Navigating the explosion of events for marketers can be overwhelming.
To streamline your choices, we’ve curated nine standout events in the UK for 2026 – ranging from massive industry conferences to smaller, niche gems.
Each of these events delivers real value, whether you’re seeking practical how-tos, strategic inspiration, or simply the camaraderie of fellow marketers. Here’s our ultimate guide to the must-attend marketing events of 2026 in the UK.
Table of Contents
- The Marketing Meetup – Meetups & Campfire Stories Conference
- BrightonSEO
- Festival of Marketing
- Atomicon
- WTS Fest (Women in Tech SEO Festival)
- Agency Hackers Ibiza Summit
- Nottingham Digital Summit
- SocialDay – Social Media Marketing Festival
- Paradigms by Frontify
- Wrapping Up
The Marketing Meetup – Meetups & Campfire Stories Conference
Date & Location: 19 March 2026, London (Church House)
We hope it’s not too cheeky to put ourselves here, but if you’re not going to back yourself, who will?
We at The Marketing Meetup (TMM) are known for its community-driven, “positively lovely” events that prioritise kindness and learning. With over 200 free or donation-based meetups and webinars annually across 40+ global cities, TMM creates a relaxed atmosphere focused on connecting and educating marketers. These local meetups feature industry experts and foster a friendly, inclusive networking vibe – making marketers of all levels feel welcome and valued. It’s not about ego or seniority, but about a shared curiosity and supportiveness in the community. If you’re nervous about typical networking, we have space for you.
Campfire Stories 2026:
The big highlight is our annual full-scale conference, Campfire Stories, taking place in London on March 19, 2026. This single-day, single-track conference will gather 300+ marketers for a day of real-world stories and lessons from incredible speakers.
True to its name, talks are framed like stories around the “campfire,” where experienced marketers share honest case studies – including their successes, failures, and lessons learned. The goal is to illuminate practical frameworks and insights that attendees can apply in their own work. The event’s spirit is sincere and welcoming: last year’s pilot conference earned an outstanding NPS of 98, reflecting how valuable and happy attendees felt.
Expect to leave with actionable marketing knowledge and new friends to support you beyond the day. In 2026 they’re even adding an “Afterglow” evening social, so you can decompress and mingle in a relaxed setting after the talks wrap up. TMM’s ethos is all about inclusivity – even if you don’t see yourself as a marketer, you’re welcome as long as you “embody the spirit of being positively lovely” in this community. In short, this event promises inspiration without the intimidation. (And yes – full disclosure – this is our event, so we’re a bit biased. But we truly believe it will be something special!)
BrightonSEO
Date & Location: 30 April – 1 May 2026, Brighton (Brighton Centre
BrightonSEO is the world’s biggest search marketing conference, and it continues to live up to that reputation in 2026. What started as a small meetup has grown into a massive twice-yearly pilgrimage for SEOs from around the globe. Over two jam-packed days by the sea, BrightonSEO offers dozens of talks and training workshops spanning technical SEO, content marketing, PPC, analytics, and broader digital strategy. It’s the place to immerse yourself in search marketing knowledge: you’ll hear from the leading experts in SEO and beyond, gaining cutting-edge insights into Google updates, link building, on-page/technical tricks, content strategy, and even influencer and social marketing trends.
What really sets BrightonSEO apart is its practical focus and community vibe. Sessions tend to be no-nonsense and tactic-rich, so you’ll come away with notebooks (or laptops) full of actionable tips to improve your search rankings and traffic immediately. Equally valuable are the extensive networking opportunities – with thousands of like-minded marketers attending, you’re bound to make new contacts. The conference organisers facilitate meetups and networking events, but even simply grabbing a seaside pint with fellow attendees can lead to serendipitous connections. The atmosphere is famously friendly and fun (helped by the beach-front location – many an idea has been shared over fish & chips on Brighton Beach!).
Whether you’re a seasoned SEO professional or just starting out in search, BrightonSEO is an essential event to sharpen your skills and feel connected to the search community. It’s large, lively, and learning-oriented – a combination that has made it one of the most loved events in digital marketing.
Festival of Marketing
Date & Location: October 2026 (TBC, likely London).
If you’re looking for big-picture inspiration from top marketing leaders, Marketing Week’s Festival of Marketing is the go-to “big brand” conference of the year. This festival is a high-profile summit that typically packs 50+ sessions and 100+ speakers into one powerhouse day. It’s tailored for marketers in leadership or brand-focused roles who want to stay ahead of where the industry is headed. Unlike tactical events, Festival of Marketing is more about strategy, innovation, and the future of marketing – essentially, where marketing is going next.
Attendees hear from Chief Marketing Officers, brand directors, and thought leaders from top-tier companies sharing insights on subjects like emerging consumer trends, brand strategy, customer experience, and the evolving marketing landscape. For example, the 2025 edition featured keynote speakers like Dr. Grace Kite (economist and Marketing Week columnist) and Antonia Wade (Global CMO of PwC) – giving a sense of the calibre of experts you can expect.
You can anticipate a rich agenda of panel discussions, case studies, and visionary talks at this event. Topics often range from high-level branding and creativity to data-driven strategy and leadership in marketing. It’s an ideal venue for senior marketers to stretch their thinking beyond day-to-day tactics and consider broader trends shaping the profession.
While details for 2026 are still forthcoming, past Festivals have been held in London each October and drew large crowds of ambitious marketers eager to learn and network. If you attend, be ready for a day of “aha” moments about the big challenges and opportunities in marketing – and to rub shoulders with some of the brightest minds in the field. The Festival of Marketing consistently delivers a mix of strategic insight and practical takeaways to help you stay ahead in the industry, all in a high-energy “festival” atmosphere that celebrates the marketing craft.
Atomicon
Date & Location: 16 June 2026, Newcastle upon Tyne (with Fringe events on 15 June).
For small businesses, freelancers, and agency owners, Atomicon has quickly become a can’t-miss event – known for its high-energy, high-fun approach to learning marketing and business growth. Founded and hosted by the dynamic duo Andrew and Pete (of ATOMIC community fame), Atomicon has grown into one of Europe’s largest business conferences for small and mighty businesses.
It’s often described as part marketing conference, part party – where the advice is immediately actionable and the vibe is relentlessly positive. Expect a packed agenda of sessions on topics like content strategy, social media, sales funnels, and entrepreneurship hacks, delivered by an array of expert speakers (and of course Andrew and Pete themselves). What’s unique is the delivery: everything is presented Andrew-and-Pete style – meaning entertaining, hype-filled, and practically oriented, so you’ll laugh while you learn and come away with tactics you can implement the next day.
Atomicon 2026 will be held at an impressive venue (The Glasshouse, formerly Sage Gateshead) with four stages and will include not just the main conference day (Tue 16th) but also fringe mini-events, workshops, and networking parties starting the evening before. They go the extra mile to make networking easy – including an introvert-friendly “business matchmaking” to connect you with others beforehand, and three legendary parties for attendees (yes, three!).
The result is a real community feel; attendees often report they made dozens of new friends and contacts. In fact, one past attendee said they had “never learned more – or had more fun – at a business event,” citing Atomicon’s contagiously enthusiastic atmosphere. If you come solo, you won’t be alone for long. Beyond the fun, the content is extremely valuable for growing a small business – Andrew and Pete pride themselves on sharing the “world’s best tactics to propel small businesses to new heights,” and attendees regularly affirm that Atomicon delivers on that promise.
Bottom line: if you want an unforgettable conference experience that leaves you buzzing with ideas (and maybe a slight confetti hangover), join the friendly crowd at Atomicon.
WTS Fest (Women in Tech SEO Festival)
Date & Location: 5 February 2026, London (Barbican Centre).
WTS Fest is the flagship conference of the Women in Tech SEO community – an event that is inclusive, inspiring, and truly unique in its mission. It’s organised by Women in Tech SEO (WTS), a global community focused on empowering women and people of marginalised genders in the SEO and marketing industry. This full-day summit in London provides a safe, welcoming space for those attendees (men are welcome as sponsors or online, but the in-person attendee group is reserved for women & marginalised genders to ensure a supportive environment.
The result is an atmosphere of encouragement and belonging that’s hard to find elsewhere – a place where everyone can feel comfortable to learn and share. WTS Fest is harassment-free and judgment-free by design, embodying values of kindness, helpfulness, and respect throughout the community.
Importantly, WTS Fest isn’t just about who attends – it’s about phenomenal content too. Each year’s lineup features 10+ brilliant speakers in SEO, covering a wide spectrum of topics. Expect everything from deep-dive technical SEO talks to sessions on analytics, content strategy, leadership, and career development. In 2026, the conference is structured around four themes – Analyse (state of the industry, data analysis), Advance (next-level tactics, future trends), Innovate (emerging tech and strategies), and Empower (career growth and personal development).
That means you might learn a cutting-edge technical tip in one session, then hear advice on overcoming imposter syndrome or climbing the career ladder in the next. The speaker roster often includes some of the top talents in SEO (past editions have featured the likes of Aleyda Solís, Dawn Anderson, etc.), all sharing their knowledge in a friendly and accessible manner. Beyond the talks, WTS Fest offers mentorship vibes – you’ll meet supportive peers and potential mentors ready to help you thrive. In short, WTS Fest is as much about community as it is about SEO. You’ll leave not only with new SEO strategies and insights, but also with a sense of empowerment and a stronger professional network of women who “get it.” For women in the digital industry, this event is a breath of fresh air and an incredible confidence booster.
Agency Hackers Ibiza Summit
Date & Location: Late September 2026 (likely 23–24 September 2026), Ibiza, Spain.
Most marketing conferences take place in generic hotels or convention centres – but Agency Hackers Ibiza Summit throws that playbook out the window. This event is a tropical retreat-meets-conference specifically for digital agency leaders, and yes, it takes place on the sunny party island of Ibiza. Every year, around 300–400 agency owners and leaders from the UK and Europe jet off to the White Isle for a few days of learning, sharing, and networking in an utterly different environment.
The summit is deliberately different from your typical business event: the setting is relaxed (think poolsides and beach venues), the vibe is casual and fun, but the value is very real. As the organizers put it, “you’ll work on your business and work on your tan” at the same time.
During the day, there are workshop sessions, candid talks and panel discussions where agency owners share experiences and strategies for growth. In the evenings, the focus shifts to building friendships – from group dinners to informal meetups, you’ll be making connections (and yes, probably enjoying a cocktail or two under the stars). Past attendees often rave that they came back not only with actionable ideas for their agency, but also with a whole new peer network of agency friends for life.
Despite the laid-back atmosphere, the content is strong.
Agency Hackers is known for its honest, peer-driven sessions – think open discussions about agency challenges (scaling up, hiring, client management, etc.) where everyone shares what’s really working and what’s not. They also bring in a few heavy-hitter speakers; for example, the 2025 Ibiza Summit featured keynote sessions from Mark Ritson and other well-known agency experts. The mix of practical business insight with island inspiration seems to spark big ideas. And importantly, the quality networking in this intimate setting can lead to partnerships and support long after the trip. By now, Ibiza Summit has become a firm fixture in the UK agency calendar – a lot of agency CEOs swear it’s the one event they never miss. If you’re an agency leader open to something beyond the ordinary conference, this might be the most productive “work trip” you’ll ever take. (Just don’t forget the sunscreen!)
Nottingham Digital Summit
Date & Location: 25 June 2026, Nottingham (Broadway Cinema, TBC).
The Nottingham Digital Summit is a brilliant example of a grassroots, community-driven event that punches above its weight every year. Billed as “the Midlands’ biggest digital marketing event”, it brings together 500+ marketers, creatives, and tech professionals for a day of learning in Nottingham. What’s special is that this summit is organized by Nottingham’s own digital community (led by award-winning agency Hallam) and operates as a non-profit event: tickets are extremely affordable and 100% of ticket sales go to charity. In fact, past Summits have raised tens of thousands of pounds for the Rainbows Children’s Hospice – so by attending, you’re not only investing in your skills but also contributing to a good cause. This approach makes the event super accessible, especially for junior marketers or those at smaller companies who might not have big conference budgets. (In previous years, tickets were donation-based or around £50-£60, which is a fraction of most conferences – yet the content quality rivals that of much pricier events.)
So what do you get at Nottingham Digital Summit? A packed agenda across multiple tracks: typically four simultaneous theaters hosting 35+ talks and workshops on all facets of digital marketing. Whether you’re into SEO, PPC, social media, UX/design, content marketing, or analytics, you’ll find relevant sessions delivered by exceptional industry thought-leaders (the organisers manage to attract big-name speakers, including nationally recognised experts). For instance, previous editions have featured speakers like Stephen Kenwright (co-founder of Rise at Seven), Barry Adams (SEO consultant), and other notable marketers sharing their latest insights.
The Summit maintains a friendly, down-to-earth vibe – it’s run “by the community, for the community,” so networking feels easy and inclusive. You’ll see a lot of local marketers and agency folks mingling, but also attendees from across the UK who travel for this hidden gem. Expect very practical takeaways from sessions – the emphasis is on learning something useful you can apply to your campaigns, rather than just theory.
And the day is long (usually 9am–5pm talks, then a networking social after), so you’ll get your fill of content. If you’re looking to up-skill or get fresh ideas without the hefty price tag, Nottingham Digital Summit is perfect – you’ll walk away with plenty of notes, new connections, and maybe a bit of that warm fuzzy feeling from knowing your ticket helped a charity. It’s a win-win event that proves big things can happen outside London.
SocialDay – Social Media Marketing Festival
Date & Location: 18–20 May 2026, London.
SocialDay is the UK’s premier conference dedicated entirely to social media marketing, and in 2026 it’s leveling up into a multi-day festival format. If your world revolves around tweets, TikToks, reels, and stories, this is your event. SocialDay 2026 will span three days in London – with a fun opening party on May 18, followed by two packed conference days on May 19–20. Over those days, you can expect an immersive agenda covering every hot topic in social media and influencer marketing. From mastering the latest TikTok trends and Instagram algorithms, to cracking LinkedIn B2B strategies, to harnessing influencers and creators for brand campaigns – SocialDay covers it all.
There will be insightful keynotes by platform experts and top social strategists, practical how-to sessions (e.g. building engagement, social ads, community management), and panel discussions on where social is headed next (AI in social, emerging platforms, etc.). In addition, hands-on workshops are often part of the mix, so you can get down to tactics like editing viral videos or refining your content calendar. The content is very up-to-date by nature – social media never stands still, and SocialDay’s mission is to keep marketers ahead of the curve.
Beyond content, SocialDay has built a reputation for its “unstuffy” and friendly culture. The event brings together social media managers, content creators, agency teams, and brand marketers who live and breathe social. Networking is a big focus: there are plenty of chances to mingle with peers who understand the challenges of algorithms and audience fickleness. Many attendees say they not only learned new strategies, but even found new clients, collaborators, or job opportunities through the connections made at SocialDay.
The organisers strive to keep the atmosphere welcoming and hype-free – “no fluff, just real-world insight” is a guiding principle. Also, it’s fun! Past SocialDays have included interactive elements, cool tech demos, and an awards celebration (SocialDay also runs the Social Media Marketing Awards). By attending, you’ll plug into the latest trends and techniques in social media marketing – and you’ll do so alongside a community that’s just as passionate about socials as you are. If your role involves social media or content, this conference is easily one of the most useful (and enjoyable) investments you can make in 2026.
Paradigms by Frontify
Date & Location: 2026 dates TBA (previously held September 2025 in Europe).
Rounding out our list is a newer event that’s rapidly making waves in the branding world: Paradigms, the Brand Experience Summit by Frontify. First launched in 2022, Paradigms is an exclusive two-day summit where global brand leaders, creative minds, and “disruptors” come together to explore the future of branding in fresh ways. This isn’t your typical marketing conference – it’s more like a thoughtfully curated experience for brand enthusiasts. Each year Paradigms is hosted in a unique location (past editions were in cities like Barcelona, Lisbon, and Rome, often in inspiring venues) and deliberately kept intimate in scale to foster deep engagement. The summit is “dedicated to the love for brands,” as Frontify puts it. Attendees range from CMOs, brand managers, and design leads at major companies, to innovative agency folks and creative directors – essentially, anyone obsessed with building great brands.
At Paradigms, you can expect content that dives into brand strategy, identity, design, and experience at the highest level. Talks and workshops cover topics such as maintaining brand consistency across global teams, nurturing brand communities, scaling creative processes, and the intersection of branding with culture and technology. The speaker lineup is usually stellar: Paradigms brings in legends and mavericks of the branding and design world. For example, Paradigms 2024 featured speakers from Spotify, Google, Pentagram, and Oatly, to name a few, sharing behind-the-scenes lessons on iconic brand campaigns. The format often blurs the line between conference and cultural event – you might find live performances, interactive art, or mindfulness exercises woven between sessions, all aimed at sparking new ways of thinking. And because it’s run by Frontify (a leading brand management platform), there’s a clear focus on how to practically manage and grow brands in today’s fast-paced environment – from leveraging brand asset technology to building cohesive brand experiences.
Paradigms has quickly earned a reputation for being innovative and thought-provoking. It’s the kind of event where you leave intellectually energised and full of creative ideas (and possibly with a few new friends from that networking dinner over tapas).
It’s particularly ideal for senior marketers and brand guardians who want to step outside everyday marketing chatter and ponder the bigger-picture question: “How do we build brands that last and resonate?” Keep an eye out for Paradigms 2026 announcements – if you’re serious about brand strategy, this summit is a chance to learn from the best and gain a truly global perspective on brand experience.
Wrapping Up
These nine events represent the cream of the crop in the UK marketing scene for 2026. Some are huge conferences drawing thousands, others are niche gatherings with a couple hundred attendees – but each one offers genuine value in terms of learning, inspiration, and community. Whether you’re aiming to master SEO, get ahead in social media, elevate your brand, or just swap stories with fellow marketers, there’s an event on this list for you.
If you can only make it to one event this year? Well, we’d be thrilled to see you at our own Campfire Stories in March 😉. But honestly – whichever you choose, you’re bound to walk away with new ideas, new connections, and a fresh reminder of why marketing is such a dynamic industry to be in. Here’s to a 2026 filled with learning and marketing magic!
Previous years: