The best tech conferences in North America

If you’re looking for new ways to better your business or boost your startup’s product in the new year you’re in luck. We’ve done all the hard work for you and listed the best startup conferences in North America.

Here’s the best tech conferences taking place in 2018 you won’t want to miss out on.

CES 2018

Las Vegas, Nevada
Jan. 9-12, 2018

CES is one of the top tech conventions in the world. Since launching in 1967, it has served as the testing ground for new innovators and breakthrough technologies. Up-and-coming entrepreneurs have a chance to preview their company’s latest offerings to a bevy of international media, investors and businesses. On top of that, hourly networking, lunch and learns as well as marketing sessions round out the event making it beneficial for both seasoned and new entrepreneurs alike.

TechCrunch Disrupt NYC

New York, New York,
*May 15-17, 2018

TechCrunch Disrupt NYC is often seen as one of the best tech conference on the east coast, and for good reason. It features pitches from up-and-coming startups, world renowned speaker, and onsite demos. For Canadian entrepreneurs who qualify to work out of DMZ’s new office in New York City’s financial district, it’s a great opportunity means you have a dedicated workspace and meeting rooms throughout the week.

Code Conference 2018

Rancho Palos Verdes, California
May 29-31, 2018

The exclusive Code Conference brings together the best tech innovators from across the globe. Some of the biggest names in business — like Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Marc Andresson and Sheryl Sandberg, for instance — gather together for in-depth conversations about the current and future impact of digital technology. The event is invite-only, but entrepreneurs can apply to attend the conference starting in January. Bonus: The series offers those lucky enough to attend the chance to hobnob with some of the biggest names in tech over one week.

Forbes Women’s Summit

New York, New York
June 18-19, 2018

There aren’t many tech conferences aimed at women that are bigger than Forbes’ Women Summit. Over the years, the event has featured a roster of the industry’s most successful women entrepreneurs, lifestyle guru Kim Kardashian West, SpaceX president & COO Gwynne Shotwell and Little Lotus Baby founder Jane Chen. The summit is one of the few all-star conferences designed to empower and support women entrepreneurs and influencers. For those lucky enough to attend, it can be a great opportunity to learn from some of the biggest names in the world and network with industry heavyweights.

TEDxToronto

Toronto, Ontario
Fall 2018

A good conference is about more than just hands-on showcases and displays. A great event will push participants to be better and inspire those in the audience to try new things.

While TEDxToronto isn’t exclusively focused on technology its seminars, presented by local influencers, tackle subjects and ideas that impact every facet of life and often touch on business in some form. These profoundly inspiring talks deal with everything from company leadership to career motivation and entrepreneurship.

Last year’s speakers included Paul Rowan (co-founder of home design store Umbra), Gimmy Chu (co-founder of green technology startup Nano Leaf) and Peter Sloly (partner at Deloitte Canada). Of course, Torontonians who can’t afford a ticket can also watch highlights online in the weeks following the event.
*According to last year’s prices (excludes tax).

Elevate Toronto

Toronto, Ontario
Sept. 25 – 27, 2018

This three-day conference in the heart of Toronto is designed with techpreneurs in mind. Founders from Canada’s top companies are on site doling out advice, guidance and tips to those lucky enough to score a ticket.

Toronto entrepreneurs can also rub shoulders with influential government officials and meet with some of Canada’s top tech CEOs and influencers on their home turf. Last year, those willing to splurge on an all-inclusive weekly pass were also able to tour and meet with employees at some of Toronto’s most innovative tech companies.

Mesh Conference

Toronto, Ontario
Winter 2018

If you consider yourself a professional who works in both marketing and technology, then Mesh Marketing could be the most useful conference you attend all year.

This one-day schmoozefest deep dives into operational issues and discusses strategy-focused topics to help individuals better understand today’s top marketing technologies. Although, some of the best perks are found in its invite-only networking events that take place after the conference where you can meet, chat and engage with marketing leaders face-to-face.