The Rise of GEO and AI Search: A Comprehensive Conference Guide for 2026

The landscape of search engine optimization (SEO) is undergoing a seismic shift, giving rise to new disciplines like GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), AEO (AI Engine Optimization), and LLMO (Large Language Model Optimization). What was barely a concept two years ago has rapidly evolved into a burgeoning field with its own dedicated conference circuit, often integrated into established SEO and marketing events. For professionals looking to navigate this evolving digital terrain, understanding where to gain the latest insights is crucial. This comprehensive roundup details the key GEO and GEO-adjacent conferences scheduled for 2026, offering a roadmap for marketers and SEO specialists to stay ahead of the curve.

Key GEO and AI Search Conferences in 2026:

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 positions itself as the premier gathering for marketing leaders seeking actionable strategies for visibility in AI-driven search environments. The conference focuses on sharing real-world playbooks from top companies, enabling attendees to learn directly how organizations are adapting to AI answering user queries, such as how Webflow reportedly doubled their signups through LLM-generated content.

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 Parisian event is billed as France’s largest SEO & GEO conference, expanding its scope to address the fundamental shift from traditional search to AI-powered discovery. Held at the Parc des Princes stadium, the summit emphasizes the necessity for brands to master both advanced SEO and GEO principles to maintain presence across all digital channels. With over 25 sessions across three tracks, a masterclass, and networking events, it promises a premium experience. Si Quan Ong from Ahrefs will 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, the Sydney SEO Conference is a significant event for the Australian SEO community. It features a lineup of renowned industry experts discussing strategies for making content "LLM-ready" and understanding the impact of AI on organic growth. The conference also highlights the pleasant weather in Sydney during March.

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 conference in Lisbon focuses on an AI-first approach to marketing, addressing how brands can become "LLM-ready" and ensure visibility within AI-generated responses from platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini. The event offers a blend of strategic insights and practical execution advice.

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 is a four-day intensive conference widely recognized as a leading event for AI and SEO. Its agenda covers technical SEO, user psychology, and future trends, with a dedicated focus on GEO/AEO and emerging AI search technologies. The event features over 40 speakers, including representatives from Microsoft AI discussing search engine mechanics.

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)
  BrightonSEO is one of the largest search marketing conferences globally. The Spring 2026 event will significantly address the impact of AI search engines, featuring sessions on "SEO and AI Agents," automation, and the influence of platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity on fundamental SEO principles. 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)
  Ahrefs Evolve Singapore offers a more intimate gathering focused on practical insights for navigating AI’s impact on search visibility. It brings together SEO professionals and marketers to share strategies for remaining discoverable in an evolving search landscape. The event emphasizes direct, actionable advice and is positioned as a more accessible option compared to West Coast conferences.

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 tackles the intersection of AI and large-scale marketing, exploring challenges such as measuring attribution without clicks, the mechanics of AEO and GEO, and demand generation strategies in an era where AI provides answers directly. It aims to be the largest AI + Marketing conference in San Francisco.

9. GEO Conference

• Date: June 18
• Location: Washington DC, USA
• Ticket Prices: From $725
• Website: https://www.geo-conference.com/
• Notable Speakers: TBA
  Self-proclaimed as the official GEO conference, this event features over 20 talks across two tracks, catering to both marketers and technical professionals. With a limited capacity of 200 attendees, it emphasizes networking and in-person learning, as no recordings are permitted. The conference includes a substantial goodie bag and a networking 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)
  MozCon’s single-day New York event is a focused gathering for approximately 600 SEO professionals. The conference prioritizes high-signal content and has historically featured influential sessions on GEO and AI search. The call for speakers specifically seeks presentations on AI search visibility and AI workflow development.

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)
  The US edition of BrightonSEO brings its signature energy to San Diego, focusing on AI-powered search, Google’s AI Overviews, and practical technical SEO. Workshops are available for hands-on learning, and the event is timed to coincide with favorable 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 INBOUND conference is a major global event for marketing, sales, and customer experience professionals. Given its past focus on AI, including the launch of AEO content tools, the 2026 edition is expected to delve deeper into AI agents, AI-driven personalization, and optimization for AI search platforms.

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 German-language conference is dedicated exclusively to GEO, targeting professionals in the DACH region. It addresses how brands can achieve visibility within AI search engines like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity.

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’ flagship Evolve conference spans four days, bringing together over 600 attendees from more than 35 countries. The central theme, "staying discoverable in search, AI, and beyond," reflects the industry’s challenge of adapting to AI-driven search and its impact on traffic. The event emphasizes practical solutions and networking, with an exclusive yacht mixer for All-Access pass holders. The conference is noted for its collaborative atmosphere and ideal San Diego setting in October.

The proliferation of these conferences underscores the rapid evolution and critical importance of understanding GEO and AI search strategies. Professionals looking to maintain and enhance their digital presence must actively engage with these emerging trends and the communities dedicated to exploring them.