Are you looking to propel your business into the spotlight? Attending the right conference can open doors to invaluable networks, cutting-edge insights, and unprecedented growth opportunities. The good news is that San Francisco hosts some of the world's most influential conferences across various industries. Whether you’re looking to make impactful connections, discover industry innovations, or promote your business, these events are where you need to be. Keep reading to explore our guide to the biggest conferences in San Francisco to find the perfect fit for your business needs.

1. TechCrunch Disrupt

When & Where: Held annually in the fall at Moscone Center

Who Should Visit: Tech startups, venture capitalists, and digital marketers looking to catch up on the latest innovations and startup trends. 

This influential annual event in San Francisco brings together tech startups, venture capitalists, and digital marketers to explore the latest innovations and trends. Known for its "Startup Battlefield" competition, it's a key meet-up for emerging companies to pitch to top investors.

2. AAOS Annual Meeting

When & Where: Typically takes place in the spring at various venues across San Francisco, including the Moscone Center.

Who Should Visit: Orthopedic professionals and healthcare companies specializing in musculoskeletal health. 

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons hosts this leading conference in the spring. It features workshops, presentations, and exhibitions dedicated to orthopedic medicine and technology and attracts orthopedic professionals and healthcare companies from around the globe.

3. JP Morgan Healthcare Conference

When & Where: Occurs every January at the Westin St. Francis.

Who Should Visit: Executives from pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, healthcare providers, and venture capital groups. 

The JP Morgan Healthcare Conference is an invite-only event held every January at the Westin St. Francis. It gathers executives from the healthcare industry, including pharma, biotech, and investment sectors, to discuss trends and opportunities in healthcare investments.

4. DreamForce

When & Where: Hosted by Salesforce in the fall, spanning multiple venues in downtown San Francisco, including Moscone Center.

Who Should Visit: Salesforce users, partners, and technology enthusiasts from various sectors. 

Hosted by Salesforce, this extensive tech conference transforms San Francisco into a hub of technology discussions, networking, and entertainment every fall. It caters to Salesforce users, partners, and tech enthusiasts with its blend of professional and cultural experiences.

5. Women Impact Tech

When & Where: Annually at the InterContinental San Francisco.

Who Should Visit: Women in tech and companies committed to diversity and inclusion. 

This annual conference is held at the InterContinental San Francisco and connects companies with top female tech talent. It focuses on innovation, diversity, and inclusion, providing keynote speeches, panels, and networking opportunities for women in technology

6. Game Developers Conference (GDC)

When & Where: Held every spring at Moscone Center.

Who Should Visit: Game developers, studios, and digital entertainment companies. 

The GDC is the largest annual gathering for the game development community, and it is held at Moscone Center. It serves game developers, digital entertainment companies, and educational institutions with talks, workshops, and networking focused on the future of game development.

7. San Francisco Tech Summit

When & Where: It takes place annually at various venues around San Francisco, often in late spring.

Who Should Visit: IT professionals and tech companies looking for the latest tech advancements and networking opportunities. 

The San Francisco Tech Summit is a significant annual event for IT professionals and technology companies seeking insights into the latest tech advancements. The summit features a series of seminars and panels addressing current technological trends and industry challenges.

8. TOGETHER Conference

When & Where: Typically held in the fall at the Moscone Center.

Who Should Visit: Professionals from all industries interested in networking and leadership development 

This event is a convergence of leadership and innovation that’s designed to foster cross-industry collaboration. The TOGETHER Conference serves as a platform for sharing cutting-edge ideas and strategies, making it a hub for thought leaders seeking transformative business practices and growth opportunities.

9. San Francisco Writers Conference

When & Where: Occurs annually in February at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco.

Who Should Visit: Writers, editors, publishers, and literary agents 

Renowned for its comprehensive program that covers every aspect of writing and publishing, this conference offers attendees a deep dive into the literary world. Participants engage with successful authors and industry professionals in a variety of formats aimed at both refining their craft and getting published.

10. TECHSPO Silicon Valley

When & Where: Held in the spring at a location in the heart of Silicon Valley, close to San Francisco.

Who Should Visit: Tech entrepreneurs, developers, and brand representatives

This expo stands at the forefront of global technology, showcasing the latest advances in internet, mobile, AdTech, MarTech, and SaaS from both established and emerging tech companies. The event combines product demonstrations with discussions on technology trends, providing a comprehensive insight into the future of tech.

11. ProductWorld

When & Where: Annually at the Oakland Convention Center, just across the bay from San Francisco, typically in the early spring.

Who Should Visit: Product managers, product developers, and start-ups

ProductWorld is a premier event that focuses on modern product management. It brings together professionals from across the globe to discuss methodologies, tools, and frameworks that drive product vision, design, development, and marketing. The conference is packed with sessions that explore the best practices and innovations in product management.

12. Cybersecurity and Cloud Congress

When & Where: Usually takes place in late spring at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis.

Who Should Visit: IT security professionals, cloud computing specialists, and network engineers

This conference is crucial for understanding the evolving landscape of digital security. It addresses the latest security threats and defense mechanisms, with a particular focus on cloud-based technologies and the complexities they introduce. Expert speakers deliver insights on protecting enterprise and consumer data across multiple platforms.

13. Transform hosted by VentureBeat

When & Where: Held during the summer in downtown San Francisco.

Who Should Visit: AI enthusiasts, business executives, and tech innovators

Dedicated to the impact of artificial intelligence on business, Transform examines how AI is reshaping industries from finance to healthcare and beyond. The event features keynotes from industry pioneers and case studies showcasing successful AI implementations, providing a real-world perspective on the rapidly advancing field.

14. SaaStr Annual

When & Where: It occurs every September at the San Mateo Event Center, just outside San Francisco.

Who Should Visit: SaaS founders, executives, and venture capitalists

SaaStr Annual is the largest gathering for those who thrive in the SaaS space. The conference focuses on actionable advice for scaling cloud-based applications, with a strong emphasis on strategies that enhance customer acquisition and retention. It is celebrated for fostering a community of sharing and innovation among SaaS professionals.

15. Startup Grind Global Conference

When & Where: It takes place in February at the Fox Theatre in Redwood City, near San Francisco.

Who Should Visit: Entrepreneurs, startups, and investors

Focused on helping startups succeed globally, this event features a mix of sessions designed to inspire, educate, and connect the entrepreneurial community. Startup Grind Global Conference offers unique opportunities for founders and their teams to learn from established leaders and network with potential investors, mentors, and collaborators.