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

The field of AI search optimization, whether termed GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), AEO (AI Engine Optimization), or LLMO (Large Language Model Optimization), has experienced explosive growth, emerging from obscurity to become a central focus in the digital marketing landscape within just two years. This burgeoning discipline now boasts its own dedicated conference circuit, running parallel to established SEO and marketing events that have enthusiastically incorporated substantial AI search tracks. To help professionals navigate this rapidly evolving space, here is a comprehensive roundup of the GEO and GEO-adjacent conferences scheduled for 2026.

AEO Conf: February 19, San Francisco, USA

AEO Conf is positioned as a premier gathering for marketing leaders from leading companies, offering practical playbooks and insights into achieving visibility in an AI-driven search environment. The conference aims to move beyond theoretical discussions, focusing on real-world strategies for success. Notable speakers include Glen Coates from OpenAI, Vanessa Thompson from Twilio, Tim Sanders from G2, Ethan Smith from Graphite, Rob Gaige from Reddit, Guy Yalif from Webflow, and Kady Srinivasan from Freshworks. The event features an application-based attendance policy.

SEO & GEO Summit: March 18-20, Paris, France

France’s largest SEO and GEO event, the SEO & GEO Summit, will be held at the historic Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. This edition promises to be its most ambitious yet, addressing the significant shift from traditional search methods to AI-powered discovery. The conference tagline emphasizes the necessity for brands to master both advanced SEO and GEO strategies to maintain a presence across all digital channels. The summit includes over 25 conference sessions across three tracks, a full-day Masterclass, a networking party on the Seine, and the unique option of staying at the OFF Paris Seine floating hotel. Ticket prices start from €300. Esteemed speakers include Neil Patel of NP Digital, Si Quan Ong from Ahrefs, Dawn Anderson of Berley, Itamar Blauer from Whitepress, Olivier Duffez from Ranking Metrics, and Mikaël Priol from SEO.fr.

Sydney SEO Conference: March 20, Sydney, Australia

Now in its seventh year, the Sydney SEO Conference is billed as Australia’s premier SEO event. The lineup features a roster of industry heavyweights such as Patrick Stox from Ahrefs, Kevin Indig, Brodie Clark, Aleyda Solis, and Destiny Flaherty. The conference will include dedicated sessions on making content "LLM-ready" and understanding how AI is reshaping organic growth. Sydney in March offers pleasant weather, making it an attractive destination for attendees. Ticket prices start from $399.

Digital Marketing Europe: April 14-16, Lisbon, Portugal

Digital Marketing Europe is an international, AI-first marketing conference taking place in Lisbon, Portugal. The conference’s central theme revolves around making brands "LLM-ready," focusing on how to gain recommendations from AI platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini. The event offers a blend of strategic and practical content, with ticket prices starting from €700. Notable speakers include David White, Chris Kubby, Felix Beilharz, and Martin Greif.

SEO Week: April 27-30, New York City, USA

Organized by iPullRank, SEO Week is widely recognized as a leading conference dedicated to AI and SEO. Over four immersive days in New York City, the conference explores themes ranging from technical SEO foundations to user psychology and future trends. The final day is specifically focused on GEO/AEO and upcoming developments in the field. The event features over 40 speakers, including a Principal Program Manager from Microsoft AI, who will discuss the inner workings of search engines. Ticket prices start at $1,099. Speakers include Michael King of iPullRank, Crystal Carter of Wix, Wil Reynolds of Seer Interactive, Ross Simmonds of Foundation, and Jori Ford of FoodBoss.

BrightonSEO UK (Spring): April 30 – May 1, Brighton, UK

BrightonSEO is renowned as the world’s largest search marketing conference. The spring 2026 event will dedicate significant attention to how AI search engines are transforming the industry, with sessions on "SEO and AI Agents," automation, and the impact of ChatGPT and Perplexity on fundamental search principles. A free ticket ballot is available for attendees. Ticket prices start from £430. Speakers include Chima Mmeje from Moz, Gus Pelogia from Indeed, Dan Taylor from SALT, and Priya Verma from Compare the Market.

Ahrefs Evolve Singapore: May 14, Singapore

Ahrefs Evolve Singapore is positioned as a more intimate gathering in Asia, offering the same high-quality insights as its larger counterparts in a relaxed atmosphere. The conference brings together SEO professionals and marketers focused on strategies for maintaining visibility in an evolving search landscape dominated by AI. It aims to provide practical strategies for AI search discoverability. Ticket prices start from $339. Notable speakers include Tim Soulo from Ahrefs, Sasha Gusain from Canva, Robert Lai from Kaliber, Charlotte Ang from Traffic Bees, Dan Petrovic from DEJAN, and James Norquay from Prosperity Media.

Demand & Expand: May 19-20, San Francisco, USA

This San Francisco-based conference addresses the intersection of AI and large-scale marketing. Billed as the largest AI + Marketing conference in San Francisco, it tackles critical questions such as measuring attribution without clicks, the mechanics of AEO and GEO, and strategies for demand generation when AI answers user queries directly. Ticket prices start from $349. Speakers include Bruno Estrella from Clay, Sonal Mane from Databricks, Vanessa Thompson from Twilio, and Katie Peters from SauceLabs.

GEO Conference: June 18, Washington DC, USA

The GEO Conference, self-proclaimed as the official GEO event, is a focused gathering for professionals serious about local search optimization. With over 20 talks across two tracks (one for marketers and one for technical specialists), the conference limits attendance to 200 people to facilitate networking. Recordings are not permitted, requiring attendees to be present. The event includes a substantial goodie bag valued at over $25,000 in tools and credits, and concludes with a sunset yacht party on the Potomac River. Ticket prices start from $725. The speaker lineup is to be announced.

MozCon New York: July 14, New York City, USA

Moz’s flagship single-day conference in New York City features one track and over 20 speakers, attracting approximately 600 attendees dedicated to SEO. The 2025 MozCon included a significant AEO session and the launch of AI search optimization tools through HubSpot’s Breeze AI platform, indicating a strong focus on AI for 2026. The call for speakers for the 2026 event specifically requested presentations on AI search visibility and building AI workflows. Ticket prices start from $749. Notable speakers include Lily Ray from Amsive, Josh Spilker from AirOps, Wil Reynolds from Seer Interactive, and Bianca Anderson from hims & hers.

BrightonSEO San Diego: September 15-16, San Diego, USA

Bringing the energy of BrightonSEO to the United States, this conference in San Diego focuses on AI-powered search, Google’s AI Overviews, and practical technical SEO. Workshops are available for hands-on learning. San Diego in September offers ideal weather conditions. Ticket prices start from $600. Speakers include Andy Crestodina from Orbit Media Studios, Brie E Anderson from BEAST Analytics, Chantal Maddocks from United Airlines, Chris Long from Nectiv, and Cindy Krum from MobileMoxie.

INBOUND 2026: September 16-18, Boston, USA

HubSpot’s massive flagship conference, INBOUND, is one of the largest gatherings for marketing, sales, and CX professionals globally. Building on its previous focus on AI, including the launch of AEO content tools in 2025, INBOUND 2026 is expected to delve deeper into AI agents, AI-driven personalization, and optimization for AI search.

GEO KNOW HOW: October 1, Berlin, Germany

GEO KNOW HOW is Germany’s primary conference dedicated exclusively to GEO, conducted entirely in German. This event is designed for professionals in the DACH region seeking to understand how to improve their brand’s visibility within AI-driven search platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity. Organized by Claneo, this marks the conference’s second year. Ticket prices are to be announced. Notable speakers include Nadine McNulty from Claneo, Johannes Beus from SISTRIX, Tamara Heinz from MediaMarktSaturn, and Peter Hartmann from Henkel.

Ahrefs Evolve San Diego: October 12-13, San Diego, USA

Ahrefs’ flagship Evolve conference is a four-day event bringing together over 600 participants from more than 35 countries. The theme, "Staying Discoverable in Search, AI, and Beyond," reflects the industry’s challenge in adapting to AI’s impact on search visibility. The conference emphasizes practical strategies and features practitioners actively solving these problems. The All-Access pass includes a pre-conference yacht mixer with speakers, offering a prime networking opportunity. San Diego in October provides pleasant weather, and the venue is centrally located. Group discounts are available. Ticket prices start from $899. The speaker lineup is to be announced.