Toothbrush? Check. Business cards? Check. Breath mints? Check, double check. Looking to cure that wanderlust itch, all while framing business contacts and learning about new industry trends? If you are, keep reading. If not, keep reading.  You don’t want to miss these must-attend business conferences. Grab your nametag!

Social Media Week

This week of conferences, activities, and demos cover everything from social media strategies, to content marketing case studies, celebrity appearances, and technology insight, all with guest panels and speakers. The Social Media Week conferences are hosted concurrently in various cities. The panels are offered at unique locations across the host city, but most are at a hub conference area. The array of topics and discussions has something for both beginners and experts in the field. Social Media Week offers master classes, but for the most part, all the panels and discussions are free. Yes, free. And because of the multiple locations across the globe, it is more accessible, and thus, less travel costs. See you there? We will be! September 22^nd-26^th, 2014 Los Angeles

The Corporate Social Media Summit

A corporate version of Social Media Week, The Corporate Social Media Summit is the largest and most senior of conferences. Marketing executives from a vast range of companies provide unparalleled insight on how to drive growth and competitive gain. The information is presented in strategic form, first focusing on internal and external collaboration, how to “de-silo” strategies, unique customer experience and engagement, and sharpening performance. Some exclusive keynote speakers include officers from L’Oreal, FedEx, Southwest Airlines, ESPN, and Whole Foods. June 16^th-17^th, 2014 Brooklyn, New York

Social Fresh

A more intimate approach to conferences, sans candles and champagne, Social Fresh is an event hosted for marketing professionals, by marketing professionals. The single track event features thought leaders, but in smaller segmented bits, to ensure quality information, or as their website states, “forcing them to focus on the specific topics and drop all the fluff.” Group discussions and participation-driven talks, along with fresh content, is the focus of Social Fresh. See you in the Orange State! July 17^th-18^th, 2014 Orlando, Florida

Social Media Marketing World

What do you get when you cross a Naval aircraft carrier, sunny San Diego, and a bunch of social media crazy professionals in lanyards? None other than Social Media Marketing World. Referred to as the largest social media marketing conference with “highly valuable, pitch-free content,” you have more than 80 expert-led sessions to choose from.  As the city of San Diego is itself, the networking event is highly customizable so you can focus on content that is important to you. Social Media Marketing World takes the fun spin on things and encourages attendees to make a vacation out of the summit, incorporating the Opening Night Ceremony on an aircraft carrier, a networking party on a 222 foot yacht the second night, while the conference is at a waterfront Grand Hyatt. Are your bags packed yet? They should be, as the conference is already next week! March 26^th-28^th, 2014 San Diego, California

2^nd Annual Social Media for PR and Corporate Communications Conference

Speaking of vacation, why not attend a conference that is an expert at leading with their mouse? Hosted at Walt Disney World in sunny Florida, this communications conference caters to every kind of communicator. With three different tracks to choose from including internal communications, PR and marketing, and advanced social media strategies, the tactics and information is customizable to what you want to learn. You will hear from panelists from Cisco, Coca-Cola, Whole Foods, Teach for America, and Disney Parks’ own Social Media Director. Don’t forget those Mickey ears. April 2^nd-4^th, 2014 Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Content Marketing World

House of Cards fan? Who isn’t?  Content Marketing World is the largest content marketing seminar you can find, but this year’s gala is extra special. Closing with Kevin Spacey as its keynote speaker, this dynamic affair focuses on getting back to the basics: content, content, and content. Focusing on storytelling, leading brand marketers will present in over 80 sessions covering strategy, measurement and integration. Keep practicing that Frank Underwood accent in the mirror. September 8^th-11^th Cleveland, Ohio

Event Marketing Summit

Different than all the other conferences mentioned, the Event Marketing Summit is not only focused on information, but also education. The three-day training conference features some of the world’s leaders in marketing and showcases their industry in’s and out’s. Completely customizable like setting up your college class schedule, their “flex learning” approach allows you to choose the format in which you receive this content: microsessions, roll-up your sleeves workshops, coaching sessions, or keynote panels. May 7^th-9^th, 2014 Salt Lake City, Utah. Knowledge is power. And without cutting edge, in-the-now knowledge, your brand’s marketing strategy will fall behind.  If Walt Disney World, Kevin Spacey, and a naval ship aren’t enough motivation for you to these powerhouse conferences, you have bigger problems than your marketing strategy.