Cover President of the United States of America Donald Trump, makes a speech via video-conference during the the 55th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2025. (Photo by Halil Sagirkaya/Getty Images)
President of the United States of America Donald Trump, makes a speech via video-conference during the the 55th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2025. (Photo by Halil Sagirkaya/Getty Images)
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Looking to mingle with influential leaders, decision makers and agenda setters? These are the conferences, forums, summits and festivals bringing them together this year
From Davos to Melbourne, Lisbon to Los Angeles, it’s going to be a jetting-setting year for the world’s most influential leaders, decision-makers and agenda-setters as they hop from Davos to TED to Milken and beyond, to convenings that play host to the conversations, discussions and decision-making that could shape our future across business, technology, society and culture. Whether focused on economic systems, creativity, wellness, innovation or social progress, these are the rooms where power, ideas and influence will converge in 2026. Will you be there too?
World Economic Forum Annual Meeting (Davos)
Above Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos in 2024 (Photo: Hannes P. Albert/Getty Images)
Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos in 2024 (Photo: Hannes P. Albert/Getty Images)
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January 19-23
The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting convenes leaders from government, business, civil society and academia to address the most pressing global challenges. Known for its cross-sector dialogue and agenda-setting discussions, Davos remains one of the most influential annual gatherings shaping global economic, political and social priorities.
TED 2026 (Vancouver)
Above A TED talk commences inside the David Rockwell-designed theatre at TED2018 in Vancouver, Canada (Photo: Lawrence Sumulong / Getty Images)
A TED talk commences inside the David Rockwell-designed theatre at TED2018 in Vancouver, Canada (Photo: Lawrence Sumulong / Getty Images)
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April 13-17
The place where many of the most successful TED Talks were originally staged, the TED conference brings together global thinkers and innovators across technology, entertainment and design. For TED2026, the five-day programme of speakers and conversations will mark TED’s final conference in its long-standing Vancouver home before the organisation embarks on a new chapter.
See also: 7 rousing TED Talks on women’s rights and the feminine experience
Women Deliver (Melbourne)
Above Christy Turlington Burns speaks after a sceening of her film "No Woman, No Cry" at the 2010 Women Deliver Conference in Washington, DC (Image: Kris Connor/Getty Images)
Christy Turlington Burns speaks after a sceening of her film "No Woman, No Cry" at the 2010 Women Deliver Conference in Washington, DC (Image: Kris Connor/Getty Images)
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April 27-30
Held every three years, Women Deliver is a major global conference advancing the health, rights and leadership of girls, women and gender-diverse people. The 2026 edition will spotlight feminist leadership in the Oceanic Pacific region, bringing together advocates, policymakers, youth leaders and partners from around the world to drive collective action and accountability.
Milken Institute Global Conference (Los Angeles)
Above Queen Rania al Abdullah of Jordan speaks at the Milken Institute's Global Conference 2024 in Beverly Hills, California (Photo by Apu Gomes/Getty Images)
Queen Rania al Abdullah of Jordan speaks at the Milken Institute's Global Conference 2024 in Beverly Hills, California (Photo by Apu Gomes/Getty Images)
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May 4-7
The Milken Institute Global Conference brings together leaders with capital, influence and expertise to address urgent global challenges and unlock opportunity. Spanning health, finance, business, technology, philanthropy and society, the conference is the flagship event in a calendar that also includes the Milken Institute Asia Summit (Oct 7-9, 2026 in Singapore) and the Middle East and Africa Summit (December, date TBC, in Abu Dhabi).
Founders Forum Global (London)
June 9-11
Founders Forum Global brings together leading entrepreneurs, investors, CEOs and government officials from around the world. Designed as a peer-to-peer forum, the event connects founders across multiple sectors and geographies, with additional regional forums held throughout the year in North America (November, date TBC), Asia (October in Singapore), Europe (October), India (February 24 in Mumbai) and the Middle East (March 26-27 in Dubai).
Aspen Ideas Festival (Aspen)
Above Hillary Rodham Clinton speaks at the 2014 Aspen Ideas Festival in Aspen, Colorado (Photo by Leigh Vogel/Getty Images)
Hillary Rodham Clinton speaks at the 2014 Aspen Ideas Festival in Aspen, Colorado (Photo by Leigh Vogel/Getty Images)
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June 25-July 1
The Aspen Ideas Festival convenes leaders, thinkers and innovators to explore the ideas shaping the world. The programme spans politics, business, technology, culture, art, science and leadership, encouraging deep conversation across disciplines. The 2026 edition will reflect on the forces shaping the future, with a programme tied to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Aspen Ideas also stages additional themed solutions-focused conferences, including Aspen Ideas: Health (June 22-25 in Aspen), Aspen Ideas: Climate (July 20-22 in Chicago), and Aspen Ideas: Economy (October 20-21 in Newark)
World Business Forum (New York)
Above Tony Blair speaks at the World Business Forum 2011 in Milan, Italy (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
Tony Blair speaks at the World Business Forum 2011 in Milan, Italy (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
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November 4-5
The World Business Forum gathers senior executives from around the world to learn from influential business thinkers and leaders. The two-day programme focuses on leadership, strategy, innovation and organisational performance, offering insights designed for top-level decision-makers.
Web Summit (Lisbon)
Above Khaby Lame, influencer and content creator, at Web Summit 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo: Sam Barnes/Web Summit)
Khaby Lame, influencer and content creator, at Web Summit 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo: Sam Barnes/Web Summit)
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November 9-12
One of the world’s largest technology conferences, leaders from technology, business, government and media descend on Lisbon for Web Summit. While tech-forward at its core, the programme increasingly explores corporate leadership, regulation, AI and the societal impact of technology, drawing tens of thousands of attendees from across the globe.
Global Wellness Summit (Phuket)
Above Dave Asprey, known as the “father of biohacking” at the Global Wellness Summit 2025 (Photo: Global Wellness Summit)
Dave Asprey, known as the “father of biohacking” at the Global Wellness Summit 2025 (Photo: Global Wellness Summit)
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November 10-13
Longevity and wellness are becoming increasingly central to leadership, business strategy and societal innovation. With the wellness economy now a multi-trillion-dollar sector driving ideas, investments and partnerships worldwide, the Global Wellness Summit—which marks its 20th anniversary in 2026—will bring together the thinkers, innovators, experts and leaders shaping the future of health and wellbeing.
About
Rachel Duffell is regional content director for Power & Purpose, including Front & Female, and former regional content director for Tatler Dining. She is a journalist and editor who has been covering people, gender, impact, leadership, culture and lifestyle for more than 15 years.
