We’re talking the game-changers—the ones that will shape industry, spark innovation, and maybe even give you a serious case of FOMO. We led some, attended some, and dug through a mountain of event websites, articles, and social media buzz to bring you this list. We’re going deep, giving you the insider scoop into why these events matter and what you can gain by attending. 

So, buckle up. We have a global itinerary planned, from the future of experiences in London to the cutting-edge technology in Vancouver; we’ll even make a stop in Vegas for a bit of fintech fun, but don’t worry. We’ll keep things profesh. 

15 Events to Watch in 2025

Listed by 2025 date.

World Experience Summit (WXO)— London, April 29-May 1, 2025 

First up, let’s transport ourselves to London’s new entertainment district, Immerse LDN, right on the iconic royal docks. That’s where the World Experience Summit (WXO) takes over from April 29 to May 1. The Summit promises a rare blend of networking, insight, and innovation tailored to experience design and production professionals. After a sold-out Brooklyn event in 2024, the London edition is poised to attract an even larger global audience, with Super Early Bird tickets selling quickly. 

Imagine a world where every experience—from visiting a hospital to cheering on your favorite sports team—is meticulously designed to enhance your well-being. That’s the ambitious vision driving WES, and they’re bringing together 24 sectors of the experience economy to make it a reality. They’ve got the usual suspects like events and tourism, plus more unexpected sectors like health care and education—it shows how experience design is becoming a core element of nearly every industry. 

WXO is all about exploring possibilities, and they aren’t just talking about it. They’re showcasing real-world examples of how experience design is transforming industries. Opus Agency attended in 2024 to gain fresh perspectives into democratizing knowledge, experiential excellence, co-creation, and courageous creativity.

They’re also throwing in a healthy dose of fun along the way. WXO invites attendees to participate in an “Experience Safari,” a curated selection of New York’s most exciting experiences to enjoy with new friends. 

‍One quote stands out: “Educational, inspiring, and way too much fun.” Can’t beat that. 

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C2 Montréal — May 20-22, 2025

Next, we’re hopping over to Montréal for C2 from May 20-22 on the Grand Quay on the Port of Montreal. The 13th edition of C2 offered a campus-style setting with stunning river views, but instead of lectures, you have brain dates, immersive labs, and even darkly humorous game shows. C2 Montréal isn’t your typical conference; they’re all about blurring the lines between business and creativity, exploring the intersection of society and commerce, and using experience design to drive positive change in the world. 

But it’s not all fun and games—they tackle serious topics. But they do it in a way that is engaging, thought-provoking, and, dare we say, entertaining. C2MTL 2025 will feature XP Fronts, an embedded, cutting-edge summit created by XP Land specifically for leaders in the experiential industry. After a successful debut in 2024, XP Fronts will return as an exclusive gathering for experience makers, creatives, and brand innovators to explore the latest trends and collaborate on transformative projects.

If you’re looking to make waves in the experience industry, attending C2 Montréal could be a strategic power move. One and three-day passes are on sale now. 

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Future of Everything Festival — NYC, May 20-22, 2025

Speaking of power moves, let’s talk about the Wall Street Journal’s Future of Everything Festival, which will be held in New York City from May 20 to 22. The Future of Everything Festival is a standout event for 2025, designed to capture attention with its bold approach to exploring trends, innovation, and cultural shifts across industries. 

This festival is all about bringing together brilliant minds and global newsmakers to discuss transformative trends. Expect thought-provoking discussions on everything—from AI and the metaverse to the future of work and sustainable innovation. 

WSJ doesn’t mess around when it comes to their speaker lineup. We’re talking big names from business, tech, entertainment, and even a few unexpected surprises. Think Awkwafina rubbing elbows with CEOs and Elmo sharing the stage with thought leaders. 

Attendees enjoy top-notch experiences featuring an exclusive VIP lounge, WSJ Café, and The Lab, where they can dive into the future of AI, robotics, and virtual reality with interactive demos and product showcases. 

But it’s not all work and no play—the Future of Everything Festival also knows how to throw a party. Think night on Broadway, curated dine-arounds at NYC’s hottest restaurants, and exclusive VIP large access because, let’s be honest, even brilliant minds need a little fun now and then. 

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Web Summit (formerly Collision) — Vancouver, May 27-30, 2025

From the bustling streets of New York, we’re heading west for Web Summit Vancouver. Taking place from May 27 to 30, this event brings together global tech leaders, innovative startups, and influential investors to shape the future of the digital world.

Founded by Paddy Cosgrave in 2009, it started as a 150-person tech conference and has since gathered over a million business people worldwide. The flagship event in Lisbon takes place every November, and Web Summit hosts additional Web Summits throughout the year, including in Rio and Qatar. 

Web Summit has earned a reputation for connecting people and ideas that change the world. That’s why it attracts massive media attention, with outlets like the New York Times, BBC, CNN, The Guardian, Wall Street Journal, Reuters, Bloomberg, Forbes, Vogue, and more in attendance. 

Web Summit Vancouver took over Collision in Toronto, which became the fastest-growing technology event in North America (we saw it firsthand in 2023). This new event—Web Summit’s first North American installation—will continue the company’s mission. 

Web Summit is fostering innovation on a global scale, and its ALPHA program is a prime example. It’s like a launch pad for early-stage startups, giving them the opportunity to pitch their ideas to investors, connect with mentors, and gain valuable exposure. Web Summit is the pulse of the tech world, shaping trends and finding breakthroughs before anyone else. 

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SXSW London, June 2-7, 2025

If you’re craving a taste of that iconic SXSW energy but can’t make it to Austin March 7-15, you’re in luck! SXSW is launching its first-ever European event in London’s Shoreditch district from June 2-7. Shoreditch is the “unruly epicenter” of London, known for its street art, indie boutiques, and tech startups. It’s the perfect setting for SXSW’s unique blend of music, film, and interactive media. 

SXSW London promises to make history with its core three experiences: Conference, Music Festival, and Screen Festival. Attendees can expect a convergence of industries, disciplines, and art forms. Expect keynote talks, artistic interactions, live performances, screenings, showcases, fashion activations, and more. 

SXSW has a long track record of propelling future stars and tech giants to fame. Billie Eilish, Stormsey, Twitter (now X), and Airbnb all had breakthrough moments at SXSW. Who knows, maybe the big thing is waiting to be discovered at SXSW London in 2025. If you want to be at the forefront of creative innovation, this event is a must-attend. 

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HubSpot INBOUND — San Francisco, September 3-5, 2025

From London, we’re headed to San Francisco for Hubspot INBOUND, the premier marketing and sales event in tech. INBOUND offers three days of inspiring keynotes, educational breakouts, product announcements, and networking opportunities. 

In 2024, INBOUND made some strategic changes to its event model, reimagining the ticket plan to increase engagement. They adopted a “SXSW-like model” for their location, moving to BCEC in Seaport, a vibrant neighborhood in Boston. They’ve also begun encouraging partners, sponsors, and even attendees to host their own events throughout the neighborhood. 

INBOUND 2025 will move to the Moscone Center in San Francisco from September 3-5, 2025, marking its first West Coast event. The 2024 event in Boston featured over 12,000 attendees and emphasized hands-on, engaging content like Hubspot Academy Labs and debate-format Takedowns. 

INBOUND continues to attract big-name speakers like Ryan Reynolds and Serena Williams, but they balance these high-profile speakers with localized and practical content. And for those who love the Boston-based event, fear not—they’ll be back in 2026. 

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Innovation Festival — NYC, September 16-19, 2025

Approaching its 11th year, Fast Company’s Innovation Festival unfolds across venues throughout New York City, convening thousands of markers and innovators from across the globe for four days of inspired conversation, purposeful networking, and meaningful takeaways.

The festival spans NYC and features two main venues: BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, where the festival's main stage is located, and Convene 1 Liberty Street, a multi-format event space that serves as the central hub and offers panels, workshops, networking, activations, and more. 

Exclusive to the Innovation Festival, “Fast Tracks” are Fast Company’s bespoke take on the field trip. 75+ Fast Tracks across various offices and studios throughout the city take attendees behind the scenes of real-world innovation.

Their speaker lineup is always top-notch, featuring CEOs, entrepreneurs, creatives, and thought leaders from various industries. Big names like Pat McGrath, Issa Rae, and Lin-Manuel Miranda attract thousands of attendees. 

They also offer “Taste of Innovation Dinners,” a series of exclusive culinary experiences that showcase the people, food, libations, and stories that make for an unforgettable experience.

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Bits & Pretzels — Munich, September 29-October 1, 2025

From NYC, we’re headed to Munich for Bits & Pretzels, a unique blend of business and Oktoberfest happening September 20 to October 1, 2025. Imagine pitching your startup idea between sips of beer and networking with investors while enjoying traditional Bavarian festivities. 

This event brings together 7,500 founders, investors, and industry leaders to network, learn, and conduct business. What sets this event apart is its integration with Munich’s Oktoberfest, offering attendees a unique experience over three days. The event combines two days of a highly curated conference with leading speakers and tens of thousands of founder-investor meetings. On the final day, attendees head to the official Oktoberfest for a final day of networking with 250 expert-hosted “Table Captains” who facilitate discussions. 

Bits & Pretzels is a critical platform for startup growth and innovation, and its origins as a small founder’s breakfast prove just how invested they are in building entrepreneurial connections.

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Dreamforce — San Francisco, October 14-16, 2025

Our next stop is Dreamforce in San Francisco, the largest AI event in the world. Returning October 14-16, 2025, Dreamforce welcomes over 170,000 attendees on a journey to transform customer experience. 

The experience celebrates the massive Salesforce customer base (whom they call Trailblazers) to learn about Salesforce products’ role in business success. The Moscone Convention Center and multiple San Francisco hotels transform into a National Park-themed campus featuring demos, workshops, keynotes, and immersive experiences in Campgrounds, Lodges, and Stations. The campus atmosphere includes nature sounds, ranger docents, park lodge-style stations, indoor waterfalls, and iconic first-themed characters who guide Trailblazers. 

Attendees enjoy a hyper-personalized experience with “Personalized Trail Maps” in the event app. These maps used AI and machine learning-generated recommendations to tailor a custom agenda for each attendee. 

Global leaders and celebrity speakers inspire attendees with ideas on how to blaze new paths, and benefit concerts raise millions of dollars for local charities. Salesforce also prioritizes sustainability; in 2024, 100% of onsite event emissions were offset. Talk about innovation. 

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Money 20/20 — Las Vegas, October 26-29, 2025

Next, we’re headed to the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas for Money 20/20, “where money does business.” This premier event is the world’s biggest and most influential gathering of the global money ecosystem, including banks, payments, tech, startups, retail, fintech, financial services, policy, and more.

The 2024 event channeled a “Human x Machiene” theme with experimental activations, podcasting lounges, and “off the record” stages where organizers took away attendees’ phones in this behind-the-curtain space for candid conversations. 

Exhibiting brands go big with their activations—often offering whimsical F&B, interactive AI experiences, and edgy demos (like a full-on haunted house). 

In 2025, Money 20/20 is launching a global awards program to celebrate the people who shape the future of money. The M2020 community will also convene for Money 20/20 Asia, April 22-24 in Bangkok, and for Money 20/20 Europe, June 3-5 in Amsterdam.

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WSJ Tech Live — Laguna Beach, October 2025

For a truly exclusive experience, consider WSJ Tech Live in Laguna Beach. Slated for October 2025, this invite-only event brings together a select group of tech visionaries, disruptors, and industry leaders to discuss the impact of technology on business regulation and innovation. And they don’t just talk about it; they offer amazing offsite excursions like golfing, kayaking, and even a beach book camp, creating a more relaxed and informal networking and relationship-building setting. 

Attendees include C-suite executives from Fortune 500 companies and rising innovators from the tech, media, entertainment, and finance sectors, who convene to share headline-making announcements and explore new deal-making opportunities. 

Interestingly, participation is by invitation only and subject to approval. Registration fees cover the entire program, activities, meals, and conference materials, but attendees must book their own travel accommodations—which is probably preferred for this crowd anyway.

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TEDNext — Atlanta, October 2025

Next, we’re headed to Atlanta for TedNext 2025, one of the latest TED platforms to appear on the scene. This three-day, future-focused conference series is designed to explore personal and societal growth. 

While traditional TED conferences focus on broader “ideas worth spreading,” TEDNext emphasizes individual aspirations and personal development. The conference invites attendees to create their own futures by examining how their passions and dreams intersect with society and innovation.

The inaugural event, held in October 2024, was held at Pullman Yards in Atlanta and welcomed a healthy attendance of 1,000 artists, entrepreneurs, scientists, community leaders, and more, creating a melting pot of ideas and inspiration. 

Their sessions go beyond typical lectures and presentations, offering more than 40 TED Talks, live performances, and hands-on workshops. Plus, they have vibrant social events and dine-around options so you can explore the city and network with attendees beyond the conference walls. 

TEDNext aims for a festival-meets-business atmosphere with food trucks, experimental activations, community hubs, restorative lounges, bookstores, vinyl bars, photo booths, and a beer and gaming area complete with darts, air hockey, arcade basketball, and pool table. 

The conference, now in its second year, has several distinctive aspects, such as autonomous attendee journeys that allow attendees to craft their own learning experiences and innovative networking tools, like the TEDConnect app, which facilitates year-round connections. For those looking for inspiration, hands-on leadership development, and meaningful community connections, TEDNext awaits.

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Slush — Helsinki, November 2025

Next, we’re heading to Helsinki for Slush, the “most founder-focused event on earth.” Slush is a haven for startups, bringing together 13,000 attendees, including 5,500 startup founders and operators and 3,300 investors with a total of $3 trillion in assets under management (AUM). Slush is uniquely positioned as the world’s largest gathering of venture capitalists and a central event for global startup ecosystem networking. 

The event stands out for its hyper-relevant crowd and four world-class stages that feature founders, investors, and experts sharing insights into building successful companies. Beyond the primary programming, Slush offers more than 300 ancillary events, highly targeted matchmaking, and various founder-focused activities. 

Special highlights include Founders Day, a pre-event gathering featuring Helsinki’s largest beach party, exclusive networking and mentoring sessions, and a female founder lunch. The renowned Slush 100 Startup Competition provides winners with equity investments from major European funds. Slush also emphasizes unique activities—like sauna experiences and icy sea dips—and tailored investor experiences, making it a must-attend for founders and investors. Plus, they have a legendary after-party that’s not to be missed. 

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Microsoft Ignite — San Francisco, November 2025

Next up is Microsoft Ignite, the heavyweight champion of AI user conferences. Sold out in 2024, Ignite showcases the latest innovations from Microsoft and its partners, particularly Copilot technology. For the 2025 edition, Microsoft is taking Ignite to San Francisco for the first time in three decades.

It focuses on AI transformation, intelligent apps, data security, and productivity. Attendees can customize their experiences with a comprehensive event guide, session planning tools, and access to learning opportunities.

The Hub at Ignite is an attendee favorite. Buzzing with activity all week, it helps deepen understanding of emerging tech with expert meet-ups and multisensory, interactive challenges. These challenges have included escape rooms, art prompting, and AI simulations in past years. 

Ignite is a significant highlight of the tech events calendar and is often called the “rock concert of tech innovation,” with flashing lights, music, and big stages that bring the experience to life. 

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Art Basel — Miami Beach, December, 2025

To wrap up our tour, we’re jetting down to Miami Beach for Art Basel, the premier global fair for modern and contemporary art in the Americas. Leading galleries from five continents exhibit significant works by masters and emerging artists. The Miami installation of the event is particularly popular amongst younger art enthusiasts, with nearly half of attendees under 30. 

A unique aspect of Art Basel Miami is its partnership with Airbnb, which offers attendees immersive stays and exclusive curated experiences. These include behind-the-scenes tours led by Art Basel Miami Beach’s director and interactive dining events hosted by culinary artists. This collaboration enhances the attendee experience and engagement with the fair, leaning into a vibrant city-wide cultural program. Since launching the Miami Basel, Miami has exploded as a global creativity hub. 

Art Basel is a must-attend event for art enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone interested in the contemporary art scene. Catch a glimpse into the future of art with a premium or general ticket, or attend the Hong Kong fair March 28-30 or the Paris fair October 22-26.

Emerging Trends

As we conclude our Tour de ‘25, it’s helpful to identify the trends emerging from these industry-shaping events. Here are five that stand out:

1. Blurred Lines: Many events emphasize experience design across various sectors and formats, merging business discussions with highly creative, entertainment-driven formats.
2. Tech-Driven, Human-Centered: Many events focus on the impact of technology on society, tackling topics such as AI, metaverse, and tech-driven social transformation. There is a clear emphasis on new tech applications and the ethical, human-centered implications of these advancements.
3. Hot Destinations: NYC, San Francisco, and London continue to dominate as top destinations, while Canada is gaining serious traction with standout events in Montreal and Vancouver.
4. Cultural Immersion: Planners are sourcing unique European cities like Helsinki and Munich to tap into culturally immersive experiences. Dine-arounds, field trips, and city tours are also rising in popularity, with exhibitors and partners taking over entire cities to engage with attendees.‍
5. Exclusivity: The trend toward exclusivity is unmistakable, with new hotspots like Laguna Beach and Miami Beach adding a touch of luxury to US events. For many brands, registration and marketing language has shifted towards a “Join the Waitlist” model instead of a “Register Now” model, with VIP packages and even interview processes elevating the level of exclusivity.

Big Idea

There you have it, a list of 15 industry-shaping events to watch in 2025. This collection is designed to help you better navigate the immense event industry, keep a pulse on what’s new, and provide fresh inspiration for your next event. Whether in tech, finance, healthcare, or something else, each event offers something unique to engage a community and drive real results. 

Want your event to become one to watch? Let’s connect on how we can level up.