12 Best Project Management Conferences To Be At In 2026
Project management conferences are one of the best ways to get out of the day-to-day grind and reconnect with why you do this work in the first place. They’re great for meeting other PMs, learning directly from people who’ve been in the trenches, getting hands-on with new ideas and tools, and yes, occasionally blowing off some steam with peers who truly get it.
With many conferences offering both in-person and virtual options, there’s no shortage of ways to level up your skills this year—especially with the lineup of speakers, formats, and topics planned for 2026.
A lot of my favorite conferences are back again this year. I’m especially excited about the Digital PM Summit, the Global Scrum Gathering, and the Women of Project Management Conference. Below, I’ve shared the key details for each one, including where it’s happening, when it runs, and what it costs (just remember to factor in travel if you’re attending in person).
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Best Conferences for Project Management Leadership and PMO Strategy
1. Dubai International Project Management Forum - Dubai, UAE (January 12-15, 2026)
- Dates: January 12-15, 2026
- Location: Madinat Arena, Madinat Jumeirah
- Pricing: From $329-$899
- Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
The Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF) is a global gathering for project management professionals, government leaders, and private sector decision-makers. It explores emerging practices, disruptive technologies, and leadership models across various industries.
The event features notable PM leaders, including Patrik Schumacher, Principal of Zaha Hadid Architects; Lenka Pinkot, Chief of Staff to the CEO at the Project Management Institute (PMI); and Dr. Diane Hamilton, Founder and CEO of Tonerra, bringing cross-disciplinary perspectives on innovation, leadership, and strategic project execution.
Why attend? At the DIPMF 2026, you’ll get into the future of project management with sessions on AI, sustainability, and digital transformation. You'll connect with industry leaders, participate in masterclasses, and enjoy technical visits to iconic Dubai sites. The event promises a rich blend of learning and networking opportunities that can benefit you and your team.
2. PMO unCON - San Diego, CA (March 24-25, 2026)
- Dates: March 24-25, 2026
- Location: UCSD Park & Market
- Pricing: From $750-$1080
- Social Media: LinkedIn
PMO unCON is a dynamic event for project professionals, designed to spark innovation and creativity. Put on by the PMO Global Alliance, it brings together PMO leaders, sponsors, and consultants for engaging discussions. The event features unique formats, including unconference sessions and masterclasses, that focus on real-world challenges and solutions.
Why attend? At this PMO conference, you'll dive into the latest trends like AI in PMOs, strategic service design, and project portfolio management. It's a chance to connect with peers, gain practical insights, and explore new ideas in an interactive setting. The event's format encourages collaboration, ensuring you leave with actionable strategies and a renewed perspective.
3. APM Project Management Conference - Manchester, UK (April 29-30, 2026)
- Dates: April 29-30, 2026
- Location: Manchester Central Convention Complex
- Pricing: £595 (members), £849 (non-members)
- Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook
The Association for Project Management (APM) Project Management Conference is a leading annual conference that brings together over 700 professionals from diverse sectors. Held over two days, it features more than 30 expert speakers and a dynamic programme focused on advancing project success.
The event is designed for practitioners looking to deepen their approach to risk management, delivery, and strategic change.
Why attend? This conference allows you to explore real-world case studies and fresh thinking on how to manage complexity, risk management, and innovation in projects. The program includes breakout sessions that dive into topics like software development, sustainability, and systems thinking. You’ll hear from people leading major change programs, ask questions, and reflect on your own work in a setting designed for learning and candid discussion.
4. Project Management Symposium - College Park, MD (April 30 - May 1, 2026)
- Dates: April 30 - May 1, 2026
- Location: University of Maryland (and virtual)
- Pricing: $650 (in-person), $300 (online)
- Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook
Project Management Symposium is a leading event for project management professionals. It provides a platform for sharing insights and learning from industry leaders.
The symposium covers a wide range of topics, including AI, strategic management, and agile practices. With a history of notable speakers and comprehensive sessions, it offers valuable networking and learning opportunities.
“Very relevant presentation topics, exceptional presenters, and an outstanding symposium. A wealth of information and discussion in a very condensed two-day symposium.”
– Anthony McDonald, event attendee
Why attend? Engage with experts on trending topics, such as AI and innovation in project management. This in-person and virtual conference offers flexible session options to fit your schedule. You'll connect with peers, explore industry best practices, and earn PDUs—making it a strong opportunity to grow your project management skills.
5. Future PMO - London, UK (October 22, 2026)
- Dates: October 22, 2026
- Location: Mercure London Earls Court
- Pricing: £395
- Social Media: LinkedIn
The Future PMO conference, organized by Wellingtone, is a one-day event dedicated to PMO and project management professionals. It features engaging sessions and workshops designed to tackle project management challenges.
The event is known for its unique themes, with the 2026 conference inspired by Ghostbusters, aiming to provide a fun, interactive, and educational experience.
Why attend? Join 300 professionals for a day of learning and networking in a vibrant atmosphere. The conference offers dynamic sessions and hands-on workshops, allowing you to customize your experience. You'll gain practical tools and fresh insights to enhance your PMO practices, all while connecting with a global community of peers.
Best Conferences for Agile and Scrum Practitioners
6. Global Scrum Gathering - Vancouver, Canada (May 3-6, 2026)
- Dates: May 3-6, 2026
- Location: Hyatt Regency Vancouver
- Pricing: $1,400 (members), $1,600 (non-members)
- Social Media: LinkedIn
The Global Scrum Gathering is a premier event for Agile professionals, organized by Scrum Alliance. It brings together Scrum practitioners, trainers, and coaches from around the world to share knowledge and experiences. Known for its engaging sessions and workshops, it offers a platform for learning about the latest trends in Agile and Scrum methodologies.
Why attend? Connect with fellow Scrum enthusiasts and industry leaders. The event features interactive workshops, inspiring keynotes, and ample networking opportunities. You'll gain valuable insights into Agile practices and discover innovative approaches to enhance your team's performance.
7. Agile on the Beach - Falmouth, UK (July 2-3, 2026)
- Dates: July 2-3, 2026
- Location: Falmouth University
- Pricing: From £570
- Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook
Agile on the Beach is a renowned conference for Agile practitioners from software delivery, business agility, teamwork, and product management. It features prominent speakers like Veerle Maddie Clingan, Lead Agile Coach at ControlPlane, Sebastian Heglmeier, Organizational Journey Navigator at improuv, and Neha Datt, a Product & Change Consultant, offering a mix of talks and workshops.
Why attend? Experience two days of immersive learning and networking with Agile experts. The conference provides a unique blend of professional development and community engagement, set against the picturesque backdrop of Cornwall. It's perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Agile practices and connect with like-minded professionals.
8. Agile2026 - Washington, DC (July 26-28, 2026)
- Dates: July 26-28, 2026
- Location: Washington, DC, USA
- Pricing: TBA
- Social Media: LinkedIn
The Agile2026 event is the annual flagship conference of the Agile Alliance, focused on Agile values and principles. It’s designed for professionals involved in software development, business agility, and transformation across industries.
This global gathering brings together practitioners, change agents, and innovators who are redefining agile practices through real-world insights, cross-industry collaboration, and a shared drive to lead meaningful organizational change.
Why attend? At Agile2026, you’ll join live sessions, workshops, and open forums that go beyond typical ecommerce conference formats to cover software development, team dynamics, and organizational change. You’ll explore how Agile thinking scales, meet peers and thought leaders, and bring back ideas your team can apply. With a mix of talks on culture, tools, and practices, it offers both depth and practical takeaways.
Best for Research and Community Focus
9. IPMA Research Conference - Bogotá, Colombia (April 15-17, 2026)
- Dates: April 15-17, 2026
- Location: EAN University
- Pricing: From $296-$423
- Social Media: LinkedIn
The IPMA Research Conference is a premier event for project management professionals, academics, and researchers. Established to foster dialogue and knowledge exchange, the conference is organized by the International Project Management Association. It features expert presentations on topics such as AI and sustainability in project management.
Why attend? Engage with thought leaders on pressing topics, such as technology integration and sustainability. This conference provides an opportunity to network with global experts and gain valuable insights into emerging trends in project management. It's a unique opportunity to earn CPDs and PDUs while exploring innovative solutions to industry challenges.
10. Women of Project Management Conference - Charleston, SC (June 17-19, 2026)
- Dates: June 17-19, 2026
- Location: Charleston, South Carolina
- Pricing: $3,750
The Women of Project Management Conference is an annual gathering dedicated to amplifying the voices of women and women of colour in the project management field. It runs over several days and offers attendees access to full‑conference programming, including sessions, networking, and ongoing membership benefits.
The event welcomes women in project management, aspiring professionals, and allies interested in leadership and development within PM environments.
Why attend? In this project management event, you’ll join peers in sessions focused on advancing leadership, building networks, and gaining practical strategy and skills. The agenda offers a mix of main‑room talks, breakout workshops, networking breaks, and even a closing celebration, designed to support your team’s growth and your own career development.
With a strong focus on inclusivity and representation, this event lets you engage in meaningful conversations and come away with ideas you can use in your role right away.
Best for Digital Delivery & Business Analysis
Project Summit Business Analyst World - Orlando, FL (April 27-29, 2026)
- Dates: April 27-29, 2026
- Location: Renaissance Orlando Resort & Spa at Disney Springs
- Pricing: From $859-$2,706
- Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook
The Project Summit Business Analyst World is a leading conference tailored for project managers and business analysts. It has been a staple event in the industry, providing a platform for professionals to learn and network.
The conference features keynote speakers such as Phil Barth, PMP—Speaker and Author at Great Things Happen, LLC, and Tyler Norman, Director of Strategic Supply Chain Programs. It also offers PDUs and CDUs for professional development.
Why attend? This conference stands out for its diverse sessions and workshops, which focus on real-world applications. You'll engage with industry experts and peers, gaining insights into the latest trends and tools. The interactive sessions and hands-on workshops make it a must-attend event for those looking to advance their skills.
Digital PM Summit - Asheville, NC (October 19-20, 2026)
- Dates: October 19-20, 2026
- Location: Asheville, North Carolina
- Pricing: $1,150 (members) $1,650 (non-members)
The Digital PM Summit is a leading event for digital project managers, providing a platform for sharing practical skills and networking. It brings together professionals to explore the latest trends in digital project management in North America. The summit features a range of sessions and workshops designed to enhance attendees' skills and knowledge.
"The breakouts were one of my favorite parts, mainly because we got to see just how similar our problems can be, it made me feel a little better about what I was doing in my job, knowing that I am not the only person experiencing these problems."
— Matthew Salvoni, event attendee
Why attend? The event offers a unique opportunity to connect with peers and industry leaders, gain insights from expert speakers, and participate in hands-on workshops. You'll leave with actionable strategies to improve your project management practices and a stronger professional network.
How to Get Buy-In to Attend a Project Management Conference
Convincing your boss to let you attend a project management conference isn't always easy. You know the benefits, but translating that into value for your company can be tough. But with the right approach, you can show them how their investment will pay off:
- Align with company goals: Identify how attending the conference lines up with your company's strategic objectives. Highlight specific sessions or workshops that focus on skills or knowledge areas that you and your team need to improve on.
- Highlight networking opportunities: These events offer unique opportunities to connect with industry leaders and peers, which can lead to fresh insights and potential partnerships, or even new project management software tools that can improve your team’s efficiency.
- Showcase learning outcomes: You'll learn specific skills and insights, such as understanding how emerging technologies impact project workflows. Offer to share your learnings with the team through a presentation or report, so you can pass on your knowledge and apply it effectively.
- Cost-Benefit Analysis: Prepare a breakdown of the conference costs against the expected benefits and highlight potential savings from applying new practices or tools learned at the event.
- Leverage Testimonials: Gather feedback from colleagues who've attended similar conferences and use their experiences to reinforce the value and applicability of attending.
FAQs About Project Management Conferences
Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about project management conferences.
What Is A Project Management Conference?
Project management conferences are formal gatherings for people working in the project space. They usually include a set program that can include keynote addresses, workshops, panels, Q&A sessions, and networking events.
Conferences are in-person for the most part, but since the pandemic there have been more virtual project management events popping up.
What Are The Advantages of Attending A Project Management Conference?
If you can spare a few bucks (or more than a few, in some cases), you’ll get several benefits when you attend a conference:
- Opportunities to network (and make friends) with peers, including popular project management influencers.
- Access to exclusive talks and workshops
- Learn new and innovative information and project management skills that you can apply in your daily work life immediately
- A sense of camaraderie and community with other people in your profession
- Demos of newly released project management software or other relevant products from exhibitors
- Opportunities to visit fun cities you might not have been to before, like Boston, Denver, San Diego, Washington DC, Dubai, Las Vegas, Tokyo, Toronto, or Vancouver
- Earn PDUs, CDUs, or SEUs (in some cases)
- For agency leaders, some conferences focus specifically on running and scaling an agency, with sessions on workflow optimization, client management, and team operations
Common Topics At Project Management Conferences
Common topics of PM conferences include:
- Agile, Scrum, and other methodologies
- Project portfolio management, the project management office (PMO), and program management
- Change management
- Resource management and project resource scheduling
- Risk management
- Professional development and career-oriented topics
- Managing teams and stakeholders
- Project comms
- Connections between project management, software development, and software engineering
- The future state of project management
What's Next?
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