Every year there are countless events being held in cities across the United States. Many of them are designed specifically for entrepreneurs and those in small business. If you’re feeling uninspired (we all know that feeling!), in need of some education, hungry to pick up some knowledge on the latest products, technologies and trends or in the mood to network amongst peers and other entrepreneurs, attending an event may just be what you need! I’ve searched, asked around, and compiled ten awesome events every entrepreneur and business owner should know.

1. Blogworld – January 6-8, 2013 (Las Vegas, NV)

Blogworld & New Media Expo is the largest conference in the world geared specifically toward bloggers, podcasters, web TV content creators, social media enthusiasts, and all new media content creators. Besides learning from the very best speakers and educators in their respective fields, BlogWorld is also the place for everyone in new media, from beginners to seasoned veterans, to network, share ideas and take their online content to new heights.

2. CES (Consumer Electronics Show) – January 8-11, 2013 (Las Vegas, NV)

The International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is a major technology-related tradeshow held each January in the Las Vegas Convention Center. Not open to the public, the Consumer Electronics Association-sponsored show typically hosts previews of products and new product announcements.

3. BlogHer – August 2-4, 2012 (New York, NY)

BlogHer is open to anyone and everyone who considers themselves part of the blogosphere. BlogHer is particularly focused on highlighting the skills and talents of women who blog. However, all genders, ages, ethnicities, and levels of blogging experience are encouraged to attend.

4. Small Business Week – Stay Tuned for 2013 Conference Dates (Washington, D.C.)

At National Small Business Week you have the opportunity to meet and connect with leaders in the small business community, grow your business network and get inspired. The event is hosted by the Small Business Administration, which has been recognizing the special impact made by outstanding American entrepreneurs and small business owners since 1963.

5. San Francisco Small Business Week – Stay Tuned for 2013 Conference Dates

SF Small Business Week allows you to connect with more than 4,000 members of the small business community. Join this free annual event to learn about best practices and innovative technology to help grow your business.

6. Startup Weekend – Various Cities and Dates

Startup Weekends are 54-hour events where developers, designers, marketers, product managers and startup enthusiasts come together to share ideas, form teams, build products, and launch startups. The events are weekend-long, hands-on experiences where entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs can find out if their startup ideas are viable. On average, half of Startup Weekend’s attendees have technical or design backgrounds, while the other half have business backgrounds.

7. Small Business Tour – Various Dates/Locations

The Small Business Tour is attended by many small businesses to network, learn on technology, hear from experts in small business and educate on the latest and greatest in small business management. The event covers what the “new small business” does to deal with today’s toughest challenges and gives fresh ways to manage money, growth and people.

8. Google I/O May 14- 16 2013 (or June 27-29, 2012 if you can make the short notice, San Francisco, CA)

Learn the tech world’s latest web, mobile and social breakthroughs and meet the developers who are turning them into tomorrow’s startups. Keep yourself and your team driving innovation at Google I/O (Input/Output). Google I/O can also be viewed from the comforts of home with I/O Live, where keynotes, sessions and more will be streamed from the event.

9. NYXPO – October 17, 2012 (New York, NY)

NYXPO draws upwards of 10,000 attendees and over 200 exhibitors. Education is offered throughout the day and includes over 40 quality information sessions covering sales, marketing, advertising, business growth, best business practices, social media and much more. Attendees learn on the latest products and services to meet competitive challenges and discover the keys to financial success and stability.

10. Content Marketing Strategies Conference – May 7, 2013 (Berkeley, CA)

The Content Marketing Strategies Conference, hosted by divr.it, specifically focuses on helping small businesses understand the pivotal role content marketing plays in demand generation, sales, SEO and social. Attendees walk away with an action plan to kick-start or enhance a content marketing program.

These are just 10 of the many great events out there happening in multiple cities and states throughout the country. If you’re looking to attend a local event it’s best to perform an online search or contact your city’s Chamber of Commerce to find out more.

Have you attended an awesome event recently or in the past? Do share. We’d all love to hear about it!

© 2012 – 2018, Contributing Author. All rights reserved.