2024 Marketing Agency Conferences
Happy New Year!
I hope the year is off to a great start for you. I'm feeling particularly refreshed and rejuvenated, having just returned from a cruise celebrating my mom's 75th birthday.
There's something special about bringing in the new year with a vacation – it provides that much-needed space and time to reflect on the year ahead. During the quieter moments of the holiday season, like many of you, I revisited and refreshed some of my annual goals. But it was the vacation that really gave me the opportunity to think through what I will do differently, or perhaps more of, to achieve these goals. Reflecting on the goals many of you have shared with me, I recognized the importance of refreshing my annual list of agency-focused conferences, workshops, and webinars.
AGENCY CONFERENCE GOALS
When I curated this list last year, I put out a disclaimer for attending marketing agency events: Determine what you want to gain from them before making any commitments. Conferences are significant investments of time and money, and attending without a clear goal can lead to you wasting both.
Here are some goals you might consider when deciding which conferences to attend in 2024:
Knowledge Expansion: Focus on conferences where speakers have experienced your challenges. Learning from someone who has achieved your goals increases the likelihood of gaining actionable insights rather than just inspiration.
Networking: Identify the people you want to meet and choose conferences that facilitate these connections, whether with potential clients or industry peers. Building meaningful relationships can often be the key to unlocking new business opportunities.
Elevating Visibility: Consider reaching out to conference organizers to inquire about speaking or leading a session. Being visible at a conference, particularly one attended by key industry figures, can distinguish you and your brand from others.
MARKETING AGENCY CONFERENCES
JANUARY
Bureau of Digital: Leadership Team Camp
Where: Virtual
When: January 22 - 23, 2024
How they describe it: We’ve had great camps for owners, operators, design leaders, project managers, and more… but what we need now is a chance for Leadership Teams to get together and learn from those having success. This is your chance to talk about what’s working and what isn’t.
FEBRUARY
Bureau of Digital: Biz Dev Camp
Where: Palm Springs, CA
When: February 4 - 8, 2024
How they describe it: Sure, you’re closing business. But it isn’t always easy, and you’d like to find new ways to bring in bigger and better leads, not to mention getting more of the work you want. Join us in Palm Springs with 25 of your newest peers and friends to talk about what’s working for Biz Dev for agencies in 2024.
RSW/US: Agency New Business Conference
Where: Virtual
When: February 5 - 9, 2024
How they describe it: Frontline Perspective From Senior Level Marketers, Mid-to-Small Size Agencies, and the RSW/US Team. Great Content, Great Insights, Great Perspective to Help Small-to-Mid Size Firms Win In 2024!
Bureau of Digital: Operations Summit
Where: Virtual
When: February 26 - 27, 2024
How they describe it: So you have the basics of studio operations down. Congrats. Now, what do you do with all of the data? What is a signal, and what is noise? How do we turn all of that data and good operations habits into a strategic advantage for our business? We’ll look at the four critical areas of our business: People, Biz Dev, Delivery, and Finance, and take the next step to leverage your operations into running a better business.
MARCH
Bureau of Digital: AI & Your Agency
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: March 4 - 5, 2024
How they describe it: Feeling like you’ve missed the AI train? Good news! You haven’t. AI & Your Agency is your chance to get smarter on AI fast and plot your shop’s course to a better tomorrow. Both in how you run your company and how you create your products and services.
Leading Your Firm's Growth With Account Management Seminar
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: March 12 - 13, 2024
How they describe it: This seminar is designed for the account management team and the project management team that works alongside them. Strong client and project management is no substitute for great work, but it is key to the success of growing client relationships, and therefore growing a successful practice.
Win Without Pitching Workshop
Where: Virtual
When: March 18 - 21, 2024
How they describe it: Join us in this live virtual workshop where creative, marketing and digital firms learn to finally take control of their sales process and actually enjoy it. You’ll emerge knowing how to navigate The Four Conversations ™ in the Arc of the Sale required to win more business at higher prices and a lower cost of sale — without donating your best thinking.
APRIL
Bureau of Digital: Design Leadership Camp
Where: Virtual
When: April 15 - 16, 2024
How they describe it: Design Leadership Camp gives you the opportunity to get together with fellow design leaders, to connect with one another, share stories, and learn new methods for running effective design teams. Unscripted and refreshingly honest, Design Leadership Camp goes beyond the familiar to uncover the insights and connections you need to grow and evolve as a design leader.
Agency Builders Retreat
Where: St. Augustine, FL
When: April 17 - 19, 2024
How they describe it: We believe there's more power in community and collaboration than competition. That's why we're taking our decades of agency experience and building an event (and community) that helps you build a business without being stressed out, worn out, and ready to quit.
MAY
Build a Better Agency Summit
Where: Denver, CO
When: May 20 - 22, 2024
How they describe it: There are agencies just like yours that are putting 20% to the bottom line year over year. There’s no reason for you to work as hard as you do and not enjoy that same success. They’re not working any harder. Their creative isn’t any better. There is a better way to run your agency — best practices in operations, finance, biz dev and more — and we are going to share all of them with you at the Build a Better Agency Summit.
JUNE
4A's: Management Practitioners Forum
Where: Chicago, IL
When: June 5 - 6, 2024
How they describe it: Members-only conference designed for leaders of independent agencies. Gain insights, guidance, and practical solutions for your top challenges. Find timely, relevant resources for advancing the growth, health, and operational effectiveness of your business.
SEPTEMBER
Bureau of Digital: Leadership Live
Where: Las Vegas, NV
When: September 24 - 27, 2024
How they describe it: Embark on a transformative journey for your shop at Leadership Live Las Vegas! This inaugural event offers a game-changing opportunity to learn the ropes from established industry giants. We’ll focus on scaling companies on purpose. So ditch the growing pains and discover actionable strategies to elevate your agency to new heights and levels of stability.
OCTOBER
Bureau of Digital: Digital PM Summit
Where: Austin, TX
When: October 13 - 16, 2024
How they describe it: There’s an overall feeling of excitement about “finding your people” at every Digital PM Summit. Most DPMs have explored many avenues when it comes to learning and networking, and have read the PM books and blogs. But DPMs are seeking something more: a genuine connection where they can improve their craft with others who are on the same journey.
Digital Mastermind Group: Fall Summit
Where: Clearwater, FL
When: October, 2024
How they describe it: The folks over at Digital Mastermind Group let me know that they are still ironing out all the details.
NOVEMBER
Bureau of Digital: Operations Camp
Where: New Orleans, LA
When: November 10 - 14, 2024
How they describe it: In operations, you’re figuring out the who, what, where, when and how everything gets done. You’re managing people, growth, systems, finance and more. Some things you may have all figured out. Others, maybe not so much. Wouldn't it be nice to get away for a few days and connect with your true peers? Join us this November to trade insights and experiences, while enjoying the charm and excitement of New Orleans.