “to raise money in support of research, education, and advocacy for the benefit of the incentive travel industry.” Held in the scenic setting of Stowe, Vermont, the SITE Classic is designed for incentive travel professionals looking to connect and collaborate.
The Business of Events (powered by PCMA)
Singapore | April 13 – 15
Powered by PCMA and strategically preceding the Meetings Show Asia Pacific, this event “converges the dual pillars of leadership within an intergenerational workforce: mastery and intellectual prowess.” Attendees can expect "sessions, workshops, and discussions designed to equip you and your team with the latest knowledge and tools that will shape a new horizon in the events industry.”
The Meetings Show Asia Pacific
Singapore | April 16-17
The Asia Pacific edition of the Meetings Show features destinations, venues, hotels, and other key suppliers among its exhibitors, and is supported by a hosted buyer program aimed at senior meetings, conventions, events, and incentives buyers. It also features a conference providing a “thought-provoking education program and a series of high-quality networking events.”
Cairo, Egypt | April 28 – 30
Organized by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, this conference brings together exhibition professionals from the Middle East and Africa. It features sessions focused on "regional opportunities, industry challenges, and networking with peers."
May
SGMP National Education Conference (NEC)
St. Louis, MO | May 6 - 8
An annual event featuring professional development sessions, keynote speakers, an industry tradeshow, networking opportunities, a fundraising silent auction, and more!
Frankfurt, Germany | May 20 – 22
The IMEX Group presents this global business event for the meetings and incentive travel industries. The event attracts thousands of professionals from around the world, “building powerful working relationships — to create better events, meetings and experiences.”
Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum
Washington D.C. | May 28
This one-day forum, organized by Lippman Connects, is aimed at senior executives in the exhibition and convention industry. At ECEF, attendees can expect "actionable ideas and valuable contacts that will benefit your brand, your event, your organization, and your career.”
June
Cancun, Mexico | June 1 – 4
Hosted by the Incentive Research Foundation, this event is a gathering for incentive travel and recognition professionals. The IRF Invitational “provides over 500 invited buyer attendees with direct exposure to the industry’s preeminent voices and applicable analysis of the IRF’s research.”
Louisville, KY | June 1 – 4
PCMA’s edUcon attracts leaders and professionals to “boldly explore the future of the business events industry.” At the EdUcon 2025, attendees can expect a mix of “progressive learning formats, diverse education sessions, immersive tours, and hands-on workshops.”
Thessaloniki, Greece | June 3 – 7
Organized by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, this event gathers exhibition professionals from across Europe. The week promises "inspiring sessions, networking with delegates from across Europe and beyond, and the opportunity to explore the beauty of Thessaloniki."
San Antonio, TX | June 9 – 12
Cvent’s annual conference brings together event professionals, marketers, and hospitality leaders “to swap ideas, explore cutting-edge tech, and walk away with fresh inspiration.” The sessions at Cvent CONNECT cover a range of topics, including event planning, technology integration, marketing strategies, and venue management.
Costa Rica | June 9 – 12
Targeted at the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector, FIEXPO Latin America is a platform for showcasing destinations, venues, and suppliers across the region. The FIEXPO promises “connections with the highest authorities and policymakers to ensure that the economic, intercultural, and social benefits of the MICE Industry in Latin America are understood and recognized.”
St. Louis, MO | June 18 – 20
Organized by Meeting Professionals International (MPI), this flagship event is aimed at meeting and event planners and suppliers globally. Attendees can expect "opportunities to network, learn, and grow" professionally. WEC St. Louis promises to "elevate your event planning to new heights."
Geneva International Associations Forum (GIAF)
Geneva, Switzerland | June 23 – 24
GIAF is an educational event tailored for international association executives. GIAF aims to "enable peer-to-peer exchange, share best practices, and design joint initiatives to tackle common changes" in the association space.
London, UK | June 25 – 26
The Meetings Show caters to meeting and event planners from Europe and beyond. The event is “designed to offer exceptional value for time for busy event professionals.”
July
ICCA Global Association Forum 2024
Granada, Spain | July 7 – 9
The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) hosts this event to bring together association executives, suppliers, and meetings industry professionals. The forum promises to “offer valuable insights, practical tools, and resources in the topics of sustainability, wellness, and regenerative event management for the association meetings industry.”
Destinations International Annual Convention
Chicago, IL | July 9 – 11
Destinations International’s Annual Convention is tailored for destination marketing professionals worldwide. The event offers an opportunity “to meet your peers and gain cutting-edge knowledge to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.”
Milwaukee, WI | July 27 – 29
Organized by the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE), this conference promises “networking with influential decision-makers and like-minded professionals." It attracts an audience of catering and event industry professionals.
August
ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition
Los Angeles, CA | August 9 – 12
The American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) hosts this annual event, bringing together thousands of association professionals and industry partners.
Mexico City, Mexico | August 20 – 21
IBTM Americas promises to be the event that “unites the meetings industry across the continent." With 500+ hosted buyers and 3,000+ visitors at the event, attendees can expect to “find destinations, venues, media, and the best in event innovation.”
September
Fredericton, NB, Canada | September 6 – 10
This collaborative event, organized by MPI chapters in Canada, is aimed at meeting professionals and planners. the EVENT promises to offer "insightful sessions and unforgettable connections.”
October
Washington International Association Forum
Washington, D.C. | October 2 – 3
Organized by ASSOCIATIONWORLD, WIAF gathers international association executives, including thought leaders, non-profits, federations, and NGOs. The forum promises “to foster knowledge transfer, peer-to-peer exchange, best practice sharing, and collaborative initiatives to address common challenges and achieve greater global impact.”
Las Vegas, NV | October 7 – 9
IMEX Group presents this flagship trade show for the meetings and events industry in North America. IMEX Las Vegas, a “free-to-attend four-day program,” promises to offer “specialist education, networking, and much more, on and off the trade show floor.”
Rotterdam, The Netherlands | October 15 – 17
PCMA Convening EMEA is an annual event that connects business event professionals across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The event promises to be a “platform to share knowledge, make meaningful connections, learn, do business, be inspired, and grow as individuals, teams, and organizations.”
IACC Europe Knowledge Festival
Sandviken, Sweden | October 19 – 21
IACC invites venue operators, meeting professionals, and vendors to “explore innovation and connection at its European event. The festival promises to be “more than a conference,” offering a combination of education, networking, and experiential activities.
November
Washington, D.C. | November 2-5
The Financial & Insurance Conference Professionals (FICP) Annual Conference is an event aimed at meeting planners and hospitality partners working in and with financial and insurance companies. FICP Annual Conference is known for its “robust education and tailored networking opportunities.”
Porto, Portugal | November 9 – 12
The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) brings together the global business events community for its 64th annual congress. Attendees can expect “unparalleled opportunities to connect, collaborate, learn, and innovate.”
Event Tech Live London / Event Sustainability Live
London, UK | November 12 – 13
These co-located events focus on event technology innovations and sustainable event practices. Attendees can expect “resources, tools, and networking opportunities” to use “technology to create the best events.” It also promises the opportunity to “meet with fellow event professionals from all over the globe who are passionate about event sustainability, share ideas & create new and exciting partnerships.”
Barcelona, Spain | November 18 – 20
IBTM World is a global trade show for the meetings and events industry. The event promises to “inspire event professionals to deliver exceptional experiences by bringing together the whole events industry to meet, connect, and do business.”
Hong Kong | November 19 – 22
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, hosts its annual congress for members worldwide. The 92nd UFI Global Congress promises to be “the largest global meeting of the year for the exhibition industry.” It “gathers hundreds of industry leaders from around the world to network and learn.”
December
Houston, TX | December 9 – 11
Organized by the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), this annual gathering brings together exhibitors and event industry professionals. Expo! Expo! is known to be a “premier show to learn about the latest industry trends and technology, as well as network with professional peers.”
Make 2025 the Year You Achieve More
Now that you have a list of the top meetings industry events in 2025, it’s time to put it into action. These events are all about seizing opportunities, learning from experts, and growing your network in ways that will directly impact your success.
So take a moment to mark your calendar, plan ahead, and think about which events will help you get closer to your goals. Whether you’re looking to boost your knowledge, form new partnerships, or gain a competitive edge, these events will put you on the right track.
2025 is your year to grow, connect, and succeed. We can’t wait to see how these events help you make it happen!
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