Webbmedia Group's Curated Guide To 2015 Conferences

There are hundreds of digital media, design, journalism and technology conferences every year across the world. How can you decide which ones to attend and where to allocate next year’s budget?

At the end of each year, Webbmedia Group curates a list of recommended conferences and events for our clients. We try to make it as comprehensive as possible, covering all of the areas on which our clients are focused. We’ve also included some interesting festivals, because it’s good to take a break from work every now and then.

WEBBMEDIA GROUP’SCURATED GUIDE TO 2015 CONFERENCESgood chance that you’ll learn/ see something groundbreaking

difficult to get into/ exclusive

one or more Webbmedia Group staff will be speaking or plans to attend

good for networking

If registration fee isn’t known yet for 2015, this icon will be left blank

$100 or less

free

up to $500

up to $2000

over $2000

up to $1000

cost of conference (not including flight or lodging)

DLD15Munich, Germany

Global network on innovation, digitization, science and culture that connects business, creative and social leaders, opinion formers and influencers for crossover conversation and inspiration. Historically DLD is invitation only, but you can also submit your information for consideration. This is a high-profile conference focused on exploring the most zeitgeisty topics in digital media and design.

TransportationCampWashington, DC

Discussions about opportunities to improve mobility through recent advances in technology, such as Web 2.0, mobile computing, open source software, open data and APIs, and spatial analysis. The conference will also examine ways to build connections between disparate innovators in public administration, transportation operations, information design and software engineering.

Big Data Innovation SummitLas Vegas, Nevada

Lots of speakers from the data community. Expect to see a lot of senior data scientists from well-known brands, such as Hershey’s and Netflix. You need to request an invitation first.

IBM ConnectEDOrlando, Florida

In 2015, IBM Connect will transform into the new “IBM ConnectED.” This conference will focus a lot on IBM’s tools and platforms -- which isn’t a bad thing, since IBM is doing some groundbreaking work. There will be lots of sessions, demos, labs and roundtables.

SundancePark City, Utah

Since 1981, Sundance Institute has evolved to become an internationally-recognized nonprofit organization that actively advances the work of risk-taking storytellers worldwide. Originally founded by Robert Redford in the mountains of Sundance, Utah, Sundance Institute has always provided a space for independent artists to explore their stories free from commercial and political pressures. The Film Festival celebrates independent filmmakers and the organizations who help make great storytelling happen.

JANUARY

webbmediagroup.com | @webbmediagroup | © 2015 Webbmedia Group

WEBBMEDIA GROUP’S CURATED GUIDE TO 2015 CONFERENCES

Lift ConferenceGeneva, Switzerland

Short, TED-style speeches and lots of hands-on workshops all focused on digital technologies.

TED and TEDActiveVancouver, Canada

TED conferences are notoriously difficult to get into and very expensive ($8,500 per person and up). The main draw at TEDActive is networking with the folks who didn’t make the cut for the full TED show. TED always sells out a year in advance. For 2015, if you’re willing to become a higher-level donor (starting at $17,000) you can still apply.

Social Media WeekVarious Locations

Events happen throughout various cities all over the world. The quality of venue and speaker can be unreliable, so it’s best to go mainly for networking.

FEBRUARY



South By Southwest (SXSW)Austin, Texas

SXSWi (the “i” is for interactive) is a massive festival bringing together bright minds in digital media, technology, journalism, health, film, space, business, gaming and more. (And that’s before the music side of the festival launches.) With hundreds of sessions, parties and meet ups spread across dozens of venues around Austin, it’s one of the largest digital media festivals in the world.

Front End of InnovationVienna, Austria

Front End of Innovation immerses attendees in shared experiences: experiential adventures, collaborative workshops, innovation field trips, executive business cases, and keynotes.

Mobile World CongressBarcelona, Spain

MWC offers a blueprint for the next big innovation, either announced on stage, showcased in the exhibition hall or conceived during one of the thousands of meetings taking place during the week.

NICARAtlanta, Georgia

The National Institute for Computer-Assisted Reporting offers something for everyone, from beginners to those on the cutting edge of digital reporting. The event offers everything from the basics on using spreadsheets, databases and online mapping to data science and the latest technological advances. You’ll come away with story ideas, plenty inspiration and tools to help you overcome typical data hurdles.

Sentiment Analysis SymposiumNew York City

This is a business-focused conference featuring talks on using sentiment to inform strategy.

DentSun Valley, Idaho

Brings together people who are “putting a dent in the universe,” to explore the magic and science of visionary leadership and groundbreaking success. Apply for an invitation first.

MARCH



International Symposium on Online JournalismAustin, Texas

Attracts journalists, media executives and scholars from around the world to a conference that mixes top leaders of the news industry and academics who present research on the field of digital journalism.

The Next WebAmsterdam, Netherlands

Brings together Europe’s leading thinkers, promising global startups and the most inspiring technology companies to do business and share their ideas with the world.

99uNew York City

TED-style talks accompanied by master classes and hand-on activities. Focus is on design and design thinking.

APRIL



Maker FaireBay Area, California

Maker Faire is a family-friendly festival of invention, creativity and resourcefulness, and a celebration of the Maker movement.

NEXT BerlinBerlin, Germany

Focus is on marketing and technology as well as the future of digital media. Typically includes a good cross-section of speakers from different industries.

GEN SummitBarcelona, Spain

Since 2011, the Global Editors Network invites opinion leaders in the media industry to discuss the latest trends shaping newsrooms. Presenters typically show the latest work being done in their newsrooms. Attendees are mainly editors and news executives.

Big OmahaOmaha, Nebraska

Every spring Big Omaha brings together entrepreneurs, investors, designers and design thinkers to inspire each other. Tends to draw big-name speakers.

Transparency CampWashington, DC

This is a traditional unconference for open government — an event where journalists, developers, technologists, policy makers, government officials, students, academics, wonks and others gather to share their knowledge about how to use new technologies and policies to make our government work better. Hosted by the Sunlight Foundation.

Pioneers FestivalVienna, Austria

Mix of 2,500 startup founders and the people who support them. Tends to feature VCs and executives from successful companies throughout Europe.

Code ConferenceRancho Palos Verdes, California

This conference is produced by Kara Swisher and Walt Mossberg at re/code, who formerly produced the D: All Things Digital conference for the Wall Street Journal. Top industry influencers in tech and media father for presentations, conversations and networking.

MAY



World News Media Congress and World Editors ForumWashington, DC

The Congress and Editors Forum is the annual global summit meetings of the world’s press. Primarily publishers and editors attend.

Google I/OSan Francisco, California

An annual two-day developer-focused conference, Google I/O features highly technical, in-depth sessions focused on building of web, mobile, and enterprise applications with Google and open web technologies such as Android, Chrome, Google APIs, Google Web Toolkit, App Engine and more. The “I” and “O” stand for “Innovation in the Open” and input/output.

Personal Democracy ForumNew York City

People will gather in NYC from dozens of professional, political, and cultural stratifications, from down the block and across the world. The goal is to watch the conversations spiral across the room and across the digital landscape.

Investigative Reporters and EditorsPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania

Participants will gather for more than 100 panels, hands-on classes and special presentations about covering business, public safety, government, health care, education, the military, the environment and other key beats in the news business.

LeWebLondon

This is a big even in Europe, bringing together tech industry leaders, startups, VCs, journalists and others into a giant three-day festival. There’s also a LeWeb in Paris every December.

JUNE



OSCONPortland, Oregon

Focused entirely on the open source community. Sessions for developers, designers, investors and entrepreneurs.

BlogHerNew York City

This is the largest conference focused on blogging (and in particular women who blog). All genders, ages and levels of blogging experience are able to attend.

JULY



Black HatLas Vegas, Nevada

The Black Hat Briefings are a series of highly technical information security conferences that bring together thought leaders from all facets of the info-security world – from the corporate and government sectors to academic and even underground researchers.

DEF CONLas Vegas, Nevada

One of the oldest continuous running hacker conventions around and also one of the largest.

SIGGRAPHLos Angeles, California

The biggest design-focused conference of the year. Features cutting-edge work, lectures, interactive installations, hands-on classes and more.

WikimaniaLondon

Wikimedia movement’s annual conference. Everyone is welcome, whether you’re an expert, enthusiast, a beginner or just curious. There is a full program of talks, workshops and discussions where you can learn about what people are doing in the movement, and how you can take part.

AUGUST



XOXOPortland, Oregon

An experimental festival celebrating independently-produced art and technology.

DLD Tel AvivTel Aviv, Israel

This is the largest digital tech festival in Israel, featuring the VCs, entrepreneurs, journalists and large companies (like Google, Oracle).

Online News AssociationLos Angeles, California

The Online News Association conference attracts 1,500 journalists each year and much of the focus is on digital innovation in tools, technologies, storytelling, search, revenue and design. The prestigious Online Journalism Awards ceremony caps off the conference each year on Saturday night.

Maker FaireNew York City

Maker Faire is a family-friendly festival of invention, creativity and resourcefulness, and a celebration of the Maker movement.

SEPTEMBER



Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in ComputingHouston, Texas

The world’s largest gathering of women technologists, produced by the Anita Borg Institute and presented in partnership with the Association for Computing Machinery.

MozFestLondon

Packed with passionate technologists and creators eager to share their skills, MozFest asks you to arrive with an idea, demo and hack on innovative digital solutions, bring a pragmatic approach to solving real problems and forge new collaborations to tackle pressing issues on the web.

CEATECTokyo

This conference is worth the trip to Japan. You’ll see cutting-edge technologies and innovations, especially in wearables, lifetech and home goods. Registration is free, so you can save your cash for the airfare

PopTechCamden, Maine

An eclectic mix of thought leaders and visionaries will convene for PopTech’s 19th annual gathering. A celebration for the intellectually engaged.

PRSASan Francisco, California

PRSA is the largest conference for those involved in PR/ marketing/ advertising/ branding. It’s a very good place to network.

Strata & Hadoop WorldNew York City

This is regarded as one of the better conferences for people working in/ interested in data. There are several Strata conferences around the world, but the NYC event features lots of hands-on training with Hadoop. Alumni of past O’Reilly conferences receive a discount.

D ConferenceLaguna Beach, California

Was previously AllThingsD -- the annual spectacle is now being produced by the Wall Street Journal itself.

OCTOBER



The Future is Here: Digitally Secure PaymentsSan Jose, California

How did you pay for the last taxi ride you took? If you were like most people, you probably paid in cash. Or maybe swiped your credit card. What if you could pay via a thumbprint, a wave of your wristband, or simply walking out of the cab? Would you be willing to do that? Would you trust that process? This conference is all about secure payments.

Roadmap 2015San Francisco, California

Gigaom Roadmap is a two-day experience design conference featuring leading designers, tech innovators, and product developers. They’ll look at the future of next generation interfaces, the intersection of data and design, and lessons learned about designing emotionally-compelling experiences.

ad:techNew York City

The U.S.-based AdTech conferences happen twice a year, on the West Coast in spring and on the East Coast in the winter. We think that the NYC conference is better, because it includes more industry players and opportunities to network. It’s held at the Javits Center when in NYC, which means lots of people and things to see.

NOVEMBER



LeWebParis

This is a big even in Europe, bringing together tech industry leaders, startups, VCs, journalists and others into a giant three-day festival. There’s also a LeWeb in London every June.

DECEMBER



An Event ApartLongstanding educational series on usability, design and Web standards.

Spark CampSpark Camp hosts intimate gatherings of 80 bright minds across industries and fields who come together to focus on one big theme for an extended weekend. Camps happen in various locations. There are no keynote speeches or panels, only intimate, facilitated conversations and delicious, locally-sourced meals. Previous themes have included the future of storytelling, future of data and the future of design. One theme for 2015 has already been announced: the future of giving and philanthropy. Camps are invite-only, but you can either nominate yourself or ask a Spark Camp alum/ coworker/ friend to nominate you.

The FeastDinners are held once a month throughout various cities to celebrate the ideas for impact in their cities and connect with each other over all that’s possible. Feast events are invite-only, but you can nominate yourself.

Renaissance WeekendFor more than 30 years, Renaissance Weekends — inter-generational, invitation-only retreats for preeminent authorities, emerging leaders, and their families — have celebrated both ideas and relationships. Nominate yourself and find a RW alum to recommend you.

Predictive Analytics WorldLots of talks on big data, data science and the like.

YEAR-ROUND/ VARIOUS LOCATIONS


JANUARYHarbin Ice and Snow FestivalHarbin, China

It is extremely cold in Harbin, but that’s what makes the ice festival so compelling. Book hotel and air travel early.

Up Helly Aa Fire FestivalLerwick, Shetland, Scotland

Up Helly Aa day involves a series of marches and visitations, culminating in a torch-lit procession and the burning of a galley.

FEBRUARYDesert Festival of Jaisalmer, IndiaJaisalmer, India

With events such as camel racing, turban tying, and the longest mustache competition, this fascinating Indian festival showcases the cultural wonders of Rajasthan.

JUNEGlastonbury Music FestivalGlastonbury, England

The largest open air music and preforming arts festival in the world.

Chicago Blues FestivalChicago, Illinois

The Chicago Blues Festival is the largest free blues festival in the world and remains the largest of Chicago’s music festivals. During three days on five stages, more than 500,000 blues fans prove that Chicago is the “Blues Capital of the World.” Past performers include Bonnie Raitt, Ray Charles, B.B. King, the late Bo Diddley, Buddy Guy and the late Koko Taylor.

AUGUSTTohoku MatsuriNorthern Japan

The northern region of Japan (Tohoku) is home to four incredible festivals. Each region of the north celebrates a different Japanese myth. In Aomori, hundreds of dancers carry massive paper dolls through the streets. In Akita hundreds of men carry enormous Kanto – bamboo posts holding dozens of illuminated paper lanterns – through the streets. In Morioka, thousands of women beat on drums and dance through the streets. In Sendai, huge globes made of paper streamers are hung throughout the city. Tour groups offer vacation packages allowing you to hit all four festivals with side trips to Japanese hot springs.

If you find yourself at the Morioka festival, just 30 km south is the very best hand-made ramen noodle shop in all of Japan. It’s called Nonchan Ramen, and it’s a short train ride away. The owners are incredibly friendly and speak English, and the tiny restaurant is usually full of their friends -- meaning that everyone will very likely spend most of the night chatting with you over noodles and draft beers.

INSPIRING FESTIVALS


We also recommend these conferences and gatherings:• The Chicago Ideas conference and DCWeek happen in the fall – both attract a 20-something techie crowd.

• NYC’s Internet Week is similar but takes place in June.

• Dreamforce is a must-attend for those working directly with Salesforce.

• We also recommend TechStars showcases and events, which are held throughout the country.

For those interested in journalism, we strongly recommend these niche conferences:• Association of Alternative Weeklies

• Society of News Design (newspaper focus)

• AEJMC (educator/ academic focus)

• Journalism Interactive (educator/ academic focus)

ALSO NOTEWORTHY


About Webbmedia Group:Webbmedia Group is a digital strategy firm that advises an international client base on near-future emerging technologies and digital media trends. Our research and strategic analysis help executives formulate their digital and business strategies. We advise Fortune 500 companies, technology and media companies, government agencies, large nonprofits, universities, and foundations.

WEBBMEDIA GROUP


Documents

Webbmedia Group's Curated Guide To 2015 Conferences