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The Best Entrepreneurial Conferences You Need to Attend Before 2024 is Over If you've checked your calendar and felt the warmer weather settling in, you know we're already in August. But that doesn't mean you still can't attend a top-notch entrepreneurial conference...

By John Rampton

This story originally appeared on Due

If you've checked your calendar and felt the warmer weather settling in, you know we're already in August. But that doesn't mean you still can't attend a top-notch entrepreneurial conference in 2024.

These upcoming entrepreneurial conferences cover various topics and themes, from innovation to leadership, marketing strategies, funding opportunities, and networking. Additionally, you will gain insight from successful entrepreneurs and learn about the latest trends in technology startups.

Hey, if you miss one of these this year — sign up for next year or get the time on your calendar. Let's just say these conferences deserve your attendance. You won't regret it.

1. Small Business Expo (Various Dates, Locations)

The Small Business Expo is held in cities across America throughout the year, including Washington, D.C., Miami, Las Vegas, Boston, and San Francisco. This event is geared towards small business owners, and even better, it's free to attend.

At these events, you'll attend seminars and workshops on social entrepreneurship, banking, and artificial intelligence for small businesses. Further, an exhibitor's hall lets you showcase your products to potential customers and investors. Additionally, you'll get discounts on the software and products that can power your entrepreneurial ecosystem.

For an upcoming event schedule, head over to their website.

2. INBOUND (September 18-20, 2024: Boston, MA)

Are you interested in accelerating your growth? There is no better conference than Hubspot's annual INBOUND to do just that.

This three-day event is your chance to:

  • Meet industry leaders and fellow attendees. Get inspired and propel your business forward when you connect with innovators and thought leaders.
  • Get expert advice from marketing, sales, and customer success professionals. Benefit from invaluable insights and practical strategies to run your business more effectively.

This year, however, I'm sure most people are excited to see Deadpool himself, Ryan Reynolds, discuss his various ventures outside of acting. But there are some other exciting sessions on the agenda, like the $1M Pitch Competition and AI-Powered Growth: Transforming Audience Reach and Expansion.

3. Main Street Summit (October 8-10, 2024: Columbia, MO)

Taking place in the heart of Columbia, MO, this special 2+ day event is sure to offer something for all attendees. Main Street Summit is a unique opportunity for small and mid-sized businesses. Whether you're in the early stages of being an investor or entrepreneur, or you're an experienced owner or operator, there is something here for everyone.

What sets Main Street Summit apart from other events?

  • One-of-a-kind event. This is the only "festival-style event that' is tailored specifically to small to medium-sized businesses.
  • Expert business tips. Hear from highly-successful business owners who can equip them with solutions to their business challenges.
  • Unique learning environment. Instead of the standard large conference room, learning and engagement takes place in small groups.
  • Equipped for growth. Designed to help small businesses grow, attendees will leave with the knowledge needed to experience exponential growth.

4. The Business Show (October 9-10, 2024: Los Angeles, CA)

The Business Show is a long-running event that connects entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) for learning, networking, and growth. Several iterations of The Business Show are held worldwide, but you should mark down The Business Show LA on your calendar.

Aimed at helping aspiring entrepreneurs and business-minded individuals start or grow their businesses, this event occurs at the Los Angeles Convention Center. How? Typically, these events offer a variety of features, such as:

  • Expert-led masterclasses.
  • Business seminars on a variety of topics.
  • Opportunities for speed networking.
  • A chance to exhibit your products and services.

5. Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala (October 16-18, 2024: Palm Desert, CA)

Become part of the Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of American companies. At this prestigious event, business leaders can learn from the journeys of industry titans and honor the nation's fastest-growing private companies.

The most important thing is that you sharpen your skills, gain invaluable insights, and grow your business by:

  • Growth-focused sessions. Find out how to scale your business, from leadership development to cutting-edge innovation.
  • Actionable success stories. Through detailed case studies, discover the secrets behind industry leaders' successes and gain practical takeaways for your own business.
  • Interactive workshops. Become a more effective leader, marketer, and financial manager through hands-on workshops.

However, a highlight of the event is the culminating Gala, an unforgettable evening filled with celebration. Take part in a series of networking events, create lasting connections, and celebrate America's most dynamic companies' successes.

6. BabyBathwater (October 21-24, 2024: Hilton Head Island)

This BabyBathwater event is no ordinary conference experience; It's BabyBathwater's TENTH birthday! At this event on Hilton Head Island, attendees will make lifelong connections and have memorable stories to look back on. This celebrity-free and down-to-earth event experience features amazing food, a great taste in music, noteworthy content, and everyday people exchanging business tips among one another.

Why attend BabyBathwater?

  • Network with founders & CEOs. Connect with other leaders in this retreat and share real-life business tips.
  • Accelerated business growth. Speed up business growth exponentially– by lightyears even– by learning the tips from other leaders who want to help each other grow exponentially.
  • A different vibe. Experience a nontraditional non-traditional conference experience and make long-term professional connections, not only for business, but for personal growth as well.
  • Membership access. Learn about having an annual membership with the Baby Bathwater Institute to continue expanding your business growth long-after the event.

7. World Business Forum (October 23-24, 2024: New York, NY)

The World Business Forum, taking place in the heart of New York City at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, provides a unique opportunity to exchange ideas with leaders from around the world. It brings together industry leaders, renowned academics, and influential policymakers to offer a comprehensive perspective on the ever-evolving business landscape.

But here's what really sets this event apart from the rest;

  • Globally minded. Discover the complexities of the global market with the insight of various international experts.
  • Expert speakers. Meet Nobel laureates and Fortune 500 CEOs who will share their unparalleled knowledge and experience with you.
  • Actionable knowledge. Don't limit yourself to theory. With this forum, you will learn practical strategies and solutions to today's most pressing business issues.
  • Powerful connections. Develop long-term relationships with a diverse network of business professionals, fostering new partnerships and collaborations.

8. TechCrunch Disrupt (October 28-30 2024: San Francisco, CA)

At TechCrunch Disrupt, you'll have the opportunity to meet leading tech minds and ignite your entrepreneurial journey. Startups, industry giants, and forward-looking investors annually gather for this premier San Francisco conference.

Why attend?

  • Launchpad for innovation. Contact potential investors and present your revolutionary product to a captivated audience.
  • Cutting-edge insights. Insightful talks and interactive sessions will reveal how the industry is shaping up for the future.
  • Collaborative spirit. TechCrunch Disrupt fosters a dynamic, collaborative environment. With targeted networking features, you can meet like-minded people and possible partners.

In spite of this, the Startup Battlefield and CrunchMatch will be the event's main highlights.

9. Spark (October 28-30, 2024: Chandler, AZ)

Although Spark is a conference for brand and web designers, it can transform your business. How? Learning about digital marketing and content creation can take your business to the next level.

Additionally, you'll hear from experts in brand and content strategy, copywriting, and SEO. Your business can also benefit from networking and building a community of like-minded individuals that will result in collaborations and partnerships.

10. Web Summit (November 11-14, 2024: Lisbon, Portugal)

Lisbon, Portugal, hosts Web Summit every November, a premier tech conference that attracts over 70,000 industry enthusiasts. The Wall Street Journal called it "the place where the giants of the web gather," and Politico called it "the world's premier tech conference."

So it's no wonder startup founders and CEOs attend Web Summit to learn from the best. Industry leaders from companies such as Apple, Mars, Facebook, and Spotify regularly attend the event.

11. Strategic Growth Forum® 2024 (November 13-16, 2024: Palm Springs, CA)

The EY Strategic Growth Forum is one of the year's most prestigious events. Each year, it brings together the country's leading business minds. As a result, CEOs, high-growth entrepreneurs, C-suite executives, and investment fund managers can connect and generate economic growth through this event.

What can you expect at the Strategic Growth Forum?

  • There will be inspiring keynotes and thought-provoking panels featuring entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
  • An opportunity to network with potential clients, investors, and partners.
  • Find out how to access capital and the latest trends in the strategic transaction marketplace.
  • Find out how you can supercharge your company's growth with new strategies.

Moreover, this must-attend event concludes with the Entrepreneur Of The Year U.S. National Awards celebration, making it an event not to be missed by anyone who wants to be part of the future of business.

12. Slush (November 20-21, 2024: Helsinki, Finland)

Are you a startup founder or investor seeking to connect and make waves? If so, you cannot miss Slush 2024 in Helsinki, Finland, this November.

In two action-packed days, Slush gives you the chance to:

  • Build valuable connections with other entrepreneurs and investors.
  • Get insights from industry leaders.
  • Learn about the latest innovations.
  • Participate in collaborative roundtables to discuss critical trends and challenges.
  • Take advantage of mentorship to advance your startup.
  • Celebrate and unwind with fellow attendees at the unforgettable after-party.

But that's not all. With its innovative Matchmaking Tool, Slush goes beyond traditional networking. By browsing attendees beforehand, you can meet the people you want to connect with most.

13. Lifestyle Investor Live (December 8-10, 2024: Austin, TX)

Happening in Austin, TX this December, Lifestyle Investor Live offers a valuable opportunity to attendees. This particular event is reserved for Mastermind members only. Not only will this event offer Mastermind members access to a variety of exclusive speakers, noteworthy financial success strategies, special networking opportunities, and additional financial portfolio-building skills, but Mastermind members will get a chance to connect with one another and take advantage of the many benefits of this event.

Key benefits of attending Lifestyle Investor Live:

  • Network with Mastermind members. Network with other Mastermind members at this exclusive event.
  • Elevate your financial skills. Align your portfolio with the lifestyle you want by learning ways to protect your assets, leverage capital, minimize risk, and increase net worth.
  • Build wealth. Learn key wealth-building strategies from the most influential and successful people in the U.S.
  • Gain financial freedom. Gain the insights needed to have financial freedom through passive income.
  • Become a Lifestyle Investor. Learn how to use these skills to start prioritizing the lifestyle you want.

Image Credit: Helena Lopes; Pexels

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