If you work in tech, you don’t need us to tell you the importance of change and innovation.
The industry continues to grow and develop with new insights and technologies leading the way. The way you keep up with the curve is to listen to your peers, network, and discuss industry trends. To make sure you don’t miss a thing, these are 10 of the best tech conferences across the country.
Pick your conference
And see the best of the city
When you travel for work, often you only see the inside of the conference hall and your hotel room. But not this time. In our guide to the 10 best tech conferences in America, we’re helping you to see more. We’ve covered where to get your coffee fix in the morning before you delve into the talks and discussions at the conference.
We’ve found some of the best restaurants in the local area to enjoy a bite to eat with your fellow attendees, whether you’re looking for budget options to keep within your business spending or splashing the cash on your company credit card. Plus, we’ve also listed the best local attractions that are within walking distance or a short cab ride away. This time you will see some of the city.
America’s top 10 tech conferences
Whether you’re an AI professional, founder or agency leader, these are some of the best tech conferences to check out in 2024 and into 2025.
HR Tech
Held across three days at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas in September, HR Tech is all about getting the insights to empower your HR strategy with the latest technology. You’ll hear from leading experts in the industry, get hands-on with the latest tech, and network with fellow HR professionals.
And you’re in Vegas, so you may as well see some sights too. Close to the conference, you’ll find the iconic Fountains of Bellagio, the Las Vegas Flyover and Venetian Gondola Rides. In the morning before the conference grab your caffeine fix from PRESS in the Convention Center. And in the evening, check out Home Plate Grill & Bar, Fulton Street Food Hall, or Winchell’s Pub & Grill.
Suited for:
- HR professionals
- Heads of people
- Startups
ODSC West
Make your way to the Hyatt Regency in Burlingame, California for this AI and data conference. If you work in the industry, are a business leader or want to re-skill in AI, this is the conference for you.
During the three-day conference, grab a coffee on the go in the morning from Neal’s Coffee Shop. To chat about all things AI after the talks have finished, visit one of the local restaurants close by. We love the classic American fare at Max’s of Burlingame, the Asian flavors at Social Eatery, and the sushi at Mr. Teriyaki Sushi. Away from the conference explore the Bay Area with visits to Bayfront Park, Carolands and the SFO Museum.
Suited for:
- AI / data science professionals
- Startup founders
- CTOs
Cultural Fact File
Burlingame is famed for its eucalyptus groves
The city is known as the City of Trees
Burlingame is home to some of the best restaurants in the Bay Area
AWS re:Invent
This Amazon Web Services (AWS) event is held across five days spanning multiple venues in Las Vegas. You’ll learn about the latest AWS innovations and products, hear from keynote speakers and network.
Pick up your morning coffee order at Va Bene Caffe, and grab some lunch or dinner at Thai St. Café, Grand Lux Café at the Venetian, or El Segundo Sol. Local Vegas attractions not to miss include Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, the Leo the Lion statue, and the Paris Balloon.
Suited for:
- Startup founders
- Agency leaders
- CTOs
CES (Consumer Electronics Show)
Held at the Las Vegas Convention Center for four days at the start of January 2025, the CES is where some of the sharpest brains in consumer electronics take to the stage to show the latest innovations. Expect over 4,000 exhibitors and nearly 1,500 startups.
Enjoy your morning cup of Joe at Vesta and try out local restaurants including Gourmet China II, Tacos & Beer, and Sabor Latino. Take some time away from the conference to experience Vegas at attractions including SeaQuest Las Vegas, Las Vegas Boulevard Gateway Arches, and The STRAT Observation Deck.
Suited for:
- Business leaders
- Start-up founders
- Agency leaders
Insider tip:
Traveling for a conference doesn’t have to be all work and no play. Aside from the conference itself, take some time to explore the local area. If you’ve got a budget to stick to, look for free attractions, whether that’s a stroll around a local park or a quick trip to see a famous monument. With time away from the conference, it will even help those industry insights sink in too.
SXSW (South by Southwest)
South by Southwest needs no introduction. This world-renowned tech conference is held from 7th to 15th March at the Austin Convention Center. South by Southwest is where the top experts in the industry gather, where diverse tech topics are discussed, and where visionary speakers bring powerful new ideas to the table. It’s one not to miss.
Austin is of course famous for its food, so try local spots like Swift’s Attic, Moonshine Grill, and Cedar Door during your time in the city. Revolucion is essential for coffee. If you can drag yourself away from the conference, check out local attractions including the Museum of the Weird, Tau Ceti, and Statesman Bat Observation Center.
Suited for:
- Startup founders
- Agency leaders
- C-Suite
Data Universe
If you’re a data, AI or analytics professional, Data Universe in NYC – held across two days in April and May – could be the one for you. It’s all about discovery, education and insights in AI from industry-providers and peers. Expect plenty of diverse perspectives being shared.
During your time in the city, discover top attractions including Edge (the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere), Pier 78 at Hudson River Park, and Madison Square Garden. Pick up a coffee in the morning at Cafe Aroma, and grab dinner at Kahlo for modern Mexican, Skylight Diner for a quick bite, or Whitmans for beer and a burger.
Suited for:
- AI / data science professionals
- Startup founders
- CTOs
Google I/O
Get up to date with all things Google, whether new products, trends or innovations at Google I/O at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California. Expect workshops and product demos from some of the brightest minds in the industry.
During your time in Mountain View, pick up your coffee at Red Rock, and continue the chat with your fellow attendees in the evening at spots like Doppio Zero for pizza, Zareen’s for contemporary Indian and Pakistani food, or La Fontaine for French and Italian cuisine. Take some time away from the conference and grab some headspace at local attractions including Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area Preserve, the Computer History Museum, and the Halo Art installation.
Suited for:
- Startup founders
- Agency leaders
- CTOs
Microsoft Build
Head to Seattle in May 2025 for all things Microsoft. Expect keynote speakers and innovative talks focused on the tech giant’s new products and key industry topics. We’re talking AI, cloud computing, data science and more.
Make the most of Seattle by checking out local attractions including The Gum Wall, the Columbia Center, and The Seattle Great Wheel. Cherry Street Coffee House is the place for a brew in the morning, while Dough Zone, Conversation, and Noi Thai Cuisine have you covered to continue the networking well into the evening – whether you want tasty and affordable or fancy and delicious.
Suited for:
- Business leaders
- Agency leaders
- C-Suite
Cultural Fact File
Seattle is the third fastest-growing metropolitan city in America
The city is home to around 42 museums and galleries
Don’t miss the oysters during your stay in the city
Tech Summit Silicon Valley
Travel to the heart of Silicon Valley for Tech Summit Silicon Valley. Held at the Santa Clara Convention Center in June 2025, this two-day tech conference features global leaders, expert workshops, and masterclasses all focused on the latest tech trends.
Get prepped for the talks with a morning coffee from 1 Oz Coffee and take a break in the evening by dining at local restaurants close by. La Catalana is ideal for Spanish/Catalan tapas, Puesto has your taco craving covered, and Tomatina is all about the pizza and pasta.
Local attractions always worth visiting include the James Lick Mansion, Ulistac Natural Area, and the Intel Museum.
Suited for:
- CEOs/founders
- Core tech professionals
- Venture capitalists/investors
Black Hat USA
If you’re a cybersecurity professional, put Black Hat USA on your conference agenda for 2025. This two-day event at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas covers all things cybersecurity. There are 100+ briefings, open-source tool demos, and networking opportunities.
Take some time out from the conference and go and see the likes of the Statue of Liberty, Fountains of Bellagio and the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign. Pick up a coffee in the morning at Café Belle Madeleine. In the evening, continue the cybersecurity chat at restaurants nearby including Eiffel Tower Restaurant for classic French food, Carmine’s for Southern Italian delights, or Istanbul Mediterranean for budget-friendly flavors of Turkey.
Suited for:
- Cybersecurity professionals
- Agency leaders
- CEO / CTOs
Now you know where to get the best industry insights when it comes to tech conferences in America. Plus, you’ll get out and explore more than your hotel room too without turning your visit into a bleisure trip.
Looking to travel to a tech conference soon? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car rental deals for your next trip.
