The Top Business Conferences & Events You Have to Attend in 2025

Game Developers Conference 2025: November 17th – 21st; San Diego, USA

Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2025 is the ultimate gathering for game creators, innovators, and industry leaders. This five-day experience is where the brightest minds in gaming come together to learn, connect, and shape the future of interactive entertainment. Whether you are an aspiring developer, a seasoned pro, or a company looking to make an impact, GDC 2025 is the place to be.

For over 30 years, GDC has been the go-to event for game developers, featuring insightful talks, groundbreaking technology, and unparalleled networking opportunities. With a schedule curated by industry experts, attendees can expect thought-provoking sessions covering everything from cutting-edge AI to immersive level design. GDC Summits offer deep dives into niche disciplines such as Art Direction, UX, and Game Narrative, providing attendees with actionable insights to elevate their craft. This is where the biggest deals are made. GDC is where the business of gaming thrives!

GDC 2025 will also feature a series of interactive workshops designed to hone essential skills and promote creative problem-solving. Workshops include the Game Design Workshop, Storytelling Fundamentals Workshop, and the Climate Crisis Workshop, each offering hands-on exercises and group discussions led by industry veterans. New for 2025 are the Economic Policy & Ecosystem Workshop and Production Essentials Workshop, aimed at addressing the evolving business and production challenges in game development.

Networking has never been easier with GDC’s event mobile app. Attendees can browse fellow professionals by job title, area of expertise, and interests, then request meetings to foster new collaborations. Plus, GDC Pitch returns, offering developers the chance to pitch their game ideas to a panel of industry experts in a dynamic, Shark Tank-style format. This exciting competition provides valuable feedback and the opportunity to capture investor interest.

From learning the latest industry trends to showcasing new projects and making career-defining connections, GDC 2025 is an unmissable event for anyone passionate about gaming. Mark your calendars and get ready to level up!

Image: Game Developers Conference

IMEX 2025: May 20th – 22nd; Frankfurt, Germany

Get ready for the biggest conference and trade show in the meetings, events, and incentive travel industry—IMEX Frankfurt. As Europe’s go-to event for global business events, IMEX brings together the best and brightest in the industry for an unparalleled experience of networking, learning, and deal-making. Let’s talk numbers, alright?

Over 4,200 global meeting planners and event professionals will connect with more than 3,100 suppliers from around the world. Whether you’re an event organizer, corporate buyer, or an association leader, IMEX is your gateway to discovering innovative solutions, securing valuable partnerships, and staying ahead of industry trends. The exhibition floor will showcase a diverse range of exhibitors, including national and regional convention bureaus, hotel groups, unique venues, airlines, cruise lines, tech providers, and event management specialists. Walk through the world in a day and experience firsthand the cutting-edge developments shaping the future of events.

Attendees can take part in over 150 expert-led seminars, workshops, and forums designed to provide practical insights and fresh ideas. The Impact Talking Point will highlight key industry topics such as sustainability, innovation, and the evolving role of technology in event planning. Networking opportunities abound, from the IMEXrun to the Gala Dinner and Association Social. With an advanced online meeting system facilitating over 63,000 pre-scheduled appointments in 2024, IMEX ensures you maximize your time and build meaningful connections.

For those looking for a VIP experience, the hosted buyer program offers complimentary flights, accommodation, and exclusive perks. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this dynamic gathering of global event professionals—register now for IMEX Frankfurt 2025 and take your event planning to the next level!

Image: IMEX

EXPO REAL 2025: October 6th – 8th; Munich, Germany

The global real estate industry is set to gather once again at EXPO REAL 2025, the premier trade fair and conference for property and investment. Held every year in Munich, this dynamic event brings together decision makers, investors, and innovators from across the real estate sector. If you’re trying to make an impression in the world of real estate, EXPO REAL gives you ample opportunities by introducing you to over 40,000 visitors from 75 countries and 1,780 exhibitors representing 34 nations, EXPO REAL is the ultimate platform for forging partnerships, closing deals, and staying ahead in an ever-evolving industry.

From development and financing to marketing, operation, and utilization, EXPO REAL covers the entire lifecycle of real estate. The event attracts top-tier professionals, including project developers, institutional investors, asset managers, and technology pioneers, all eager to explore the latest trends and opportunities in the market. Whether you are looking to expand your network, gain insights into industry shifts, or showcase your latest innovations, EXPO REAL offers unparalleled business potential.

Now, the EXPO REAL Conference is where the real a wealth of knowledge is. Discussions, panels, and presentations analyze critical industry topics. With nine stages and numerous conference rooms hosting expert speakers, thought leaders, and academics, attendees will gain valuable insights into pressing issues such as investment strategies, resilient portfolios, the role of AI, and the impact of geopolitics on the real estate market. A highlight of the conference is the EXPO REAL FORUM, where key themes like RE-Think, RE-Shape, and RE-Build take center stage. This forum offers forward-thinking discussions on the transformation of real estate, with a particular focus on sustainability, innovation, and international market comparisons.

Additionally, the PLANNING & PARTNERSHIPS FORUM will address challenges in hotel, logistics, and office properties, offering strategic insights from industry experts.