The best branding conferences, virtual and in-person

Branding conferences are one of the most valuable ways to get unfiltered, insider insight into important strategies from successful leaders at the top of their industries.

With new ideas and new connections, conferences invigorate and reignite the passion for marketing and branding inside us all.

2020 was a tough year for the conferences, but with 2021 upon us, it’s time to look ahead and determine what events we’ll be able to attend and where they’ll be held. Here are some of the most exciting conferences on the horizon, both virtual and in-person.

5 branding conferences to consider in 2021

The following branding conferences have historically been widely praised and considered some of the best events to attend. Though there is uncertainty about them in 2021, you should keep an eye out for them just in case.

ContentTECH Summit

The ContentTech Summit has historically focused on delivering new technology to marketers, focusing on ways to help them use it to build content that positively influences their customers.

This event gives attendees dynamic, concrete ways to mold their brand using the right tech. This summit also offers solutions for handling the ever-evolving martech landscape. Its speakers always include marketers, strategists and CEOs.

Social Media Marketing World

I always keep Social Media Marketing World on my radar, since it focuses on an under-discussed issue of handling social media the right way.

This event is a way to ensure your employees are up to date with all the new digital trends for the year as well. The strategies provided give fresh insight into promoting a brand.

The speakers brought in range from social media experts to other positions that are well-versed on numerous platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and more.

Confab

Confab centers around content creation, including writing and content strategy. However, it also extends further to topics such as user experience.. Attendees receive extensive knowledge about building a modern brand through different content-building strategies.

Confab is one of the most widely-attended events, likely due to its wide range of speakers, who bring with them immense technical knowledge. Speakers have historically included executives from companies like HubSpot, Adobe, LinkedIn and more.

Sirius Decisions

Sirius Decisions’ 2020 event was about inspiring exciting marketing decisions that lead to empowered employees who perform at their highest capabilities.

The focus in 2021 will likely be similar, constructing ideas about B2B strategies and marketing tools. It also helps attendees learn how to improve their communication, particularly when related to branding issues.

Inbound

Inbound brings in plenty of people who are excited to partake in the event’s many activities which include intriguing speakers, ceremonies and instructionals. Though speakers change each year, the speakers of years past were packed with famous and ingenious creatives.

Inbound manages to jam a lot of important, groundbreaking ideas and activities into a four-day event, so keep your schedule open for this one.

Now that you have a list of some of the most well-respected branding conferences, here are some 2021 conferences that are planning to be held in-person this year.

Potential in-person branding conferences for 2021

Anyone looking to gain valuable insight into modern marketing techniques should strongly consider the following branding conferences. Note that these dates are subject to change as the public health situation develops.

B2B Marketing Exchange

What: The B2B Marketing Exchange is a convention designed to give marketers innovative ideas concerning best branding practices. There are hundreds of sessions for attendees, all of which have concrete, applicable concepts and constructive panels and workshops. Check it out if you’re looking for fresh perspectives from industry leaders.

Where: The Phoenician, Scottsdale, Arizona

When: February 22-24, 2021

C3 Conference

What: Conductor’s annual C3 Conference is one of the most exciting events for marketers, offering talented speakers and classes taught by experts. It is a truly comprehensive conference that should be on everyone’s radar.

Where: New World Stages, NYC, NY

When: May 11-12, 2021

FinCon

What: Despite its name, FinCon isn’t necessarily a finance-focused conference. It does have a basic background of finance, but its purpose is to guide anyone who is using their branding platforms to create and maintain finance content. One of the most exciting aspects FinCon offers is the speakers, which total over 200. Sessions will help attendees create the marketing content they’ve been striving to complete.

Where: Austin Convention Center, Austin, TX

When: September 22-25, 2021

Academy of Marketing Conference

What: The Academy of Marketing Conference is an instructional event that offers research-based findings in branding and marketing. It offers attendees insights focused on modern techniques that were previously unused in marketing theory.

Where: University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England

When: July 6-8, 2021

ANA Brand Masters Conference

What: The ANA Brand Masters Conference brings together branding experts from a wide variety of different disciplines and companies to speak and answer attendee questions. The event is filled with detailed strategies designed to give true insight into the most compelling marketing questions of the times.

Where: Hilton San Diego Bayfront, San Diego, CA

When: March 24-26, 2021

Next, we’ll offer some alternatives to in-person conferences, the virtual events.

Virtual branding conferences

Virtual events may be highly popular in 2021, so make sure you take note of which best suit you and their dates. Here are some reputable conferences to consider.

SEJ eSummit

What: The SEJ eSummit provides virtual attendees a chance to get all the benefits of a live, in-person conference digitally. The event is filled with intriguing ideas concerning different marketing strategies, and even has a planned lineup of different knowledgeable speakers. It truly is a great substitute for live conferences. It’s also a place to network and potentially promote your own brand to the right people.

When: January 12-13, 2021

Influencer Marketing Strategies Summit

What: The Influencer Marketing Strategies Summit is dedicated to the social media side of branding, bringing insight from industry leaders. This virtual marketing conference is certainly something to check out if you’re lagging behind in social media marketing. The event has a total of 50 speakers over four days, ensuring everyone gets access to necessary information.

When: June 9-12, 2020

GrowthHackers Conference

What: The GrowthHackers Conference went virtual in 2020, and that is something that might have to happen again in 2021. If it does, you’ll be sure to receive the same level of insight virtually that you would in person. Generally, this conference is aimed for those who are more on the entrepreneurial side, but there is good information to be had here for all.

When: TBA, 2021

Final preparations

Planning ahead is key to having a successful year attending branding conferences, especially in 2021. There are sure to be a few cancellations as well as pivots from live to virtual (as well as the other way around, potentially). Map out the events you wish to attend ahead of time.

Most of all, remember that these events exist to give you new tools to succeed. Find the right ones that suit your needs and make the best out of the opportunity.

For more ideas about branding, check out our complete branding guide.