High-end entrepreneurship events you should be attending
As an entrepreneur, life can be full of ups and downs, with founders facing all kinds of hurdles along the way. However, one thing that can always help you find your way is events. Hearing insights and advice from people who have been there can help you figure out the next steps on your journey. And what a range of events, conferences, summits, and expos there are out there for entrepreneurs to attend!
We thought we’d make it easy for you and pick the high-end entrepreneurship events you should be attending as a business owner. So, in no particular order:
Slush
Slush is a global tech conference held annually in Helsinki, Finland, attracting entrepreneurs, investors, and tech innovators. It offers a platform for startups to showcase their ideas to potential investors and partners. The event is renowned for its unique atmosphere, blending business, creativity, and fun, with a focus on fostering the next generation of tech leaders.
- Location: Helsinki, Finland
- Key Audience: Early-stage startups, tech innovators, investors
- Website: https://slush.org/
Web Summit
One of the largest tech and entrepreneurship conferences in the world, drawing speakers from major global companies and prominent startups. Web Summit was founded in Dublin in 2009 and started as a 150-person tech conference in October 2009. Since 2009, Web Summit has gathered together over a million business people from around the world. It brings together thousands of entrepreneurs, startups, investors, and tech professionals to discuss the latest trends in technology, business, and innovation.
- Location: Lisbon, Portugal
- Key Audience: Entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders
- Website: https://websummit.com/
Forbes Under 30 Summit
The Forbes Under 30 Summit gathers the brightest young leaders from various industries to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another. Held annually, it celebrates individuals under 30 who have made significant impacts in their respective fields, including technology, business, entertainment, and social entrepreneurship. The summit features keynote speakers, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, helping to foster innovation and inspire the next generation of young leaders.
- Location: Rotates between different cities (e.g., Boston, Detroit)
- Key Audience: Young founders, leaders, investors.
- Website: https://www.forbes.com/connect/event/2024-forbes-under-30-summit/
The Next Web Conference (TNW)
The Next Web (TNW) Conference is an annual tech event focusing on emerging technologies, innovation, and digital transformation. It gathers tech entrepreneurs, developers, and business leaders to explore new ideas and trends in the tech industry. With a blend of workshops, presentations, and networking opportunities, TNW serves as a platform for discovering groundbreaking solutions in areas such as AI, blockchain, and digital marketing.
- Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Key Audience: Entrepreneurs, developers, venture capitalists
- Website: https://thenextweb.com/conference
TechCrunch Disrupt
TechCrunch Disrupt is a renowned annual conference for startups, entrepreneurs, and investors. Held in San Francisco, it features a highly anticipated startup battlefield, where emerging companies pitch their ideas to a panel of judges and investors. The event also includes panels, workshops, and networking sessions that cover a wide range of topics from venture capital to emerging tech trends.
- Location: San Francisco, CA (and other global locations)
- Key Audience: Founders, investors, tech enthusiasts.
- Website: https://techcrunch.com/events/tc-disrupt-2024/
SXSW (South by Southwest)
SXSW is an annual festival and conference in Austin, Texas, that celebrates the convergence of technology, film, music, and culture. The event brings together creatives, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders for a dynamic mix of keynotes, panels, performances, and screenings. SXSW is known for its discussions on innovation, entertainment, and social impact, with a focus on fostering collaboration across industries. It has become a major platform for startups to launch new products and gain exposure, while also showcasing emerging talent in music and film.
- Location: Austin, TX, USA
- Key Audience: Innovators, startup founders, media professionals
- Website: https://www.sxsw.com/conference/
Startup Grind Global Conference
Startup Grind Global Conference is an annual event that gathers entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators from around the world. Held in Silicon Valley, it aims to inspire, educate, and connect the global startup community. With a focus on providing practical insights for scaling businesses, the conference features keynotes, panel discussions, and workshops on topics like venture capital, growth hacking, and leadership.
- Location: Silicon Valley, CA, USA
- Key Audience: Founders, VCs, and startup enthusiasts
- Website: https://www.startupgrind.tech/
TED Conferences (Technology, Entertainment, Design)
TED Conferences are a series of influential events where thought leaders and innovators from various fields share their groundbreaking ideas in short, impactful talks. The TED format, known for its "Ideas Worth Spreading," covers a wide range of topics, including technology, science, art, education, and social change. Held annually in various locations, TED Conferences bring together a global audience of intellectuals, activists, and industry leaders, fostering dialogue and inspiring action on the most pressing issues of our time.
- Location: Various global locations
- Key Audience: Influencers, CEOs, innovators
- Website: https://www.ted.com/about/conferences
World Business Forum
The World Business Forum is a global conference series that brings together top business leaders, executives, and thinkers to discuss the future of business and leadership. Held in major cities around the world, the forum features keynote speakers from various industries who share their insights on innovation, strategy, and organisational growth.
- Location: New York City, USA (and other global locations)
- Key Audience: Executives, founders, business leaders
- Website: https://www.wobi.com/
The Hustle Awards
The Hustle Awards is an annual event that celebrates entrepreneurship and the startup industry, recognising innovative individuals and companies for their achievements. Organised by Startups Magazine, a leading print and digital publication, the awards highlight exceptional entrepreneurs who have demonstrated resilience, creativity, and impact in their industries. The event aims to inspire future entrepreneurs by showcasing success stories and providing a platform for recognition as well as a night to network with the best in the industry.
- Location: London, UK
- Key Audience: Founders, startups, investors, startup supporters, and entrepreneurs
- Website: https://thehustleawards.co.uk/
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