BETA
This is a BETA experience. You may opt-out by clicking here

More From Forbes

Edit Story

Conferences Entrepreneurs Should Attend In 2014

Following
This article is more than 10 years old.

When you’re running your own company, it’s easy to be consumed by the day-to-day tasks that never seem to end. But it’s important to schedule time to get out of the office and think strategically about your role, the direction you’re heading, and the improvements you can make to develop yourself and add value to your company.

While a lot of large conferences are on your radar, it’s important to also consider less-populated conferences that might be the right fit for you. The following conferences are highly recommended for entrepreneurs who want to learn more about sales, social media, or even government policy.

1. Social Media Marketing World: March 26-28; San Diego, Calif.

You could call SMMW “the Pro Bowl of Social Media.” The conference brings together 2000 marketers from around the world with top social media marketing pros and brands. Phil Mershon, the director of events, described the conference by saying, “If you are wanting to surround yourself with the best in social media, this would be the conference not to miss.” As you would expect from a social media crowd, they don’t forget to have fun — their opening party will be held on an aircraft carrier. If you don’t get value from the more than 80 expert-led sessions, it’s probably because you had a little too much fun at the opening party.

2. Launch Festival: Feb. 24-26; San Francisco, Calif.

Anyone, from an entrepreneur with an idea to an early-stage company leader, can find value in Launch Festival. The organizers don’t want the attendance fee to prevent entrepreneurs from participating, so they’re offering scholarships to those attendees who need to put the cash toward their businesses. Forty new companies will share the stage that launched companies like Yammer, Mint, and Dropbox. It’s as much a festival as a conference, so hackathons and other events will be interspersed with sessions.

3. ICON14: April 23-25; Phoenix, Ariz.

If you use Infusionsoft or are a small business owner who’s wanting to learn more about marketing automation software for small businesses, this is a great place for you to find yourself in April. ICON offers a lineup of diverse speakers who will cover the challenges facing small business owners.

4. 99U Conference: May 1-2; New York City, N.Y.

For the creative people out there, this is probably the best fit for you. The conference’s content is a blend of design, tech, and entrepreneurial advice. The goal is to help attendees run a business or push an idea forward. The event is more like a single-track conference; don’t expect a bunch of breakout sessions. The attendance is 30 percent international, so the crowd will certainly be diverse and full of different perspectives.

5. Sales 2.0: May 5-6; San Francisco, Calif.

Sales is the fuel that keeps a business running, and it’s vital for entrepreneurs and business leaders to continuously work on enhancing their sales experience. Sales 2.0 is a conference geared at improving companies’ sales performance and creating revenue growth. Larissa Gschwandtner, VP of the Sales 2.0 Conference series, said, “We update you on cutting-edge technology that could help you increase your sales.” This is one not to miss if you need a sales recharge.

6. Big Omaha: May 7-9; Omaha, Neb.

Rarely is there a conference in the heart of the Midwest, but Big Omaha brings together some of the nation’s most passionate members of the entrepreneurial community — including founders, investors, designers, and emerging leaders — to build community, start conversations, and provide inspiration. The transparency shown by the speakers is remarkable — their stories showcase the blood, sweat, and tears of entrepreneurship.

7. Entrepreneur Organization’s Global Leadership Conference: May 7-9; Athens, Greece

Many people consider EO one of the largest entrepreneurial organizations in the world, with local chapters in every city. They forget that EO actually has great programs and global events that feature a combination of learning and networking. This is the only event on the list that’s members-only (plus a guest, should an attendee choose to bring someone). However, EO membership might be a good fit for you.

8. Glimpse: June dates TBD; San Francisco, Calif.

If you’re interested in social discovery and not looking for the large number of attendees found at one of the mega conferences, Glimpse is a great opportunity. It’s a newer conference, but Inner Circle Labs seems to have its well-organized ducks in a row. Entrepreneurs will benefit from the brands, marketers, consumers, media, and social discovery-embracing startups in attendance.

9. America’s Small Business Summit: June 11-13; Washington, D.C.

People tend to forget that one of the best resources for American entrepreneurs is our U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This is the Chamber’s 10th annual summit, and it will focus on leadership, management, and policy insights from some of the best business leaders around. The organizers also want to show the attendees a good time by hosting a reception at the Newseum.  If you haven’t been there, it’s a must-see!

10. INBOUND: Sept 15-18; Boston, Mass.

INBOUND is one of the most well-organized conferences you’ll find. If you’re a user of HubSpot, you have the option to learn more about using the software; if you’re not in the mood, the organizers provide a phenomenal lineup of keynote speakers and breakout sessions. They also know how to show their attendees a good time — last year, OneRepublic performed.

Some of my most valuable relationships, ideas, and clients have come from conferences. Make it a goal to sign up for at least one conference today. Take a look at the conferences I’ve mentioned to see which is a good fit for you. If you don’t find one, check some other lists, like this recent “Must-Attend Tech Conferences” or my “Must-Attend List” from last year.

What other conferences should be on entrepreneurs’ radar? Please share them in the comments.

Connect with Author: John Hall Influence & Co. | @tweetjohnhall LinkedIn | Google+

Disclosure: I will be speaking at Sales 2.0.