Want to set your small business up for success in 2026? A recent study found that 80% of people trust in-person events as the best way to discover new products and services. In a digital world, in-person experiences still take the lead when it comes to driving trust and growing knowledge. So this begs the question: What’s your event strategy?
Attending the right events can open doors to networking, sales, and brand awareness – but choosing wisely is key. If you’re new to the scene, research is your best friend. Find events that align with your goals and target audience.
If you’re a seasoned attendee, take a moment to reflect: What worked last year? Which events were worth the investment? How can you make the most of them this time around?
To help you plan, we’ve rounded up 6 must-attend small business events for 2026. Check them out below!
6 must-attend small business events in 2026.
From Los Angeles to New York, we’ve scouted the top events for you to attend in the U.S. this year. Let’s get into it!
1. Startup Grind Tech Summit
The Startup Grind Tech Summit is an exciting event for startup founders, tech enthusiasts, and investors. The event brings together over 5,000 entrepreneurs, 400+ venture capital firms, and 150+ exhibitors for two days of high-energy networking, expert-led sessions, and game-changing insights.
With previous speakers like:
- Eric Schmidt (Google)
- Joe Gebbia (Airbnb)
- Eric Yuan (Zoom)
This event is one to remember. This year features a talk from the inspiring COO of BlueSky, Rose Wang. Whether you’re looking to connect with investors, showcase your startup, or gain strategic business insights, this summit is the place to be.
What to expect:
- Interactive sessions: Engage in 175+ sessions covering topics from fundraising to scaling your startup.
- Workshops: Join hands-on workshops designed to provide actionable strategies for business growth.
- Pitch competitions: Watch startups pitch their ideas to a panel of investors and industry experts.
- Networking opportunities: Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, potential partners, and investors.
Whether you’re looking to connect with investors, showcase your startup, or gain strategic business insights, this summit is the place to be.
Date: April 27-29, 2026
Location: Silicon Valley, CA
Focus: Startup business support
2. Lets Grow Glendale Small Business Summit
This event is ideal for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. The Let’s Grow Glendale Small Business Summit is an event full of resources, inspiration, and community support. Hosted by Glendale’s Economic Development Division, this summit is designed to help small businesses thrive in today’s dynamic marketplace.
What to expect:
- Inspiring talks: Gain insights from industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs.
- Networking opportunities: Connect with fellow business owners, potential partners, and local leaders.
- Innovative ideas: Discover new strategies and tools designed to help your business succeed in Glendale and beyond.
Whether you’re looking to launch a new venture or take your existing business to the next level, this summit offers a wealth of resources – all in one convenient location. Plus, it’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the incredible small businesses that support local communities.
Why Attend? In the words of the summit description: “Because we love our small businesses!” This summit is all about helping you succeed.
Date: May 14, 2026
Location: Glendale, CA
Focus: Small business support
3. Inc.5000 Conference & Gala
The Inc.5000 Conference & Gala is back. This highly anticipated event champions entrepreneurship and provides an immersive experience for business leaders seeking inspiration, connection, and growth. Over three action-packed days, attendees can expect dynamic keynotes, practical workshops, and unforgettable networking opportunities.
What to expect:
- Networking opportunities: Connect with ambitious entrepreneurs, business owners, and industry leaders from across the country.
- Educational sessions: Participate in workshops and panels led by top business minds, offering actionable insights to scale your company.
- Innovation showcases: Discover cutting-edge products, services, and technologies from innovative companies shaping the future of business.
Previous speakers have included:
- Jay Shetty (Author, podcast host, and co-founder, Juni)
- Daymond John (Founder and CEO FUBU)
- Sean Evans (YouTuber, Award-winning host “Hot Ones”, Gala Host)
Whether you’re seeking to expand your network, gain strategic business knowledge, or be inspired by some of the brightest minds in entrepreneurship, the Inc.5000 Conference & Gala provides the tools, connections, and experiences to take your business to the next level.
Date: October 14 – 16th 2026
Location: Dallas, TX
Focus: Growth, networking, and innovation
4. New York City Small Business Expo
The New York City Small Business Expo is a popular event designed for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals aiming to elevate their businesses. Established in 2008, this long-running expo has become a must-attend event, drawing thousands of attendees each year.
What to expect:
- Educational workshops: Join sessions led by industry experts, covering topics such as marketing strategies, financial management, and business development.
- Exhibitor hall: Meet a diverse range of exhibitors showcasing products and services tailored to support small business success.
- Networking opportunities: Engage with fellow entrepreneurs, potential partners, and service providers.
If the New York date doesn’t fit your schedule, the Small Business Expo hosts events across the U.S. throughout the year. Find the perfect date and location that works for you here.
Whether you’re looking to gain new insights, discover innovative solutions, or expand your professional network, the New York City Small Business Expo provides the resources and opportunities to help your business thrive.
Date: May 7, 2026
Location: New York, NY
Focus: Business growth
5. The United States Business Show
The United States Business Show is an event designed for entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to start or grow their businesses. The event offers a platform for networking, learning, and discovering innovative solutions to business challenges.
What to expect:
- Masterclasses: Participate in interactive sessions covering business topics to help your small business succeed.
- Seminars: Join seminars featuring industry-leading speakers sharing insights and strategies for business success.
- Exhibitor showcases: Explore products and services from exhibitors offering solutions to enhance your business operations.
- Networking opportunities: Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, potential partners, and service providers to build valuable relationships.
Whether you’re looking to start a new venture or expand an existing one, the United States Business Show provides the resources and opportunities to help your business thrive.
Dates: April 29th & 30th
Locations: Miami, FL
Focus: Business growth
6. WBENC National Conference
And last but not least, we have the WBENC National Conference. For female small business owners, this event is here to celebrate and support you!
As the national leader in women’s business development, the WBENC National Conference is the largest of its kind, bringing together thousands of women entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and government representatives. This event is all about empowering women in business through networking, education, and meaningful partnerships.
What to expect:
- Workshops and seminars: Engage in educational sessions covering topics such as business development, leadership, and financial growth.
- Networking events: Meet fellow entrepreneurs, corporate partners, and government representatives.
- Exhibitor showcase: Discover products and services from exhibitors that can help you scale and manage your business.
- Pitch opportunities: Present your business to potential investors and partners in dedicated pitch sessions.
Whether you’re looking to expand your network, gain industry insights, or explore new business opportunities, the WBENC National Conference provides a platform to connect with the leading voices in women’s business development.
Date: June 15-18, 2026
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Focus: Women in business
Make 2026 the year you take your small business to new heights!
Now that you’ve done the research, it’s time to start booking those events! But before you head out, make sure you’re fully prepared. Think business cards, pens, sign-up links – anything that might come in handy. The more prepared you are, the more you’ll be able to focus on what matters.
And don’t forget the most important thing you should bring to every event: confidence! Your business is your passion, so wear that belief proudly. When you show others how much you believe in what you’re building, they’ll be inspired to believe in it too.
In 2026, the human touch remains essential for business growth. Whether you’re networking at events or delivering exceptional, personalized customer service, staying connected with people is key.
Need help managing your customer service needs as your business grows? Let our team of professional receptionists handle it for you!
