After 5+ years of navigating SEO shifts at agencies like Group Digital, I’ve seen that the best tactics aren’t shared in webinars they’re debated in the hallways of Brighton or Amsterdam. For 2026, I’ve curated this list based on my own roadmap and the events that actually deliver ROI for senior strategists. (Last verified 8 Januari 2026)
WTSFest London
Focus: Inclusive festival advancing women and marginalised genders in tech SEO with community-driven talks and workshops.
WTSFest creates a supportive space for sharp technical discussions and career-boosting insights no corporate fluff. Founded by Areej AbuAli, it emphasises belonging alongside cutting-edge SEO in an AI-dominated era. Early-year timing positions it perfectly to set your 2026 strategy with fresh perspectives on entity optimisation and content authority.
Why attend:
- Empowerment-focused sessions on AI search, technical SEO, and leadership
- Ideal for women, allies, and anyone valuing diverse viewpoints
- Workshops, roundtables, and mentorship for practical skill-building
- London kick-off accessible and inspiring start to the year
Fast facts:
- Founded by: Areej AbuAli / Women in Tech SEO community
- Website: https://www.womenintechseo.com/conference/london/
- Next edition: London, February 5, 2026
- Contact: Website form or community Slack
- Price range: Typically £200–£450 (scholarships available)
- Language: English
SMX Paris
Focus: Search marketing conference emphasising French/European SEO and SEM integration.
SMX delivers practitioner tactics you deploy right away, with strong European multilingual focus. Organised by Search Engine Land, the Paris edition shines on local rankings and cross-border strategies crucial for hreflang and international growth.
Why attend:
- Tactical SEO/PPC synergy and real campaign breakdowns
- Insights from French and EU agency leaders
- Deep on multilingual technical setups
- Spring Paris networking in a vibrant city
Fast facts:
- Founded by: Search Engine Land / Third Door Media
- Website: https://smxfrance.com/
- Next edition: Paris, March 9–10, 2026
- Contact: Via website
- Price range: Typically €800–€1,400
- Language: Primarily French (English tracks)
SMX Munich
Focus: Technical enterprise search marketing for DACH region and global scales.
One of Europe's most rigorous technical events think JavaScript rendering, core web vitals, and large-site migrations. Essential for German-market dominance or enterprise-level optimisation.
Why attend:
- Advanced technical sessions and case studies
- Strong DACH agency and in-house presence
- Perfect for crawl efficiency and indexation fixes
- Munich accessibility and energy
📌 Fast facts:
- Founded by: Search Engine Land / Third Door Media
- Website: https://smxmuenchen.de/en/
- Next edition: Munich, March 10–11, 2026
- Contact: Via website
- Price range: Typically €900–€1,500
- Language: English & German
Friends of Search
Focus: Enterprise-level SEO & SEA strategy with strong Benelux/European relevance.
This Amsterdam gem brings Google insiders and agency heads for zero-fluff, immediately applicable insights. The senior networking alone justifies attendance for anyone in Dutch or multilingual markets.
Why attend:
- High-impact SEO/SEA integration and data tactics
- Cases tailored to Benelux challenges
- Top-tier networking with decision-makers
- Local perfect for NL-based pros
Fast facts:
- Founded by: DDMA & VIA Nederland
- Website: https://friendsofsearch.com/nl/
- Next edition: Amsterdam, March 12, 2026
- Contact: Via website
- Price range: Typically €400–€700
- Language: English
SEO Mastery Summit
Focus: Intensive practitioner-led summit on advanced global SEO tactics.
Affordable deep-dive with Asian perspectives great for international expansion or non-Western ranking factors. Smaller size means better access to speakers.
Why attend:
- Emerging market case studies and technical workflows
- Intimate networking for real collaborations
- High value for digital nomads
- Vietnam cost-effective and inspiring location
Fast facts:
- Founded by: Independent practitioners (e.g., Craig Campbell network)
- Website: https://seomasterysummit.com/
- Next edition: Ho Chi Minh City, March 10–13, 2026
- Contact: Via website
- Price range: Typically $400–$800
- Language: English
Baltic-Nordic SEO Summit
Focus: Regional technical and automation-focused SEO for Northern Europe.
Rising star for programmatic SEO, AI scaling, and Nordic market insights pure execution over hype.
Why attend:
- Cutting-edge automation and entity optimisation
- Baltic/Nordic-specific benchmarks
- Focused group for deep discussions
- Vilnius as emerging tech hub
Fast facts:
- Founded by: Local SEO community
- Website: https://balticseosummit.lt/
- Next edition: Vilnius, March 19–20, 2026
- Contact: Via website
- Price range: Typically €300–€600
- Language: English
Sydney SEO Conference
Focus: Australian and APAC search strategies with practical growth focus.
Solid regional event blending local and international speakers for competitive Oceania markets.
Why attend:
- APAC case studies and ranking tactics
- Mix of agency and in-house perspectives
- Networking for Southern Hemisphere expansion
- Sydney autumn vibe
Fast facts:
- Founded by: Prosperity Media
- Website: prosperitymedia.com.au/sydney-seo-conference/
- Next edition: Sydney, March 20, 2026
- Contact: Via organiser
- Price range: Typically AUD 500–900
- Language: English
Digital PR Summit Manchester
Focus: Link earning, digital PR, and SEO-integrated outreach strategies.
Specialised one-day intensive on modern link building through PR vital as traditional methods fade.
Why attend:
- Latest PR-SEO fusion tactics
- UK agency leaders sharing campaigns
- Workshops for immediate implementation
- Manchester central and affordable
Fast facts:
Tech SEO Summit
Focus: Pure technical SEO deep dives and automation.
Hands-on workshops for crawls, indexing, and core technical challenges no generalist talks.
Why attend:
- Advanced JavaScript, schema, and log analysis
- Technical specialists audience
- Practical labs and tools demos
- Hamburg great European spot
Fast facts:
- Founded by: Independent tech SEO community
- Website: https://tech-seo-summit.com/
- Next edition: Hamburg, April 23, 2026
- Contact: Via website
- Price range: Typically €400–€700
- Language: English
SEO Week 2026
Focus: Intensive multi-day workshops and masterclasses in New York.
Week-long immersion for serious skill upgrades think structured learning over keynote spectacle.
Why attend:
- Small-group workshops on niche topics
- US agency and brand leaders
- Deep focus without distractions
- NYC energy
Fast facts:
- Founded by: SEO community organisers
- Website: https://seoweek.org
- Next edition: New York City, April 27–30, 2026
- Contact: Via website
- Price range: Typically $800–$1,500
- Language: English
BrightonSEO UK (Spring)
Focus: Europe's largest search conference with massive scale and diverse tracks.
The benchmark event patterns from hundreds of talks shape industry direction for months.
Why attend:
- Early AI/search evolution signals
- Technical, content, and PR tracks at scale
- Unmatched networking (parties included)
- Brighton community heartbeat
Fast facts:
- Founded by: Kelvin Newman / Rough Agenda
- Website: https://brightonseo.com
- Next edition: Brighton, April 30 – May 1, 2026
- Contact: Via website
- Price range: £580–£800 (free ballot options)
- Language: English
WTSFest Portland
Focus: US West Coast edition of the inclusive WTS community festival.
Same supportive vibe as London but with American market flavour great for transatlantic insights.
Why attend:
- Career and technical empowerment sessions
- West Coast networking
- Workshops in welcoming environment
- Portland creativity
Fast facts:
Ahrefs Evolve Singapore
Focus: Tool-driven SEO and marketing conference on discoverability in AI era.
Ahrefs' APAC event brings data-backed tactics and tool innovations perfect for metrics-obsessed pros.
Why attend:
- Ahrefs-specific workflows and case studies
- APAC growth strategies
- High-energy tool demos
- Singapore hub location
Fast facts:
- Founded by: Ahrefs
- Website: ahrefsevolve.com (or ahrefs.com/events)
- Next edition: Singapore, May 14, 2026
- Contact: Via Ahrefs site
- Price range: Typically $400–$800
- Language: English
SMX Advanced
Focus: Elite-level search marketing for experienced practitioners.
No beginner content pure advanced tactics from industry veterans.
Why attend:
- Cutting-edge sessions vetted for depth
- US agency leaders
- No-fluff format
- Boston summer timing
Fast facts:
- Founded by: Search Engine Land / Third Door Media
- Website: https://searchengineland.com/smx/advanced
- Next edition: Boston, June 3–5, 2026
- Contact: Via website
- Price range: Typically $1,500–$2,500
- Language: English
Croatia SEO Summit
Focus: Relaxed but high-value technical and strategic discussions.
Beachside setting fosters open conversations European favourite for real partnerships.
Why attend:
- Intimate expert talks
- Mix of technical and growth topics
- Natural networking flow
- Croatian coast escape
Fast facts:
- Founded by: Independent SEO community
- Website: https://croatiaseosummit.com/
- Next edition: Sibenik, June 11–12, 2026
- Contact: Via website
- Price range: Typically €500–€900
- Language: English
Campixx
Focus: German community-driven search conference with practical workshops.
Long-standing event blending fun and deep tactical learning.
Why attend:
- Hands-on sessions and case studies
- Strong German/European network
- Balanced technical and strategy
- Berlin summer energy
Fast facts:
- Founded by: German SEO community
- Website: https://www.campixx.de/campixx-en/
- Next edition: Berlin, June 18–19, 2026
- Contact: Via website
- Price range: Typically €600–€1,000
- Language: German & English
The Masterminders SEO Conference
Focus: Mastermind-style intensive for agency owners and senior pros.
Small, high-level group for strategic breakthroughs not mass-scale.
Why attend:
- Peer-to-peer masterminds
- Agency growth and scaling tactics
- UK senior network
- Manchester accessibility
Fast facts:
- Founded by: Kasra Dash & partners
- Website: https://themasterminders.com/
- Next edition: Manchester, June 24–26, 2026
- Contact: Via website
- Price range: Typically £800–£1,500
- Language: English
SEO Estonia
Focus: Baltic technical SEO with automation emphasis.
Rising event for Eastern European cutting-edge tactics.
Why attend:
- Programmatic and AI scaling cases
- Technical specialist audience
- Tallinn tech scene
- Affordable European option
Fast facts:
- Founded by: Local community
- Website: https://seoestonia.com/
- Next edition: Tallinn, July 9–11, 2026
- Contact: Via website
- Price range: Typically €400–€700
- Language: English
MozCon New York
Focus: Data-driven SEO and marketing strategy from Moz experts.
Classic for research-backed insights and tool integration.
Why attend:
- Moz data revelations
- US East Coast networking
- Forward-looking trends
- NYC summer
Fast facts:
- Founded by: Moz
- Website: https://moz.com/mozcon
- Next edition: New York City, July 14, 2026
- Contact: Via website
- Price range: Typically $1,000–$1,800
- Language: English
Search Seoul
Focus: Korean and APAC search ecosystem deep dive.
Unique window into one of the world's most advanced digital markets.
Why attend:
- Korean platform specifics (Naver etc.)
- APAC innovation cases
- Emerging market growth tactics
- Seoul tech hub
Fast facts:
- Founded by: Local organisers
- Website: https://search-seoul.com/
- Next edition: Seoul, September 1–4, 2026
- Contact: Via website
- Price range: Typically $500–$900
- Language: English & Korean
Shenzhen SEO Conference
Focus: China-scale SEO and digital marketing tactics.
Massive market insights from the world's largest e-commerce ecosystem.
Why attend:
- Baidu, WeChat, and platform-specific strategies
- Scale case studies
- China market entry tactics
- Shenzhen innovation centre
Fast facts:
- Founded by: Independent organisers
- Website: https://shenzhenseoconference.com/
- Next edition: Shenzhen, September 14–18, 2026
- Contact: Via website
- Price range: Typically $600–$1,200
- Language: English
BrightonSEO San Diego
Focus: US edition of Europe's largest search conference.
Same massive scale and community feel, adapted for American audiences.
Why attend:
- Global trends with US flavour
- Technical and content tracks
- West Coast networking parties
- San Diego sunshine
Fast facts:
- Founded by: Kelvin Newman / Rough Agenda
- Website: https://brightonseo.com
- Next edition: San Diego, September 15–16, 2026
- Contact: Via website
- Price range: Typically $1,000–$1,500
- Language: English
WTSFest Philadelphia
Focus: US East Coast inclusive SEO community festival.
Supportive environment with strong career and technical focus.
Why attend:
- Empowerment and skill-building sessions
- East Coast connections
- Mentorship opportunities
- Philadelphia accessibility
Fast facts:
BrightonSEO UK (Fall)
Focus: Second annual massive European search conference.
Late-year chance to catch trends before 2027 planning.
Why attend:
- Year-end benchmarks and forecasts
- Full track diversity
- UK community parties
- Brighton tradition
Fast facts:
- Founded by: Kelvin Newman / Rough Agenda
- Website: https://brightonseo.com
- Next edition: Brighton, October 8–9, 2026
- Contact: Via website
- Price range: £580–£800
- Language: English
Ahrefs Evolve San Diego
Focus: Ahrefs' flagship on staying discoverable amid AI and algorithm shifts.
Data-heavy tactics from one of the industry's top tool providers.
Why attend:
- Ahrefs workflows and exclusive data
- Advanced marketing integration
- Coastal high-energy format
- San Diego networking
Fast facts:
- Founded by: Ahrefs
- Website: https://ahrefsevolve.com
- Next edition: San Diego, October 12–13, 2026
- Contact: Via website
- Price range: Typically $500–$900
- Language: English
MozCon London
Focus: European edition of Moz's data-driven strategy conference.
Moz insights tailored for international audiences.
Why attend:
- Research-backed trend forecasts
- European market applications
- Strong technical tracks
- London year-end timing
Fast facts:
- Founded by: Moz
- Website: https://moz.com/mozcon
- Next edition: London, November 13, 2026
- Contact: Via website
- Price range: Typically £800–£1,500
- Language: English
Link Building Mastery
Focus: Intensive pure link building and digital PR strategies.
Specialised summit for modern, scalable outreach in post-spam era.
Why attend:
- Latest white-hat link tactics
- Digital PR integration
- Thailand nomad-friendly setting
- Deep-dive workshops
Fast facts:
- Founded by: Independent link experts
- Website: https://linkbuildingmastery.com/
- Next edition: Chiang Mai, November 14–15, 2026
- Contact: Via website
- Price range: Typically $600–$1,000
- Language: English
Strategizing Your 2026 Event Calendar
Attending a conference is an investment of both time and budget. To ensure the highest ROI, I recommend selecting events based on your specific growth objectives for this year:
- For the Technical Specialist (GEO & Core Dev): Prioritize the Tech SEO Summit or SMX Advanced. These are deep-dives into AI architecture, schema, and entity-matching the backbone of search in 2026.
- For the Strategic Leader (Agency & Brand Management): Look toward Friends of Search or The Masterminders. These sessions focus on the business implications of a shifting search landscape and long-term sustainability.
- For the Networker (Partnerships & Digital PR): BrightonSEO remains the global gold standard for building an international network and gauging industry sentiment at scale.
Let’s Discuss Your 2026 Strategy
The shift toward Search & Social Discovery is moving faster than the traditional SEO playbooks can keep up with. If you need a second opinion on which trends and eventsare mission-critical for your specific market or multilingual focus, feel free to reach out.
Mohamed Sahardid SEO & GEO Specialist mo@sahardid.com | LinkedIn
