I have a love-hate relationship with conferences. I love it when I get to attend and really soak up some great materials and insights. But I hate being jet-lagged to attend the 8 a.m. keynote. And, most of all, it can be expensive—whether it’s out-of-pocket or on the company’s dime.
Even so, it’s the one place where you can really network, connect, and commiserate face-to-face with fellow content marketers. Here, I’ve curated a list of content marketing conferences in 2016 that I think would be worth both the insights and the jet lag. And, best of all, there is a local recommendation, no matter where you are.
Ongoing: Brand Innovators Conferences
I’ve attended several of Brand Innovators' one-day conferences here in San Francisco. They host these across the country—from New York to LA and everywhere in between, including Austin, Seattle, Portland, Cincinnati, and many more locales. I love the fact you can network with folks locally, and they predictably have a great line-up of speakers.
5/17 - 5/19/16, Las Vegas: Content Marketing Conference
@cmca2z, #CMC16
This looks like a great, intimate conference with an interesting array of speakers, from the always entertaining and informative Bryan Kramer to former Forrester Research analyst Josh Bernoff who has the aptly titled “Writing Without Bullshit” keynote.
9/6 - 9/9/16, Cleveland: Content Marketing World 2016
@CMIContent, #CMWorld
With more than 3500 attendees and a bevy of sessions to choose from, Content Marking World is a no-brainer. It’s Disneyland for content marketers. I attended the year before last and thoroughly enjoyed it. And who wants to miss Content Marketing Institute’s Joe Pulizzi in his orange suit?
9/12 - 9/14/16, Seattle: MozCon 2016
@Moz, #MozCon
While I haven’t attended MozCon before, I’ve always walked away with a ton of information from any session by Moz at other conferences. Any content marketer should be better informed in SEO.
10/18 - 10/21/16, Boston: MarketingProfs’ B2B Marketing Forum 2016
@marketingprofs, #MPB2B
All hail, Ann Handley! She always delivers. In its 10th year and featuring keynotes from Handley, design luminary John Maeda, and the infectious Andrew Davis, this conference will be well worthwhile.