Top Tech Conferences To Attend in 2024–2025

Unprecedented advancements in technology and the growing complexity of the world’s research challenges demand novel approaches to discovery and innovation. One way for leaders in STEM to stay ahead of this curve is by attending the nation’s top tech conferences.

These conferences are an excellent chance for STEM professionals to develop valuable connections, exchange groundbreaking ideas, share best practices, and learn new skills while staying abreast of emerging trends and practices in the ever-evolving technology landscape. However, with dozens of conferences to choose from, it can be challenging to select the right one for your organization. 

Below, we’ve put together an updated list of the top technology conferences for 2024–2025 to help narrow your choices. Reference this list to select the conference(s) that will provide the most value for you and your organization.

Top 10 technology conferences of 2024–2025

[All conference dates and formats are subject to change.] 

1. Black Hat USA

Date: August 3–8, 2024

Format: Hybrid (Las Vegas, NV)

Black Hat USA enters its 27th year as “the world’s leading information security event” for those interested in the latest trends in information security. The six-day hybrid event will offer some training sessions in person, while others will be held online.

Participants will gain access to training sessions made up of technical courses, briefings with leading security researchers, and more. The programming is also uniquely ideal for individuals from a variety of backgrounds, including members of the security field, sponsors, career seekers, recruiters, members of academia, and more.

2. VMware Explore US

Date: August 26–29, 2024

Format: In person (Las Vegas, NV)

Hosted by VMware, this event is designed to help businesses expand their knowledge and use of software within their organization.  All participants will gain access to more than 500 on-demand VMware Explore US sessions, including business-level overviews and technical deep-dive sessions.

3. Cyber Security Summit

Dates: Varies based on location

Format: Hybrid

The Cyber Security Summit takes place in a variety of cities over the course of the year. Each event aims to connect C-level and senior executives in charge of using technology to protect their organizations’ critical infrastructures with leading cyber solution providers. Events includes interactive panels, networking opportunities, and roundtable discussions with experts in the field.

A full list of upcoming summits can be found here. Individuals who participate in a full day of the summit will not only gain insight into top cybersecurity strategies but can also earn continuing professional Education (CPE) credits for their time at the event.

4. Deep Learning Summit

Date: October 22–23, 2024 (Toronto, Canada) and November 4–5, 2024 (London, England)

Format: In person

With a variety of  information sessions and facilitated networking opportunities, it’s no surprise the Deep Learning Summit is known for being a leader in AI and deep learning. Attendees will gain insights on how to implement the latest technological advancements in robotics, data efficiency, and more through Q&As with speakers, deep dive sessions, and exhibitor spaces. For STEM professionals interested in the latest trends,  this annual event is a must-attend.

5. Open Data Science Conference

Date: October 29–31, 2024 

Format: Hybrid (Burlingame, CA)

With a hybrid format of in-person and virtual learning, ODSC 2024 includes three days of training and two days of keynotes and workshops highlighting eight focus areas surrounding data science.

With 30 training sessions and workshops, 8,000 attendees, and 300 hours of content, ODSC is considered “one of the largest applied data science conferences in the world.” Attendees will also have the chance to interact with some of the latest data science projects being developed today, including work in AI, VR, and more.

6. AWS re:Invent

Date: December 2–6, 2024

Format: Hybrid (Las Vegas, NV)

Hosted by Amazon Web Services, this five-day event is perfect for tech developers, engineers, system architects, and other technology-based employees.

AWS re:Invent offers a great opportunity to network—more than 65,000 industry professionals have attended previous editions of the conference. Other event features include keynote speakers, technical sessions, and more.

7. Consumer Technology Association (CES)

Date: January 7–10, 2025

Format: Hybrid (Las Vegas, NV)

Attendees can expect a highly personalized experience with on-demand keynote sessions, product showcases, and virtual roundtable discussions.

Labeled “the stage for innovation,” CES has become the proving ground for global innovators and the latest breakthrough technologies. In addition to providing a showcase for new technology, CES also includes a conference program for industry leaders to collaborate and provide solutions to the latest issues. Some familiar companies include manufacturers, developers, and suppliers of consumer technology hardware, content, and technology delivery systems. If your company is looking for the latest technological innovations, then CES 2025 is a must-attend event.

8. RSA Conference

Date: April 28–May 1, 2025

Format: In person (San Francisco, CA)

If you’re looking for opportunities to expand your understanding of the themes shaping the world of cybersecurity, the RSA Conference is right for you. This four-day event will help you gain insights, join conversations, and experience solutions that could make a huge impact on your organization and your career. The field of cybersecurity is constantly changing. This conference aims to keep you ahead of the curve so you can take action in your business.

9. Data Universe 2025

Date: April 30–May 1, 2025

Format: In person (New York City, NY)

Data Universe gathers attendees from around the world to network and learn about data-driven outcomes, policy, and innovations. Developed by RX Global, Data Universe builds on the success of the company’s Big Data LDN event to continue connecting professionals in data, analytics, AI, and more worldwide.

10. Dublin Tech Summit

Date: May 28–29, 2025

Format: In person (Dublin, Ireland)

The Dublin Tech Summit (DTS) puts you at the forefront of the international tech scene in one of the world’s most active technology hubs. By attending this conference you will be able to network with 8,000 other attendees, listen to 200+ speakers, and hear from 150+ startup company leaders.

11. Augmented World Expo (AWE)

Date: June 10–12, 2025 

Format: In person (Long Beach, CA)

Forbes named AWE “one of the AR and VR world’s most important gatherings” in 2018, and the annual event continues to feature education through an immersive experience for developers, entrepreneurs, product leaders, investors, and creators alike. AWE takes place in a variety of cities around the world each year, but every conference focuses on the emerging applications of AR and VR across sectors and the potential technical, ethical, and legal challenges that accompany the development of such disruptive technology. 

Looking for more?

These top tech conferences are a great place for leaders in STEM to develop the skills required to foster technological innovation in their organizations. For professionals looking for more comprehensive and specialized training, however, a certificate or degree may be the next step.

Northeastern offers a technology-focused portfolio of online and on-ground programs based in globally recognized centers of innovation, entrepreneurship, and growth, including Seattle, Silicon Valley, Charlotte, Vancouver, and Toronto.

Home to a wide variety of companies and institutions that share the university’s vision, these locations serve as hubs for cutting-edge thought leaders who inspire, create, and execute new technologies and research daily.

These epicenters of discovery have a significant need for workers educated in science, technology, engineering, and math. Northeastern’s unique programs, grounded in experiential learning, are customized to offer students the knowledge and skills that these regions’ employers demand.

To learn more about advancing your tech career with Northeastern, explore the related degrees offered at our regional locations in Seattle, Silicon Valley, SanFrancisco, Charlotte, Vancouver, and Toronto.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in August 2020. It has since been updated for relevance and accuracy.