5 Small-Business Conferences to Attend in 2023

As a small-business owner, networking is one of the most important things you can do to grow your business. Attending small-business conferences—especially those related to your specific field—is a great investment in your company’s future. Here are some of the best small-business conferences taking place in 2023 and why you should consider attending.

Small-business conferences vary widely in content, but in a nutshell, these are events aimed at gathering together small-business owners and helping them grow their companies. At a typical conference, you can expect to hear presentations from industry leaders, participate in workshops, and spend time networking with other professionals.

Networking is such a huge part of these conferences, so don’t skip out on the social events included in small-business conferences, even if you’re not the biggest extrovert. Lunches, dinners, and parties are perfect environments for making friends, learning from other business owners, spreading brand awareness, and chatting with contacts in a more casual setting.

Finding the right conference for your business and brand can feel a little overwhelming, but a great way to narrow down your search is by talking to other small-business owners in your industry. If your business is in tech, find out which conferences cater to technology thought leadership. If you’re a brand new startup, find conferences that draw in venture capitalists and angel investors.

Keep in mind, you may need to travel across the country to find the perfect small-business conference, but it should be worth your while (and tax deductible)!

We’ve highlighted five of our top picks for small-business conferences happening in 2023. Whether you’re able to attend in person or virtually, all of these events tend to have a great turnout, and have the potential to add real value to your business.

Various dates and locations

The Small Business Expo is one of the most widely attended conferences for small-business owners. Held in various cities across the US, the Small Business Expo draws in entrepreneurs, seasoned professionals, and presenters from all kinds of industries. And best of all, it’s free to attend! Check out the list of locations to find one close to you.

March 20-23, 2023—Nashville, Tennessee

The WBENC (The Women's Business Enterprise National Council) Conference will be held in Nashville, Tennessee this year as the organization celebrates its 26th anniversary. The WBENC is the largest organization in the US that certifies women-owned businesses and empowers women business owners, so if you fall under that umbrella, this conference would be an amazing opportunity for networking.

September 5–8, 2023—Boston, Massachusetts

Excluding last year, this conference run by HubSpot has been exclusively virtual, however, the hybrid experience proved to be successful! Join in person for three days of speakers and networking in Boston, Massachusetts, or join for two days online from wherever you are. INBOUND focuses on success through marketing, business management, and customer satisfaction. Past speakers have included the likes of Oprah Winfrey and the entertaining HubSpot cofounder Darmesh Shah.

March 13-15, 2023—Las Vegas, Nevada

LeadsCon was founded in 2007 and has been holding conferences for marketers all over the US since 2008. This small-business conference focuses on customer lead generation, direct-response marketing, and recent changes because of technology. This year you can expect helpful lead-generation workshops, special events, and keynote presentations.

September 11-14, 2023—dates are tentative

Run by Adweek, this conference covers how to better market your brand by exploring themes like content creator collaboration, data privacy, and even virtual reality. This is also a great event for rubbing shoulders with top brands and influencers. Attendees can purchase a three-day in-person pass, or a virtual pass for this conference. 

Of course, there are other ways to network as a small-business owner. If you’re unable to attend any of these conferences or can’t find one you want to commit to this year, be sure to make time for other important networking opportunities. Some might be simpler than you think!

This one might seem like a no-brainer, but every interaction you have online will be tied to your brand, so it’s crucial to make a good impression. Chat with other business owners on their social channels, respond to comments, and try hosting a Q&A. The more you interact with people (in a positive way), the better your reputation will be.

One of the best ways to get your face (and your business) out there is to be an active member of your community. Consider joining a local club or group related to your specific field. This is also a great way to find out about local events and expos where you can showcase your business.

Find a cause you’re passionate about and sponsor a charity event with your business. Attendees will gain exposure to your brand, and other business owners will become familiar with you as well.

Last but not least, strive for excellence when it comes to customer service. Be professional, kind, and accommodating. Consider providing discounts and referral programs to loyal customers as well (but be careful not to devalue your time or work).

Whether you own your own business or work for a small business, attending business conferences can be a huge asset to growth. Small-business conferences can give attendees new skills, insightful viewpoints, tips from industry experts, and most importantly—an opportunity to connect with other professionals.

Want to learn more about networking for your small business? Check out these related articles on Business.org.

Disclaimer

At Business.org, our research is meant to offer general product and service recommendations. We don't guarantee that our suggestions will work best for each individual or business, so consider your unique needs when choosing products and services.