From AI in the classroom to the future of higher education, the pace of change in education has never been faster, and the best conferences are where educators, leaders, and EdTech innovators see what is next and find the people building it. If you can attend only one or two education events in 2026, here are the standouts, plus how to make sure any event you register for is genuine.
*Dates and venues below were the latest announced at the time of writing. Always confirm on the official website before booking travel, as details can change.*
The top education & EdTech conferences in 2026
These are the anchor events across schools, higher education, and the EdTech industry:
- Bett 2026, London, ~21–24 January. The world's largest education technology show, bringing together educators, leaders, and EdTech companies from across the globe. (Bett also runs a regional edition, Bett Asia, later in the year.)
- ASU+GSV Summit 2026, San Diego, ~12–15 April. The leading gathering where education innovators, investors, and leaders shape the future of learning.
- ISTELive 26, United States, summer (typically late June/early July). One of the largest events for classroom technology across K-12 and higher education.
- EDUCAUSE Annual Conference 2026, Denver, ~29 September–2 October. The premier event for higher-education IT and digital transformation.
How to choose the right education conference
The best event depends on your role. Classroom teachers and school leaders get the most from practitioner-focused events like Bett and ISTELive; higher-education technology and administration leaders are better served by EDUCAUSE; and founders, investors, and strategy leaders gravitate to ASU+GSV. Decide whether you want classroom practice, institutional strategy, or industry and investment, then choose the event built for that audience. Regional and subject-specific conferences are also well worth a look for depth and easier networking.
Before you register: watch for predatory education events
Education is not immune to predatory conferences, generic, fee-collecting events with sweeping names ("International Conference on Education, Teaching and Learning") that mimic real meetings and target educators and researchers with flattering invitations. The established events above are clearly legitimate; the risk is the flood of look-alikes.
Before paying for any education event you have not heard of:
- Run it through our free conference checker for an instant risk verdict.
- Work through the 12-point legitimacy checklist.
- Look for a strong ROCME score on any event you consider.
- If anything feels off, read our complete guide to predatory conferences.
How to find more education conferences
New education and EdTech events appear constantly, from global shows to local teach-meets. Browse our conference listings by topic to find events matched to your role, and always give an unfamiliar event a quick check before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
Which education conference is the best to attend? It depends on your focus: Bett and ISTELive for classroom technology, EDUCAUSE for higher-education IT, and ASU+GSV for education innovation and investment.
Are education conferences worth the cost? The flagship events usually offer strong professional development and networking, but returns vary, be clear about whether you want classroom ideas, institutional strategy, or industry connections, and choose accordingly.
How do I know an education conference is legitimate? Run it through our conference checker and the 12-point checklist. Be cautious of very broad scope, instant acceptance, and fees demanded before review.
Where can I find more education events? Browse our conference listings and give any event you are considering a quick legitimacy check first.
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