Can't-Miss Meetings Industry Events in 2026

Get your calendar ready, it’s time to plan for 2026’s MICE industry events! We polled our Strategic Team, and here’s what’s on their must-hit list.

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By: The Cohera Strategic Team

We get it. Creating moments that connect is literally what we do, so if there’s any industry that knows how to throw a party, it’s ours. The problem? There are only 365 days in a year. Wouldn’t it be nice to know which events are actually worth it? Which ones will keep you in sync with your favorite people? Where will you hear the latest trends that reshape how you plan events? Which cocktail-hour convo will ignite your next big idea? Don’t worry, we’ve done the legwork for you. We asked our Cohera Strategic Team to spill on which events they are marking down for 2026 and why. So, here’s your insider’s guide to keeping your RSVP game sharp (and your FOMO in check.)

1. Starting 2026 Strong

This year is coming in hot with two of our favorite annual events back-to-back. Here’s where you can catch our team spending their first few weeks of the year, and why these events are worth the trip!

The Legal Summit, January 7-9, Scottsdale, AZ

“The Legal Summit is an educational and networking forum focused on the unique needs of legal meeting professionals. For over twenty years, colleagues and partners have come together to advance the profession.”—Carrie Heiden.

PCMA Convening Leaders 2026, January 11-14, Philadelphia, PA

“PCMA CL annual is always my kick-off to the year ahead! It’s a fantastic conference to see what event trends are emerging and what all our great destinations are up to. This January, it’s celebrating its 70th year in Philly—such a great destination to mark an impressive milestone for PCMA. I look forward to showcasing Cohera in this fantastic community!” —Cynthia Lavery.

2. Springing into SITE Season

SITE is an industry giant, and for good reason! With over 50 years in the game, this association of 3,600+ members located in 90 countries knows its stuff. They host several events throughout the year; however, the SITE Global Conference is our favorite:

SITE Global, February 12-15, Abu Dhabi, UAE

“SITE is the heartbeat of our global incentive travel community. It’s where we nurture future leaders and where seasoned professionals feel right at home. For me and for so many of us at Cohera, SITE is where it all happens.”—Rachel Carey.

3. Pairing Up with Our Partners

Since we work in such a varied and collaborative industry, it’s essential to stay on top of what’s happening with our third-party partners.

ConferenceDirect Annual Partners Meeting, May 17-20, Houston

“This annual event connects our most valued partners with our associates. Partners attending have the opportunity to meet and conduct business with over 200 qualified ConferenceDirect Associates.”—Carrie Heiden.

While the 2026 dates for all of these haven’t been released yet, we’d recommend joining their mailing lists to save your spot!

ITA Converge, July 22–24, West Des Moines, Iowa, Prestige Partner Conference, April 1–3, San Diego, CA, and M&IW Summit, July 28, Schaumberg, IL

“Our third-party partner summits are a wonderful opportunity to network with industry partners and provide valuable insight into industry trends and growth strategies.”—Kelly Switzer.

4. Hot Summit Summer

This summer, some of our favorite events are turning up the heat with can’t-miss programs. Here’s what’s on our calendar (when we’re not soaking up some rays.)

IRF Invitational, May 26 – 29, Scottsdale, AZ

“IRF targets incentive travel programs. In addition to education, planners participate firsthand in high-level incentive experiences. Industry thought leaders also share valuable insights on policy, regulation, and market trends.”—Sean Kirkland.

MPI WEC (World Education Conference), June 2-4, San Antonio, TX

“MPI’s WEC is where meeting professionals get ahead of the trends and immerse ourselves in innovative education, fresh ideas, and future-focused experiences. I’ve found that it’s a powerful platform for building real relationships with the people moving our business forward.”—Travis Pham.

Cvent Connect, July 13-16, Nashville, TN

“Attend Cvent Connect for the best networking with industry leaders, planners, hoteliers, and suppliers. You’ll also grow your industry know-how on the newest trends and technology.”—Kelly McDonald.

CEMA Summit, August 9-11, Toronto, Canada

“CEMA is a non-selling event, so truly a community of like-minded event marketing and industry leaders looking to further the industry. You will leave with new friends, insights, and a few days full of laughs.”—Jackie Ash.

5. The Best of the Best

Oh yeah, it’s the big one. Some might think it goes without saying that if you attend one industry event this year, it should be IMEX… but we’ll go ahead and gush anyway!

IMEX America, October 13-15, Las Vegas, NV

“IMEX offers planners access to insights on destinations around the globe. Destination marketing organizations, hotels, industry professionals, and education all under one roof.”—Sean Kirkland

“I attend IMEX America because it’s where our industry truly comes alive. It’s a place to reconnect with inspiring partners, discover fresh ideas, and cultivate meaningful collaborations. For me, it’s more than just a show; it fuels my passion for what we do all year long.”—Lynda Baum.

“IMEX America is where ideas for the next year are born! There is no other show where the who’s who of suppliers and planners in our industry come together. It is a homecoming of sorts where we get to connect with those we have known forever, but also a place to make new connections with the hopes of long relationships and future collaboration.”—Brittany Rustman.

6. Our Friends: The Financial & Insurance Conference Professionals (FICP)

Lastly (but certainly not least!), we have one of our annual favorites. Cohera has a legacy of partnering with FICP, so it’s no surprise that it made the list.

FICP Annual Conference, November 15-18, New Orleans, LA

“With more than 700 attendees and lots of structured and informal networking, it's a prime opportunity to build meaningful connections, gain fresh insights, and connect with industry leaders.”—Stephen Montano.