Attending IT conferences is one of the most effective ways to stay sharp in an industry that seemingly changes overnight. The right IT events help you keep up with emerging technologies, hear directly from security and infrastructure experts, and see how peers are solving the same challenges you’re facing. They also give you space to build real-world connections with vendors, partners, and other IT pros who can expand your toolkit long after the conference ends.
Add to this the fact that staying ahead in IT has never required more intention; AI, automation, and new threat vectors are reshaping how teams operate. IT conferences offer something you can’t get from documentation alone: real-world insight, shared experiences, and a community of practitioners solving the same problems you are.
To help you plan your year, we’ve pulled together the top IT conferences and events happening in 2026. Spanning security, networking, cloud, and infrastructure, these are the IT industry’s most sought-after meetups worth adding to your calendar.
Top IT Conferences & Events in 2026
| Event Name | Date | Location | Is Auvik Attending? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Future of Education Technology Conference | January 11-14, 2026 | Orlando, Florida | Yes |
| Right of Boom | February 3-6, 2026 | Las Vegas, Nevada | No |
| ITEXPO / MSP Expo | February 10-12, 2026 | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | No |
| Pink26 | February 16-19, 2026 | Las Vegas, Nevada | No |
| RSA Conference | March 23-26, 2026 | San Francisco, California | No |
| Microsoft 365 Community Conference | April 21-23, 2026 | Orlando, Florida | No |
| Midsize Enterprise Summit (Spring) | April 26-28, 2026 | Houston, Texas | No |
| Kaseya Connect | April 27-30, 2026 | Las Vegas, Nevada | No |
| Midwest Management Summit (MMS) | May 3-7, 2026 | Bloomington, Minnesota | No |
| Service Management World (HDI) | May 3-7, 2026 | Las Vegas, Nevada | No |
| MSPGeekCon | May 17-19, 2026 | Orlando, Florida | Yes |
| Dell Technologies World | May 18-21, 2026 | Las Vegas, Nevada | No |
| Cisco Live | May 31-June 4, 2026 | Las Vegas, Nevada | Yes |
| Pax8 Beyond | June 7-9, 2026 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Yes |
| Info-Tech LIVE | June 9-11, 2026 | Las Vegas, Nevada | No |
| Black Hat USA | August 1-6, 2026 | Las Vegas, Nevada | No |
| EDUCAUSE | Sept 29-Oct 2, 2026 | Denver, Colorado | No |
| Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo | October 19-22, 2026 | Orlando, Florida | No |
| IT Nation Connect Global | November 4-6, 2026 | Orlando, Florida | Yes |
| Microsoft Ignite | November 17-20, 2026 | San Francisco, California | No |
| SpiceWorld | TBA | TBA | TBD |
1. Black Hat USA
- Event Date(s): August 1-6, 2026
- Event Location: Mandalay Bay Convention Centre, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Who Is The Event For?: Security engineers, CISOs, IT specialists, and technical decision-makers
- Official Website: https://blackhat.com/upcoming.html
Why Attend Black Hat USA
Black Hat USA is one of the most influential cybersecurity events in the world, known for deep technical research, hands-on training, and timely briefings on emerging threats. Expect content that goes beyond surface-level trends, including live exploit demos, meticulous vulnerability research, and insights from the security community’s most respected practitioners.
This is a strong fit for IT teams or security pros who need to stay ahead of fast-moving threat vectors, understand adversary techniques, and bring back practical defensive strategies. If you’re responsible for security posture, incident response, or protecting a growing network, this conference is for you.
2. Midwest Management Summit
- Event Date(s): May 3-7, 2026
- Event Location: Radisson Blue, Bloomington, Minnesota
- Who Is The Event For?: IT directors, systems administrators, endpoint management professionals
- Official Website: https://mmsmoa.com/
Why Attend Midwest Management Summit
The Midwest Management Summit (MMS) is a four-day, small-format conference dedicated to deep, real-world Microsoft endpoint management training. Capped at just 750 attendees, it’s known for its hands-on sessions, direct access to MVPs and Microsoft product teams, and the chance to talk through real issues without the rush of back-to-back crowds. Expect over 100 technical sessions, product demos, and plenty of time for genuine networking, making this summit a strong pick if you want practical insights you can bring straight back to your environment.
3. RSA Conference
- Event Date(s): March 23-26, 2026
- Event Location: Moscone Center, San Francisco, California
- Who Is The Event For?: Security leaders, CISOs, IT managers, cybersecurity analysts, incident responders, SOC teams, and anyone responsible for protecting enterprise environments.
Official Website: https://www.rsaconference.com/usa
Why Attend RSA Conference
RSA Conference is one of the most established cybersecurity events in the industry, known for bringing together global security professionals to explore evolving threats, new technologies, and practical ways to strengthen organizational security. Expect hundreds of sessions covering everything from threat intelligence to cloud security to governance, plus hands-on labs, training opportunities, and CE-credit–eligible workshops. With a large expo hall featuring both major vendors and emerging startups, it’s a strong conference option for teams looking to stay ahead of security risks, evaluate new tools, and learn directly from practitioners and industry leaders.
4. Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo™
- Event Date(s): October 19-22, 2026
- Event Location: Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort, Orlando, Florida
- Who Is The Event For?: CIOs and senior IT executives across security, data and analytics, applications, and IT I&O.
- Official Website: https://www.gartner.com/en/conferences/na/symposium-us
Why Attend Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo™
Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo™ is one of the largest gatherings for CIOs and senior IT leaders looking to understand what’s next in enterprise technology. Attendees can expect deep dives into AI strategy, cybersecurity trends, digital transformation, governance, and the operational challenges shaping IT roadmaps. The speaker content is built around real CIO priorities, with sessions led by Gartner analysts and opportunities to compare notes with peers facing similar pressures. If you’re looking for research-backed insights, practical frameworks, and a broad view of where enterprise IT is heading, this symposium is a good place to be.
5. Microsoft Ignite
- Event Date(s): November 17-20, 2026
- Event Location: Moscone Center, San Francisco, California
- Who Is The Event For?: CIOs, IT directors, IT operations leaders, cloud architects, infrastructure managers, IT strategists.
- Official Website: https://ignite.microsoft.com/en-US/home
Why Attend Microsoft Ignite
Microsoft Ignite is an influential IT event for enterprise teams looking to stay ahead of the rapidly evolving Microsoft ecosystem. The conference dives deep into Azure, Microsoft 365, AI, security, cloud infrastructure, automation, and emerging technologies shaping the future of IT operations. Attendees can expect technical breakouts, roadmap announcements, hands-on labs, and direct access to Microsoft engineers and product leaders. If you rely on Microsoft as part of your environment, Ignite offers a clear look at what’s coming next and how to prepare your team for it.
6. Pax8 Beyond
- Event Date(s): June 7-9, 2026
- Event Location: Calvin L. Rampton Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Who Is The Event For?: MSPs, IT service providers, cloud-focused IT leaders, cybersecurity professionals, operations managers.
- Official Website: https://www.pax8beyond.com/
- Is Auvik attending?: Yes
Why Attend Pax8 Beyond
Pax8 Beyond is a three-day partner event built for MSPs and cloud-forward IT teams who want to stay ahead of shifts in security, automation, and service delivery. Attendees can expect deep-dive technical sessions, hands-on learning, keynotes from industry leaders, and a first look at new features across the Pax8 Marketplace and Platform. The event is also known for strong peer networking, an active vendor hall, and practical guidance on growing and operationalizing an MSP business in today’s cloud ecosystem.
7. MSPGeekCon
- Event Date(s): May 17-19, 2026
- Event Location: Rosen Center, Orlando, Florida
- Who Is The Event For?: MSPs, service desk teams, systems engineers, NOC analysts, IT managers, MSP owners, technical leads.
- Official Website: https://mspgeekcon.com/
- Is Auvik attending?: Yes
Why Attend MSPGeekCon
MSPGeekCon is a community-driven, education-focused conference created by MSPs for MSP teams. The event centers on practical skill development, hands-on workshops, and peer learning about the real challenges facing managed service providers today—from emerging security risks to the newest AI-driven trends. Attendees can expect a collaborative environment, approachable speakers, and a strong sense of community designed to help technical teams level up together.
8. Right of Boom
- Event Date(s): February 3-6, 2026
- Event Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Who Is The Event For?: MSP owners, MSP leaders, technical managers, security-focused MSP teams, MSSPs, IT operations leads
- Official Website: https://rightofboom.com/
Why Attend Right of Boom
Right of Boom is a security-first conference built specifically for MSPs and MSSPs who want to strengthen their cyber resilience and operational maturity. The agenda is curated by an MSP advisory council, ensuring every session focuses on real-world challenges, from incident response and hardening practices to building enterprise value and elevating team skills. Attendees can expect vendor-agnostic content, hands-on training (including optional certification pre-days), practical frameworks, and a focus on building stronger security programs that protect both clients and internal operations.
9. Cisco Live
- Event Date(s): May 31-June 4, 2026
- Event Location: Mandalay Bay Convention Centre, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Who Is The Event For?: Network engineers, IT managers, systems administrators, security analysts, infrastructure leads, MSP engineers, plus cloud and networking professionals.
- Official Website: https://www.ciscolive.com/
- Is Auvik attending?: Yes
Why Attend Cisco Live
Cisco Live is an established information technology event for hands-on learning, product updates, and deep technical training across networking, security, cloud, and automation. Expect a variety of breakout sessions, labs, and certification opportunities, plus direct access to Cisco experts and partners who can answer the tough questions you’re facing day-to-day. It’s also a chance to preview upcoming technologies, sharpen technical skills, and stay ahead of changes shaping enterprise networks. If you’re working anywhere near Cisco infrastructure or evaluating where your stack is heading, Cisco Live is a leading contender you should consider.
10. Dell Technologies World
- Event Date(s): May 18-21, 2026
- Event Location: The Venetian, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Who Is The Event For?: IT leaders, infrastructure teams, cloud architects, network engineers, system administrators, and enterprise technologists.
- Official Website: https://www.dell.com/en-ca/delltechnologiesworld
Why Attend Dell Technologies World
Dell Technologies World is a large-scale enterprise IT conference focused on the technologies shaping modern infrastructure—AI, multicloud, edge, security, and data management. Attendees can expect 200+ technical breakout sessions, hands-on labs, expert briefings, and deep-dive conversations with Dell engineers and product leaders. It’s known for its mix of practical training and forward-looking keynotes, with plenty of opportunities to explore new solutions in the Expo and connect with peers across industries. If you’re focused on modernizing your environment or upskilling your team, this is a strong event to consider.
11. EDUCAUSE
- Event Date(s): September 29-October 2, 2026
- Event Location: Denver, Colorado, and Online
- Who Is The Event For?: CIOs, CTOs, IT directors, higher education IT teams, infrastructure and network leaders, academic technology professionals, and IT service managers.
- Official Website: https://events.educause.edu/annual-conference/2026
Why Attend EDUCAUSE Annual Conference
The EDUCAUSE Annual Conference is one of the largest gatherings for higher education IT, bringing together professionals and solution providers to share ideas, compare challenges, and explore emerging technologies shaping campus IT. Attendees can expect a mix of strategy-focused sessions, hands-on learning, and community-driven discussions across cybersecurity, digital transformation, data and analytics, student experience, and infrastructure modernization. It’s a strong fit for institutions looking to benchmark against peers, understand sector-wide trends, and discover practical solutions to support evolving campus needs.
12. Info-Tech LIVE
- Event Date(s): June 9-11, 2026
- Event Location: The Bellagio, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Who Is The Event For?: CIOs, IT directors, senior IT leaders, enterprise architects, infrastructure and operations leaders, IT strategists.
- Official Website: https://www.infotech.com/events/las-vegas-live
Why Attend Info-Tech LIVE
Info-Tech LIVE brings together more than 4,000 IT professionals to focus on the real-world impact of AI, exponential technologies, and shifting operational demands. The event is designed to give leaders practical guidance, hands-on workshops, and actionable playbooks they can bring back to their teams, rather than abstract theory. Expect focused keynotes, peer roundtables, analyst sessions, and direct access to experts who can help you tackle today’s efficiency pressures, technology disruptions, and strategic planning challenges.
13. ITEXPO
- Event Date(s): February 10-12, 2026
- Event Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Who Is The Event For?: IT leaders, telecom and IT teams, MSPs, channel partners, solution providers, service providers.
- Official Website: https://www.itexpo.com/east/
Why Attend ITEXPO
ITEXPO is one of the longest-running information technology events, bringing together professionals across the communications and IT ecosystem. Attendees can explore 150+ breakout sessions, hands-on workshops, AI and cloud tracks, cybersecurity content, and a busy expo floor with 300+ exhibitors. It’s known for its practical, business-focused programming and nonstop networking opportunities. If you’re looking for an event that blends education, solution discovery, and high-volume peer connection in one place, ITEXPO is worth considering.
14. Pink26
- Event Date(s): February 16-19, 2026
- Event Location: Bellagio, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Who Is The Event For?: CIOs, IT directors, ITSM leaders, service management professionals, DevOps managers, project managers, support managers, and anyone responsible for implementing or improving IT service management practices.
- Official Website: https://www.pinkelephant.com/en-us/Pink26/world-best-ITSM-event
Why Attend Pink26
Pink26 is a respected IT service management conference, known for its high-energy environment and deep focus on ITSM best practices. The event offers multi-track programming that covers frameworks like ITIL, Lean IT, Agile, DevOps, and organizational change management. Attendees can expect practical training, expert-led sessions, and a program designed to help IT leaders strengthen processes, improve service delivery, and build more business-aligned IT organizations.
15. Microsoft 365 Community Conference
- Event Date(s): April 21-23, 2026
- Event Location: Loews Sapphire Falls and Loews Royal Pacific Resorts, Orlando
- Who Is The Event For?: IT leaders, Microsoft 365 admins, IT pros, collaboration and productivity specialists, security and compliance teams, and digital workplace strategists.
- Official Website: https://m365conf.com/#!/
Why Attend Microsoft 365 Community Conference
The Microsoft 365 Community Conference brings together product engineers, Microsoft executives, and practitioners to explore what’s next in the modern workplace. Expect deep dives into AI-powered productivity, Copilot capabilities, Microsoft Teams, security and compliance, and the broader Microsoft 365 ecosystem. With hundreds of sessions, hands-on workshops, and direct access to experts, it’s a strong conference choice if you’re looking to get a clearer view of how Microsoft’s roadmap will shape the future of work.
16. Kaseya Connect
- Event Date(s): April 27-30, 2026
- Event Location: MGM Grand Resort, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Who Is The Event For?: MSPs, IT service providers, IT directors, network admins, security-focused teams, technical leads.
- Official Website: https://www.kaseyaconnect.com/
Why Attend Kaseya Connect
Kaseya Connect brings together thousands of MSPs and IT professionals to sharpen their skills, explore new tools, and hear directly from industry experts. Expect hands-on training, deep-dive workshops, and a packed agenda covering IT operations, security, automation, and business growth. It’s a practical, high-energy event designed to help teams improve service delivery, strengthen security, and stay competitive in a fast-moving MSP landscape.
17. Midsize Enterprise Summit (Spring)
- Event Date(s): April 26-28, 2026
- Event Location: Houston, Texas
- Who Is The Event For?: Midmarket CIOs, IT directors, senior IT managers, infrastructure and operations leaders, IT procurement decision-makers, and technology partners.
- Official Website: https://event.thechannelco.com/mes-spring/
Why Attend Midsize Enterprise Summit (Spring)
Midsize Enterprise Summit (MES) Spring is built for midmarket IT leaders who want practical insights, strategic guidance, and direct access to technology partners. The event combines thought leadership from analysts and industry experts—including a Gartner keynote—with peer roundtables, solution sessions, and structured boardroom-style conversations. Attendees can expect focused networking, actionable trend analysis, and vendor connections designed to support smarter IT investments and midmarket-specific challenges.
18. Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC)
- Event Date(s): January 11-14, 2026
- Event Location: Orange County Convention Centre, Orlando, Florida
- Who Is The Event For?: K–12 IT leaders, district technology teams, edtech decision-makers, IT directors, instructional technology specialists, CIOs, CTOs, and education innovators.
- Official Website: https://www.fetc.org/
- Is Auvik attending?: Yes, booth 2708
Why Attend Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC)
FETC is one of the largest education technology conferences in North America, bringing together thousands of K–12 IT and edtech professionals to explore the tools, trends, and ideas shaping the future of learning. This is an especially strong fit for teams looking to stay ahead of evolving classroom technologies, understand where AI and digital learning are heading, and connect with peers navigating the same challenges in modern K–12 education.
19. HDI Service Management World
- Event Date(s): May 3-7, 2026
- Event Location: Venue TBA, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Who Is The Event For?: Service desk managers, ITSM leaders, support operations teams, service management practitioners, IT directors, tool owners, process managers.
- Official Website: https://smworld.com/
Why Attend HDI Service Management World
Service Management World is HDI’s flagship event for IT service management and support professionals, offering practical guidance for modernizing service operations. Attendees can expect sessions on frameworks and methodologies, leadership and culture, talent development, automation, AI adoption, and how to evaluate legacy tools. It’s a great fit if your team is looking for actionable strategies, peer insights, and hands-on ways to improve service delivery in today’s fast-moving IT environment.
20. Spiceworld
- Event Date(s): TBA
- Event Location: TBA
- Who Is The Event For?: IT managers, system administrators, network engineers, cybersecurity pros, MSP teams, and hands-on IT practitioners.
- Official Website: https://www.spiceworks.com/spiceworld/
Why Attend Spiceworld
SpiceWorld is a community-driven conference built around practical learning and real connection. Attendees can expect three days of sessions on AI, cloud infrastructure, security, OS/software management, and organizational intelligence, along with hands-on labs and conversations with vendors and industry experts.
21. IT Nation Connect Global
- Event Date(s): November 4-6, 2026
- Event Location: Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel, Orlando, Florida
- Who Is The Event For?: MSPs and solution providers, MSP owners and executives, sales and marketing leaders, service delivery and operations managers, cybersecurity-focused MSPs, and IT channel professionals focused on growth and scale.
- Official Websitee: https://connectwise.cventevents.com/event/8ca179c4-f932-45d9-842e-1906b3ff96ef/summary
- Is Auvik attending?: Yes
Why Attend IT Nation
With 200+ sessions across five dedicated tracks—Cybersecurity and AI, Sales and Marketing, Service Delivery and Operations, Management and Leadership, and Strategy, Growth, and M&A—IT Nation delivers practical insights across every dimension of running and scaling an MSP. Combined with a massive exhibitor hall, peer-driven networking, and community-led experiences, IT Nation is ideally suited for MSPs seeking to refine their business strategy, modernize operations, and stay ahead of the industry’s evolving direction.
Attending an IT Conference? Stop by for a Chat!
As Auvik continues to grow our own community, we’re committed to helping MSPs and IT teams learn from one another, strengthen their environments, and stay ready for whatever’s next. Whether you’re attending one event or several, these gatherings can help you sharpen your skills, pressure-test your assumptions, and bring back ideas that make a measurable difference.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into network visibility, security, or IT best practices before—or after—your next conference, explore the latest insights on the Auvik blog, or book a demo to try Auvik for yourself.
