5 Marketing Events You Need to Attend in 2015

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There are literally hundreds of marketing related events that you could attend every year, if your day job wasn’t always getting in the way.  From the crowded, beer-fueled ad meetups at the local pub, to multi-day thought leadership conferences.  While there is no shortage of places to get inspired, educated or inebriated, some are more worth your time, and your expense budget, than others.

In chronological order, here are the 5 Marketing events that you need to be at in 2015.

The Gathering

Feb 18 – 20, 2015
Banff, Alberta
Tickets: $999
SAVE $200 with promo code GTH2015200

Touted as an Exclusive Gathering of the World’s Bravest Brands, the Gathering is the newest kid on the block.  2014 was the inaugural year for this high caliber, yet surprisingly intimate, event.  2014 sessions featured the CMO’s of globally recognized brands such as Red Bull, GoPro, Las Vegas and Harley Davidson and how they have built their cult followings.  This year promises to build on last year’s success, with speakers such as Dana White, President of the UFC, Charlotte Jones Anderson, Chief Brand Officer of the Dallas Cowboys and Ivan Wicksteed, Global Chief Marketing Officer of Old Navy.

Why you should go:
The Gathering brings together some of the best North American Marketers under one roof, and that roof just happens to be the beautiful Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.  What really sets this event apart though is the intentionally small guest list.  With under 600 tickets being released this year you’ll easily find yourself sharing stories, drinks, and business cards with any one of the speakers at the hotel bar.

DX3

March 11-12, 2015
Toronto, Ontario
Tickets: $449 for 2 day all access pass

DX3 is Canada’s largest conference and trade show dedicated to digital marketing.  The 2 day event brings together agencies, brands, publishers and retailers, all in one place.  The event is a perfect venue for Canadian Marketers to learn and network with each other.

Why you should go:
Although it may not have the international allure of some other events, I’m guessing a lot more actual business gets done at DX3.  The event is often used as a launch pad for many exciting Canadian technology companies so make sure to spend some time on the tradeshow floor.  Last year’s Store of the Future featured iBeacons and showcased how retail will look a few years down the road.

South by Southwest

March 13 – March 17, 2015 (Interactive)
Austin, Texas
Tickets: $1,195 for a 5 day badge (Interactive)

The conference that launched the likes of Twitter and Foursquare may not be the early-adopter haven it once was, but if you’re looking to mix equal parts learning, partying and breakfast tacos, there’s no better place than Austin in March.  With over 30,000 attendees and more than 1,000 sessions SXSW can be overwhelming for the first timer.  So buddy up, make your wish list, but don’t get too bummed if you don’t get into the room to see Shaq talk about how he uses Twitter.

Why you should go:
Despite the naysayers that proclaim SXSW has sold out and lost its cool factor, it is still a mecca for the marketing, startup and technology communities.  Plus, barbeque, ‘nuff said.

C2 Montreal

May 26-28, 2015
Montreal, Quebec
Tickets: $3,850 for 3 Day Pass

A business conference, only different.  I’ve attended this event and I can attest that you won’t find an event like C2 anywhere else.  The variety of speakers is refreshing, this year’s lineup includes Kevin Spacey, Chelsea Clinton and Andre Agassi.  Sprinkle in some MIT scientists and the odd acrobatic performance and you have the makings of an event full of surprises.

Why you should go:
Aren’t you curious about what would happen if a Marketing conference and Cirque de Soleil had a baby?  Welcome to C2.

Cannes

June 21-27, 2015
Cannes, France
Tickets: 2,850 Euros for a 7 Day Classic Pass

Cannes is the advertising industry’s annual pat on the back.  Expensive, exclusive and entertaining, anybody who is anybody is there.  Hell, even Kanye West showed up last year.  Cannes is a rite of passage, you don’t need to go every year, but you do need to go one year.  Add it to the bucket list and convince your boss that it’s worth using up 50% of your annual expense budget in one shot.

Why you should go:
In this technology-driven, Billionaire-tech-CEO’s-wearing-flip-flops world, Cannes might be the last place where the ad industry still gets dressed up.  Plus, do you really need an excuse to visit the south of France in June?

Can’t make it to any of these events this year? No worries, sign up for our newsletter for an upcoming post on “How to attend SXSW for $50”.