If you want to stay ahead in digital marketing, you need to know where the best minds gather. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the top performance marketing conferences happening in 2026.
These events bring together performance marketing agencies and experts in PPC, affiliate, partnerships, paid social, and conversion optimization. Whether you’re looking for new strategies, networking opportunities, or tools to sharpen your campaigns, these conferences are where you’ll find them.
January 2026
Affiliate Summit West 2026
Date: January 12–14, 2026
Location: Caesars Forum, Las Vegas, USA
Website: www.affiliatesummit.com/west
Registration fees:
- Networking Pass: US$499 – includes access to Meet Market, exhibit hall, all sessions (except AM Days workshops), event app, and refreshments.
- VIP Pass: US$799 – adds fast-track registration, VIP lounge with refreshments, keynote recordings, slides and audio, grab-and-go breakfast and lunch, plus a VIP meeting area.
- Partnership Week Pass: US$1,099 – includes all VIP Pass benefits plus access to Creator Economy Live on January 14.
- Meeting Table Rental: US$2,999 – includes table and chairs for hosting meetings, plus snacks and coffee (available only with another ticket).
Description
Affiliate Summit West (ASW) is the largest affiliate marketing event in the world, drawing around 7,000 attendees – including affiliates, advertisers, ecommerce sellers, networks, and tech providers – from all over the globe. It’s held at the bright and bustling Caesars Forum in Las Vegas.
Everything centers on real connections and real business. ASW is known for its signature “Meet Market,” where attendees book face-to-face meetings to explore partnerships.
The conference spans seven focused tracks, like Content & Commerce, Lead Gen, Brand Strategy, and Traffic & Conversion. You’ll get practical insights to boost performance and grow partnerships fast.
Learning comes from both big-name brands and savvy independent players. Expect hands-on sessions, clear case studies, and industry-tested strategies. The expo floor showcases the latest affiliate tech and solutions – great for discovering tools that streamline workflows and scale campaigns.
Whether you’re there to network, learn from peers, or scout new opportunities, ASW delivers. It’s an energizing, in-person blast of ideas and connections – and yes, Las Vegas adds that buzz that makes networking feel effortless.
March 2026
PMW Unlocked 2026
Date: March 3–4, 2026
Location: Business Design Centre, London, UK
Website: performancemarketingunlocked.com
Registration fees: TBA
Description
PMW Unlocked is a standout conference for performance, paid media, and partnership marketers – designed to push your strategy forward, not just polish what you already know.
You’ll get six content streams packed with real-world case studies, debates, and quick-fire innovation sessions. With 70+ speakers, including leaders from PUMA, American Express Global Business Travel, and the Financial Times, you’re guaranteed fresh, actionable ideas from seasoned pros.
The venue, the Business Design Centre in London’s trendy Islington, is easy to reach and full of energy. You’ll find sessions on AI-powered marketing, measurement, ad tech, brand safety, partnerships, and more – all in a lively, professional atmosphere.
PMW Unlocked is also built for connection. Expect an exclusive after-party, a hosted buyer program for one-to-one meetings, and plenty of networking opportunities with peers and thought leaders.
Affiliate World Dubai 2026
Date: March 4–5, 2026
Location: Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE
Website: www.affiliateworldconferences.com/dubai
Registration fees: TBA
Description
Affiliate World Dubai is the largest global gathering for affiliate marketers and e-commerce professionals.
It regularly draws more than 7,000 attendees from over 110 countries.
This two-day event is packed with more than 20 hours of high-level content, spanning keynotes, panels, and workshops – all focused on affiliate and performance marketing.
Expect niche-forward content tracks like Meta Ads, Google Ads, TikTok Ads, and AI-driven marketing, along with specialized mixers and evening networking parties. Previous editions have featured speakers such as Carl Weische, Iveta Makedonska, and Philipp Schoeffmann – experts who bring data-forward strategies and real campaign stories to the stage.
The real strength of Affiliate World Dubai is the marketplace – 300+ advertisers, traffic sources, and networks under one roof. It’s a hotspot for face-to-face business growth, deal-making, and trend discovery.
Beyond learning, it’s also a place to unwind: rooftop gatherings, vibrant parties, and Dubai’s nightlife keep the energy high well into the evening.
SMX Munich 2026
Date: March 10–11, 2026 (workshops start March 9)
Location: International Congress Center (ICM), Munich, Germany
Website: www.smxmuenchen.de
Registration fees:
- Gold Ticket (includes workshop + conference): Starts at €2,099 (super early bird) up to €2,699 onsite
- Silver Ticket (conference only): From €1,199 (super early bird) up to €1,699 onsite
- Two-day conference-only ticket: From €1,099 (super early bird) up to €1,599 onsite
- One-day ticket (either conference day): From €699 (super early bird) and increasing over time
- Workshop-only ticket (March 9): Starts at €999, may vary slightly
Description
SMX Munich is Europe’s premier search marketing conference, aimed at professionals in SEO, PPC, and digital marketing across the DACH region and beyond. With over 60 curated sessions, many delivered in English, it’s deeply focused on the real and emerging tactics that drive search success.
The event kicks off with a workshop day, then delivers two full conference days packed with practical insights on topics like AI-powered search strategies, generative engine optimization, analytics, bid strategies, and cross-channel alignment. Sessions come from a neutral editorial team, ensuring content is vendor-agnostic and unbiased.
Expect high-caliber speakers, including search experts and data-driven practitioners sharing campaigns that worked – and lessons from those that didn’t. Networking happens naturally through the structured agenda, coffee breaks, a pub-style networking event, and lively social spaces designed to connect attendees face-to-face.
The entire event is held at Munich’s modern International Congress Center (ICM), a venue that’s convenient, professional, and well-equipped for focused learning and connection.
May 2026
Hero Conf UK 2026
Date: April 30 – May 1, 2026
Location: Brighton Centre, Brighton, UK
Website: www.ppchero.com/hero-conf-uk
Registration fees: TBA
Description
Hero Conf UK 2026 is the UK’s leading conference for PPC and paid social marketing, co-located with brightonSEO at the scenic seafront Brighton Centre.
This conference delivers no-nonsense, role-focused content – for paid search analysts, PPC strategists, social leads, and in-house marketing teams alike. You’ll dive into real case studies and practical strategies across Google Ads, Meta, TikTok, LinkedIn, Amazon Ads, and emerging platforms.
The speaker roster features active practitioners selected through an open pitching process – meaning you learn from people doing the work, not just talking about it. Expect sessions packed with tactical takeaways, always relevant and immediately useful.
Networking flows throughout, from conference sessions to casual sunset meetups, karaoke, yoga, and even fun meets like litter-picking. And because your ticket covers both Hero Conf and brightonSEO, you get access to a full spectrum of paid and organic marketing insights.
Set in cozy, vibrant Brighton – just an hour from London and full of great food, nightlife, and seaside charm – this event blends serious learning with an unforgettable atmosphere.
Rakuten Advertising Optimism 2026
Date: May 4–6, 2026
Location: Arizona Biltmore, Phoenix, USA
Website: www.rakutenadvertising.com/events
Registration fees: TBA
Description
Rakuten Advertising Optimism is a must-attend event for performance, affiliate, and retail marketers.
Drawing a focused crowd of around 1,000 professionals, it brings together marketers and brand leaders across retail, finance, travel, and more.
You’ll experience a dynamic blend of inspiring keynotes, thoughtful panels, networking sessions, and branded activations.
Past editions have featured leadership speakers across industries, immersive networking, and award ceremonies to celebrate innovation. The Arizona Biltmore adds a luxurious backdrop – expect elegant surroundings with top-level networking from sunrise yoga to evening mixers.
Optimism a chance to create meaningful connections, gain fresh marketing insights, and enjoy the event in a premium setting designed for growth and inspiration.
#DMWF Global 2026
Date: May 6–7, 2026
Location: ExCeL London
Website: www.digitalmarketing-conference.com/global
Registration fees: TBA (official prices not yet published)
Description
#DMWF Global (Digital Marketing World Forum) is a top-tier two-day summit tailored for senior marketing and MarTech leaders. The event brings together over 2,500 decision-makers, featuring more than 10 focused tracks that span AI, data, CRM, content, affiliate & influencer marketing, e-commerce, personalization, and omnichannel strategy.
Expect powerful keynotes and in-depth panels from global brands like Google, Microsoft, TikTok, LinkedIn, and ASICS – alongside media, luxury, and retail leaders.
The agenda covers both strategic direction (think AI-driven brand storytelling and customer experience transformation) and practical tools you can apply immediately, like automation workflows, affiliate scaling, and cross-channel optimization.
Exhibition space lets you explore over 90+ innovative vendors, while tailored networking tools enable meaningful meetups and deal-making. Add a buzzing in-person crowd, engaging social events, and a venue that’s both central and energizing – #DMWF Global is built to connect, inspire, and inform the marketing leaders shaping tomorrow.
July 2026
iGB L!VE 2026
Date: July 1–2, 2026
Location: ExCeL London, UK
Website: igblive.com
Registration fees: TBA
Description
iGB L!VE is the must-attend event for affiliates, operators, and suppliers in the iGaming world. Hosted at ExCeL London, it brings together over 15,000 industry professionals across two powerhouse days of connection and collaboration.
You’ll find a vibrant mix of conference sessions, workshops, and themed zones – like the Sustainable Gambling Zone and Pulse – where the focus is on innovation, responsible play, and strategic affiliate growth. Expect to dig into real-world insights, join fast-paced networking events, and hear from people shaping the iGaming industry’s future.
The event is set within London iGaming Week – a curated run of seminars, launch parties, awards like the iGB Affiliate Awards, and standout experiences like the LMG Futbol live-streamed tournament. It’s high-value networking, content-rich learning, and genuine industry excitement all rolled into one.
At the heart of it: connections that matter, ideas you can use, and the energy of one of the industry’s most dynamic gatherings – right in the heart of London.
September 2026
Hero Conf US 2026
Date: September 2026 (exact days TBD)
Location: San Diego, USA (venue to be confirmed)
Website: www.ppchero.com/hero-conf
Registration fees: TBA
Description
Hero Conf US is the largest-ever gathering for PPC and paid social professionals, and it sets the bar for hands-on, practical learning. Held alongside brightonSEO, the event brings together agency experts, in-house strategists, and digital marketing leaders looking to elevate their campaigns.
Expect deep-dive content for every level – whether you’re managing budgets for Google Ads, experimenting on TikTok and Meta, or optimizing automation with AI. The speaker lineup comes from an open pitch process, so you learn from folks who are doing the work every day.
What really stands out are the breakout sessions and expert-led training courses before the main event.
These aren’t slide-heavy webinars – they’re designed for action. And the event doesn’t just stop at education – casual beach-side chats, sunset networking, and unforgettable pre-conference training make for an experience that’s as social as it is smart.
Plus, your ticket gives you full access to brightonSEO too, so you can balance paid media with organic strategy insights – all by the California coast.
Final Thoughts on Performance Marketing Conferences
Performance marketing never stands still, and neither should you. By attending the Top Performance Marketing Conferences, you’ll get first-hand insights, meet partners that matter, and learn from the strategies shaping the industry right now. Mark your calendar, plan your travel, and get ready to leave each event with practical ideas to push your marketing forward.
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