SEO conferences are one of the best ways to stay ahead of the digital marketing game in 2024. Not only do they present expert insights, case studies, and trends, but you get the chance to have conversations, get answers, and rub shoulders with the best in the business. The result can likely be a transformation in how you handle SEO for your business.

To help you get started, we compiled this list of the 10 SEO conferences everyone can attend in 2024. We’ve attended several of these conferences and provided our experience and some pointers for them below.

The list at the bottom of the post includes several additional conferences that are not included in the top list. If you see we’re missing one and want to be added, don’t hesitate to contact Nick via the contact form. 

Note: Prices mentioned are as of April, 2024

Sydney SEO Conference

The Sydney SEO Conference 2024, set for March 1 at Crown Sydney, Barangaroo, is the must-attend event for SEO enthusiasts. Featuring a stellar lineup of speakers like Jes Scholz and Tim Soulo, the conference offers deep dives into SEO trends, digital PR, AI, and more. 

It’s an unparalleled opportunity for learning, networking, and getting the latest industry insights, all while enjoying the vibrant setting of Sydney. With comprehensive access to sessions, meals, and networking drinks, this conference is a perfect blend of professional growth and cultural exploration.

• Where: Sydney, Australia
• When: March 1, 2024
• Topics: Digital PR, AI, SGE, topic clusters, local SEO, enterprise SEO, technical SEO, e-commerce SEO, SEO automation
• Top Speakers: Ana Luna, Tim Soulo, Jes Scholz, and Greg Gifford
• Cost: $349 + GST / Ticket fees
• Website: Eventbrite Page for the Sydney SEO Conference 2024​​​​.

[Video Preview] Sydney SEO Conference 2023 Highlights Video.

Pubcon

Pubcon has two events, Austin and Las Vegas. Pubcon Las Vegas 2024 will focus on the transformative impact of AI in search marketing, taking place at the MGM Luxor Hotel, Las Vegas, from March 4th to 6th. This event promises to be an immersive experience, featuring keynote speeches and sessions on various search topics, including AI content marketing and local search.

Networking opportunities and interactive exhibits will also be part of the agenda, offering attendees a chance to connect with industry leaders and explore the latest SEO technologies​.

• Where: Las Vegas, Nevada
• When: March 4th-6th, 2024
• Topics: AI in search, local search, SEO, content marketing
• Top Speakers: Lily Ray, Mark Irvine, Fabrice Canel, Brian McDowell, and Carolyn Shelby
• Cost: $1599
• Website:Pubcon Las Vegas 2024, Pubcon Austin (23′)

[Video Preview] Full Replay of Live PubCon Talk: Future of SEO Content is AI

Nick’s take: I attended a Pubcon Las Vegas pre-pandemic and really enjoyed myself. Not only is Vegas a great town but when you add SEO/Marketing to the equation you have a winning event. Historically Pubcon has offered a lot of different speaker tracks so you may want to consider some pre-planning for which talks you want to attend.

Brighton SEO

Brighton SEO is the world’s biggest search conference, which is held in the US and UK. It covers search marketing and training courses, and offers two days of talks, hosting over 6000 attendees. Topics include AI, blogging, GA4, custom dashboards, and the future of SEO.

The day before the conference, Brighton also offers a day of specialist training to get you up to speed on the top SEO and digital marketing practices. However, to attend, you need to have a “Training” ticket. 

• Where: Brighton, UK and San Diego, CA
• When: Apr. 25-26 (UK), Nov. 19-20 (US), 2024
• Topics: AI, Blogging in 2025, Link Building, and more.
• Top Speakers: Amanda Jordan, Greg Gifford, and Rand Fishkin
• Cost: Free to £890 (UK), Free to $840 (US)
• Websites: https://brightonseo.com (UK), https://us.brightonseo.com (US)

[Video Preview] Panel : Tech SEO – brightonSEO September 2023

Note: Brighton SEO acquired the Hero Conference and SearchLove Conference on April 3, 2024.

Nick’s take: I was fortunate enough to attend the inaugural US BrightonSEO. Kelvin put on a fantastic event, and it was everything I had hoped for. The tickets are extremely cost-effective, which helps when individuals need to purchase airfare and hotels.

Mozcon

MozCon 2024 is set to take place on June 3 and 4 in Seattle, focusing on digital marketing’s future, especially the impact of AI-powered tools and Google’s SGE. 

The conference will feature 20 top industry experts sharing insights to help marketers and SEO professionals stay ahead. Notable speakers include Amanda Jordan, Lily Ray, Dana DiTomaso, Rand Fishkin, Travis Tallent, and Ross Simmonds, among others.

• Where: Seattle, Washington
• When: June 3-4, 2024
• Topics: AI-powered tools, Google’s SGE, content creation
• Top Speakers: Lily Ray, Dana DiTomaso, Crystal Carter, Andy Crestodina, Wil Reynolds, Chima Mmeje, Ross Simmonds
• Cost: $299 (Livestream), $449 (Livestream + Recordings), $1,299 (Early Bird Pricing)
• Website: MozCon 2024

[Video Preview]  SERP Strategies [MozCon 2022] — Andy Crestodina

Search Marketing Expo (SMX)

Search Engine Marketing Expo (SMX) has three different events in 2024. Two are online, and one is in London. Let’s break down each of the events, their speakers, and their costs.

SMX Advanced

SMX Advanced is a completely online event on June 11-12 covering search marketing training. This online conference is put on by Search Engine Land and taps into the latest core updates, SEO trends, and shifts in user behavior. 

And the biggest advantage? It’s completely free and online, so there’s no excuse to miss it!

• Where: Online
• When: June 11-12, 2024
• Topics: SGE, core updates, consumer behavior, and more.
• Top Speakers: Mike King, Lily Ray, Glenn Gabe, Brad Geddes, Jessica Bowman, and more
• Cost: Free
• Website: SMX Advanced

Nick’s take: I’ve been to one SMX advanced in my career when it was an in-person event. I’m partial to in-person events as its hard for me to not multi-task when participating in an online version. However, those who are on a budget and don’t want/can’t travel, this can be a great resource.

SMX Next

Along the same lines, SMX Next is another free online event on November 13-14, 2024, serving as an actionable training for search marketers. Also by Search Engine Land, this program showcases topics such as generative AI, GA4, algorithm updates, and SERP features.

“I really really liked SMX Next… [it] had amazing speakers and really valuable info. Fred Valleys, Brad Geddes, and Paid Media Pros are my favourite PPC specialists and my go-to resources. I am really happy we can attend online, not sure I would have been able to participate in person. Thanks for everything!” – Denisa Sirca, PPC Specialist, SVGator

• Where: Online
• When: November 13-14, 2024
• Topics: Generative AI, GA4, algorithm updates, SERP features, and more.
• Top Speakers: TBA
• Cost: Free
• Website: SMX Next

[Video Preview] Join Keynote Speaker Hyung-Jin Kim, VP of Search at Google at SMX Next!

SMX London

Unlike SMX Advanced and Next, SMX London is a paid, international, 2-day, in-person event focused on SEO and PPC strategies. While the exact topics are TBA, some include Google Ads, algorithm updates, AI, SGE, and the future of SEO.

The insights, strategies, and networking opportunities I’ve gained at SMX have propelled my digital marketing efforts to new heights. It’s not just an event; it’s a doorway to the future of online marketing. What’s truly gratifying is hearing from experts that the strategy and path I’ve been following for years are indeed the right ones. If you’re serious about staying ahead in the digital landscape, SMX is an absolute must-attend. – Jovan Savić – Conference Director, ARCOTEL Hotel

• Where: London, UK
• When: October 24-25, 2024
• Topics: TBA
• Top Speakers: Tom Anthony, Kathryn Monkcom, and Martin Splitt
• Cost: £595 (Workshop Only) to £1,795 (2-Day + Workshop)
• Website: SMX London

MNSearch Summit

The 2024 MnSearch Summit, happening June 14 in St. Paul, MN, promises an enriching experience with workshops on topics like Google Analytics 4, advanced analytics, and AI applications in content, PR, & SEO.

Keynotes and sessions will cover a range of subjects, including the workings of search engines, local SEO, content marketing strategies, and navigating paid media in the age of AI. It’s a must-attend for professionals looking to stay ahead in the digital marketing landscape.

• Where: St. Paul, Minnesota
• When: June 14, 2024
• Topics: Google Analytics 4, Advanced Analytics, AI in Content/PR/SEO, Local SEO, Paid Media in AI, and more.
• Top Speakers: Aleyda Solis, Wil Reynolds, and Chima Mmeje
• Cost: $197 (recordings), $547 (in-person)
• Website: 2024 MnSearch Summit​

Nick’s take: Welcome to my hometown search event. The individuals behind this event have always been passionate about compensating speakers and finding a variety of topics and speakers to present to the audience. I’ve only missed ONE MNSearch Summit since its beginning. I don’t plan on missing a second.

Content Marketing World

Content Marketing World 2024, occurring from October 21-23 in San Diego, CA, is set to bring together over 150 expert speakers in its 14th year. Organized by the Content Marketing Institute, this event is a hub for marketing leaders, content creators, and professionals seeking new strategies and inspiration.

At the time of writing, speakers for the 2024 conference have yet to be announced, but you can see past speakers on their website below.

Note: the workshop is on October 21, while the conference is on October 22-23, 2024.

• Where: San Diego, CA
• When: October 21-23, 2024
• Topics: AI in marketing, content creation, SEO, SMM, storytelling, demand generation, and more.
• Top Speakers: TBA
• Cost: $899 (Digital Pass) to $2,999 (Onsite Rate)
• Website: Content Marketing World 2024

[Video Preview] Content Marketing World 2024 – Registration Now OPEN

State of Search 2024

The State of Search Conference, presented by DFWSEM, is happening on October 28-29, 2024. It’s a unique digital marketing conference bringing together leading minds from around the globe to share their expertise.

Attendees can expect actionable insights across various aspects of digital marketing, suitable for those in-house, in agencies, or running their own business​​. Topics include SEO elements as well as paid media. While their speakers have not yet been announced, you can see past speakers on their website below.

• Where: Grapevine, Texas
• When: October 28-29, 2024
• Topics: SEO, content, backlinks, local SEO, paid media
• Top Speakers: TBA
• Cost: $397 (Early Bird) to $997
• Website: State of Search Conference 2024

[Video Preview] State of Search – Amanda Jordan

International Search Summit (ISS)

The International Search Summit 2024, dedicated entirely to international search marketing, will be held on November 14 at the World Trade Center Barcelona. It will feature three tracks full of talks aimed at improving online visibility and engagement in international markets, providing valuable insights and networking opportunities. 

The event, conducted in English, is designed to address the specific challenges of managing international websites and global campaigns.

• Where: Barcelona, Spain
• When: November 14, 2024
• Topics: International SEO, content, audience and paid media strategies
• Top Speakers: TBA
• Cost: €145 (Early Bird) to €750 (Workshop)
• Website: International Search Summit Barcelona

[Video Preview] Why you should come to the International Search Summit

Chiang Mai SEO Conference

The Chiang Mai SEO Conference 2024 is set to take place from November 18-22 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. This highly anticipated event is a major draw for over 800 SEO entrepreneurs, agency owners, and super affiliates looking to exchange ideas, drive innovation, and strengthen their results.

Attendees can look forward to five days packed with insightful talks, meetups, and workshops aimed at both newcomers and seasoned professionals in the SEO field. The cost and specific details regarding the agenda are to be confirmed, but the event will once again offer valuable learning and networking opportunities against the backdrop of Chiang Mai’s unique cultural and scenic beauty.

If you want to level up, hands down the best SEO event of in terms of who you meet and how your business can grow. – James Dooley

• Where: Chiang Mai, Thailand
• When: November 18-22, 2024
• Topics: TBD; previous conferences have covered a wide range of SEO-related topics
• Top Speakers: Matt Diggity, Kyle Roof, Julie Adams, Steve Toth, Tim Soulo, and Bibi Raven
• Cost: TBD (Tickets Dropping on April 22nd, 2024)
• Website: Chiang Mai SEO Conference

[Video Preview] How to Plan a Trip to Thailand for the Chiang Mai SEO Conference​​​​​​

More SEO Conferences

If you’d like even more SEO and digital marketing conferences, check out the bonus list we put together:

• Friends of Search Fest – March 21st, Amsterdam
• Adobe Summit – March 25-28th, Las Vegas
• WTSFest – March 8th, London, May 2/3 Philly + June 7 Berlin
• Growth Marketing Summit – June 19th, Frankfurt
• Inbound 2024 – September 18-20th, Boston
• B2B Marketing Expo 2024 – October 9-10, Los Angeles
• Engage (prev. SearchFest) – October 17-18, Portland, Oregon
• Adworld Experience – October 17-18, Bologna, Italy
• DMO Advanced 2024 – TBA
• DigiMar Con – TBA
• Social Media Marketing World  – February 18-20th, San Diego
• SEO Mastery Summit – April 7-11th, Saigon
• SEO Meetup – April 18-19th, New York
• London SEO XL – June 13th, London
• SEO at the Beach – March 2-3rd, Miami
• Zenith Digital Marketing Conference – April 11th, Duluth, Minnesota

If You Could Only Go To 1 SEO Conference

Nick has attended several SEO conferences over his 15+ year career, including SMX Advanced, Pubcon Vegas, MnSearch, Mozcon, Brighton SEO (US), and Zenith Digital Marketing Conference.

While each is a unique experience, what if you could only choose one? Whether it’s time or budget, which one might have the best bang for your buck?

I asked Nick this question. Here’s what he said.

This is a great question. I’m not sure I can narrow it down to just one so my shortlist is Mozcon, BrightonSEO, and my local event MNSearch.

I’ve always prioritized my conference attendance around who will be in attendance (folks I want to network with), when the event is, and the total out-of-pocket cost. All the conferences in our industry do a good job of getting great speakers; many speak at multiple conferences. Bonus points if a conference is in a cool location!