The Rise of AI Search Optimization: A Comprehensive Guide to 2026 Conferences

The landscape of search engine optimization (SEO) has undergone a seismic shift, giving rise to a new discipline often referred to as GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), AEO (AI Engine Optimization), LLMO (Large Language Model Optimization), or simply SEO for AI search. This field, virtually nonexistent just two years ago, has rapidly matured, now boasting its own dedicated conference circuit. Established SEO and marketing conferences have also recognized this burgeoning area, integrating substantial AI search tracks into their existing programs. For professionals seeking to navigate this evolving domain, a comprehensive roundup of GEO and related conferences scheduled for 2026 offers a roadmap to staying ahead of the curve.

2026 GEO and AI Search Conference Calendar:

Detailed Conference Highlights:

1. AEO Conf

• Date: February 19
• Location: San Francisco, USA
• Ticket Prices: Application-based attendance
• Website: https://aeoconf.com/
• Notable Speakers: Glen Coates (OpenAI), Vanessa Thompson (Twilio), Tim Sanders (G2), Ethan Smith (Graphite), Rob Gaige (Reddit), Guy Yalif (Webflow), Kady Srinivasan (Freshworks)
  AEO Conf is positioned as a premier gathering for marketing leaders from top companies, focusing on actionable strategies for achieving visibility in AI-driven search environments. Attendees can expect to hear firsthand accounts and practical playbooks from industry leaders, including insights on how companies like Webflow have successfully leveraged Large Language Models (LLMs) to increase signups.

2. SEO & GEO Summit

• Date: March 18-20
• Location: Paris, France
• Ticket Prices: From €300
• Website: https://seo-summit.com/
• Notable Speakers: Neil Patel (NP Digital), Si Quan Ong (Ahrefs), Dawn Anderson (Berley), Itamar Blauer (Whitepress), Olivier Duffez (Ranking Metrics), Mikaël Priol (SEO.fr)
  This major SEO and GEO event in France, held at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, addresses the significant shift towards AI-powered discovery. The summit aims to equip attendees with strategies to master both advanced SEO and GEO principles for cross-channel presence. With over 25 sessions across three tracks, a Masterclass, a networking cruise, and unique accommodation options, this conference offers a premium experience. Si Quan Ong from Ahrefs will also be speaking at the event.

3. Sydney SEO Conference

• Date: March 20
• Location: Sydney, Australia
• Ticket Prices: From $399
• Website: https://prosperitymedia.com.au/sydney-seo-conference/
• Notable Speakers: Patrick Stox (Ahrefs), Kevin Indig, Brodie Clark, Aleyda Solis, Destiny Flaherty
  Now in its seventh year, Australia’s largest SEO event features a lineup of renowned experts. Sessions will focus on making content "LLM-ready" and understanding the impact of AI on organic growth. The conference provides an opportunity to learn from industry leaders in a pleasant March climate in Sydney.

4. Digital Marketing Europe

• Date: April 14-16
• Location: Lisbon, Portugal
• Ticket Prices: From €700
• Website: https://digitalmarketingcon.eu/
• Notable Speakers: David White, Chris Kubby, Felix Beilharz, Martin Greif
  This international, AI-first marketing conference in Lisbon centers on preparing brands for the LLM era. It explores how to gain visibility with AI assistants like ChatGPT and Gemini, blending strategic insights with practical execution. Attendees can also enjoy the city’s culinary offerings.

5. SEO Week

• Date: April 27-30
• Location: New York City, USA
• Ticket Prices: From $1,099
• Website: seoweek.org
• Notable Speakers: Michael King (iPullRank), Crystal Carter (Wix), Wil Reynolds (Seer Interactive), Ross Simmonds (Foundation), Jori Ford (FoodBoss)
  Organized by iPullRank, SEO Week in New York City is considered a premier AI+SEO conference. The four-day event features daily themes from technical foundations to future trends, with a dedicated final day on GEO/AEO. Michael King’s keynote on the "Brave New World of SEO" and insights from a Microsoft AI Principal PM are expected highlights.

6. BrightonSEO UK (Spring)

• Date: April 30 – May 1
• Location: Brighton, UK
• Ticket Prices: From £430
• Website: https://brightonseo.com/events/april-2026
• Notable Speakers: Chima Mmeje (Moz), Gus Pelogia (Indeed), Dan Taylor (SALT), Priya Verma (Compare the Market)
  As one of the largest search marketing conferences globally, BrightonSEO’s Spring edition will heavily feature AI search. Topics will include "SEO and AI Agents," automation, and the impact of AI on search fundamentals. A free ticket ballot is available for attendees.

7. Ahrefs Evolve Singapore

• Date: May 14
• Location: Singapore
• Ticket Prices: From $339
• Website: https://ahrefsevolve.com/singapore/
• Notable Speakers: Tim Soulo (Ahrefs), Sasha Gusain (Canva), Robert Lai (Kaliber), Charlotte Ang (Traffic Bees), Dan Petrovic (DEJAN), James Norquay (Prosperity Media)
  This event offers a more intimate setting for Ahrefs Evolve, focusing on AI search discoverability. It brings together SEO professionals and marketers to share practical strategies for navigating the evolving search landscape. Singapore provides a vibrant backdrop for networking and knowledge exchange.

8. Demand & Expand

• Date: May 19-20
• Location: San Francisco, USA
• Ticket Prices: From $349
• Website: https://www.demandandexpand.com/
• Notable Speakers: Bruno Estrella (Clay), Sonal Mane (Databricks), Vanessa Thompson (Twilio), Katie Peters (SauceLabs)
  This San Francisco-based conference addresses the intersection of AI and marketing at scale. It aims to tackle critical questions regarding attribution in a clickless environment, the mechanics of AEO and GEO, and demand generation strategies in an AI-answer-dominant world.

9. GEO Conference

• Date: June 18
• Location: Washington DC, USA
• Ticket Prices: From $725
• Website: https://www.geo-conference.com/
• Notable Speakers: TBA
  This conference positions itself as the official GEO event, featuring over 20 talks across two tracks tailored for marketers and technical professionals. With a limited attendance of 200, it prioritizes networking and in-person engagement. The event includes a substantial "goodie bag" of tools and credits and concludes with a yacht party.

10. MozCon New York

• Date: July 14
• Location: New York City, USA
• Ticket Prices: From $749
• Website: https://moz.com/mozcon/register-mozcon-2026
• Notable Speakers: Lily Ray (Amsive), Josh Spilker (AirOps), Wil Reynolds (Seer Interactive), Bianca Anderson (hims, hers)
  Moz’s flagship single-day conference in New York City focuses on SEO. The call for speakers specifically requests content on AI search visibility and AI workflow development, indicating a strong emphasis on the evolving AI landscape. Previous sessions, like Lily Ray’s on GEO, AEO, and LLMO, have been highly influential.

11. BrightonSEO San Diego

• Date: September 15-16
• Location: San Diego, USA
• Ticket Prices: From $600
• Website: https://brightonseo.com/events/san-diego-2026
• Notable Speakers: Andy Crestodina (Orbit Media Studios), Brie E Anderson (BEAST Analytics), Chantal Maddocks (United Airlines), Chris Long (Nectiv), Cindy Krum (MobileMoxie)
  BrightonSEO expands its reach to the US with this San Diego event. It will cover AI-powered search, Google’s AI Overviews, and technical SEO, with workshops available for hands-on learning. The timing in September offers ideal weather in San Diego.

12. INBOUND 2026

• Date: September 16-18
• Location: Boston, USA
• Ticket Prices: From $1,199
• Website: https://www.inbound.com/
• Notable Speakers: TBA
  HubSpot’s massive conference is a significant gathering for marketing, sales, and CX professionals. Building on the introduction of AI tools like Breeze AI at INBOUND 2025, the 2026 event is expected to delve deeper into AI agents, AI-driven personalization, and optimization for AI search.

13. GEO KNOW HOW

• Date: October 1
• Location: Berlin, Germany
• Ticket Prices: TBA
• Website: https://www.geoknowhow.com/
• Notable Speakers: Nadine McNulty (Claneo), Johannes Beus (SISTRIX), Tamara Heinz (MediaMarktSaturn), Peter Hartmann (Henkel)
  This conference is Germany’s sole event dedicated entirely to GEO, conducted in German. It caters to professionals in the DACH region seeking to understand how to achieve visibility in AI search engines like ChatGPT and Gemini. Organized by Claneo, it is in its second year.

14. Ahrefs Evolve San Diego

• Date: October 12-13
• Location: San Diego, USA
• Ticket Prices: From $899
• Website: https://ahrefsevolve.com/
• Notable Speakers: TBA
  Ahrefs Evolve San Diego is a four-day flagship event designed for over 600 attendees from more than 35 countries. The central theme is "staying discoverable in search, AI, and beyond," acknowledging the profound impact of LLMs and AI Overviews on search traffic. The conference emphasizes practical solutions and features a networking yacht mixer with speakers. Group discounts are available.

The proliferation of these conferences underscores the rapid evolution and growing importance of AI in the search and marketing industries. Professionals looking to adapt and thrive in this new era will find these events invaluable for gaining insights, networking, and developing actionable strategies.