One of the best features of conferences and events is networking and connecting with others who are passionate about the same topics you are. Usually, there are thousands of events across the globe each year catering to whatever specialty you could want to focus on—from technology, to sports, to food and wine. As we all know, due to safety precautions for COVID-19, nearly all in-person events this year have been cancelled or postponed.
So, where can you turn for the near future if you’re still interested in making those important connections and learning from experts in your field, safely? Thankfully, tons of virtual webinars and events have been popping up throughout the pandemic, many with networking or interactive components.
We've compiled a list of some of the best virtual conferences and events that you can participate in, no matter your physical location. Keep reading for more details about each event and learn what to expect if you attend.
Best Virtual Conferences and Events: September 2020
1. Inc. 5000 Vision Conference
Dates and Location: October 19-23, Online
Cost: $299-995
This is a weeklong virtual event filled with sessions from A-list entrepreneurs offering business advice to inspire momentum even during this tough time, and MBA classroom-style courses where you’ll come away with meaningful actions. Speakers include Daymond John, Alli Webb, Chip Conley and more. Plus, there’s a peer-facilitated networking component to help you establish meaningful connections that support your business long term.
“A week-long event for you to celebrate your wins, get the knowledge you need to survive these unprecedented times, and gain surprising insights into the future.” — Inc. 5000 Vision Conference
2. Zoomtopia
Dates and Location: October 14-15, Online
Cost: FREE
Zoomtopia is going virtual this year! With the massive rise in Zoom use across the globe since March, their event will be more impactful than ever. The agenda for Zoom’s virtual event is packed full of world-class speakers, networking, and special guests. For the Zoom Superfans out there, there will also be exciting product updates and customer appreciation throughout the conference. Plus, Zoom has divided the agenda into ten content tracks, including Education, Healthcare, Zoom Platform and Apps, and Building Epic Workspaces, to help you find the most relevant content for you.
“Join us — from wherever you are — for this complimentary two-day experience, and discover how video-first unified communications are empowering the workforces of today and transforming the workspaces of tomorrow.” — Zoomtopia
3. TechCrunch Sessions: Mobility 2020
Dates and Location: October 6-7, Online
Cost: $195-335
TechCrunch is known for its specialty events in different technology sectors. Whether you’re in the automotive industry, or just interested in the future of transportation, this virtual event is for you. Mobility will be two days of programming with the hottest founders, investors and technologists in the game, and include interviews hosted by TechCrunch editors, tech demos, breakout sessions with Q & A, and networking sessions. Plus, companies and startups will be exhibiting and eager to show off their newest products, as well as recruit talent.
“TechCrunch’s editors will break through the hype to help attendees understand the current state of the mobility revolution and try to see which technologies and players will own the future of transportation.” — TechCrunch Sessions
4. Sprout Summit: The Social Marketer's Map to 2021
Dates and Location: September 30, Online
Cost: FREE
Sprout is a data analytics platform used for social media data, and they are experts in the field. If you are in marketing or own your own business, this virtual conference will have valuable insights into expanding your brand and reach strategically, using social media as a tool. Speakers will include industry leaders such as the SVP of Global Marketing at Peloton and The VP of Marketing and Communications at NAACP. These sessions are a can’t-miss for social media marketers.
“With guidance from top industry experts, you’ll learn actionable skills and strategies to help prioritize your projects using social data, plan for next year using today’s trends, execute 10% better than you did in 2020, and measure impact based on your unique business goals.” — Sprout Summit
5. INBOUND 2020
Dates and Location: September 22-23, Online
Cost: FREE - up to $119
INBOUND, HubSpot’s annual conference, will look a little different this year. A completely online event, INBOUND will feature international friendly time zone-based sessions, audio-only sessions to give your eyes a break, and speaker office hours for 1:1 mentorship. As usual, HubSpot will dazzle with its speaker lineup which ranges from Chrissy Teigan and John Legend to Sandy Carter (VP of Amazon Web Services), Van Jones (CEO of Reform Alliance and CNN Host), and Bob Iger (Executive Chairman of the Walt Disney Company). This will be a unique and interactive experience which calls on the audience to bring it to life.
“INBOUND, which is hosted with love by HubSpot, has always aimed to be an open, inclusive community of passionate professionals who are eager to look forward and solve problems together, so we’re excited to invite you all to co-create this experience with us and inspire what’s next.” — INBOUND 2020
6. HighEdWeb 2020 Annual Conference
Dates and Location: October 19-20, Online
Cost: FREE - up to $195
HighEdWeb is an event by higher education professionals for higher education professionals. The Higher Education Web Professionals Association wants to connect those in higher ed to explore the web and digital aspects of learning. Sessions include topics like data and reporting during a pandemic, and how to lead using karaoke (yep, you read that right.)
“With diverse presentation sessions, an inspiring keynote and workshops, and time to connect with the best community around, the HighEdWeb Annual Conference offers affordable, valuable professional development for everyone.” — HighEdWeb
No matter where you are around the world, you have access to the latest innovations and content from the comfort of your own home or coworking space. Use these opportunities to block off your calendar, virtually network with peers, and soak up the latest information in your industry.
