The 2026 Global Tech Events Hub: A WiBrief Strategic Guide
As we move into 2026, the tech landscape is no longer just about if new technologies will arrive, but how we govern, integrate, and leverage them. This page is your strategic guide to the events that will define the year.
We’ve curated this list into a strategic guide based on the core topics you, our readers, care about most. Below our strategic guide, you can also explore our comprehensive event listings by region. We’ll tell you what the event is, and then give you The WiBrief Take—our analysis on who it’s for and why it matters.
1. AI Governance & Ethics Events
This is the year AI policy moves from theory to boardroom reality. These events are for leaders navigating the new landscape of regulation, trust, and responsible AI.
- World AI Cannes Festival (WAICF)
- When: February 12-14, 2026
- Where: Cannes, France
- The WiBrief Take: Go for policy, not product. This is where you’ll meet regulators, academics, and C-level execs to shape global governance. It’s the ideal event for your Chief Legal or Ethics Officer.
- Data Governance & AI Governance Conference Europe
- When: March 23-27, 2026
- Where: London, UK
- The WiBrief Take: This is for the practitioners. A deep-dive conference for Data Governance Managers and CIOs on the “how-to” of building responsible data and AI frameworks.
- AI & Big Data Expo Global
- When: February 4-5, 2026
- Where: London, UK
- The WiBrief Take: The most practical, enterprise-focused event. Go here for real-world case studies and to find vendor solutions. Perfect for your sales and ops teams looking to “buy” rather than “build.”
Before you go, get grounded in the core issues with our foundational guide: ➡️ Algorithmic Bias: Towards Greater Transparency and Representation
2. The Future of Autonomy Events
From self-driving cars to automated logistics, these events showcase the hardware and software that will move our world.
- When: January 6-9, 2026
- Where: Las Vegas, USA
- The WiBrief Take: The king of all tech events. The autonomous vehicle and mobility hall is a must-see. This is where you’ll see the hardware that will power the next decade, with major announcements from every global automaker.
Autonomous Vehicle Technology Expo
- When: June 23-25, 2026
- Where: Stuttgart, Germany
- The WiBrief Take: A highly focused, deep-dive event for engineers and product leaders in the AV space. Less flash than CES, but more technical substance on sensors, simulation, and validation.Explore Events by Region
Before you go, get grounded in the core issues with our foundational self-driving car overview: ➡️ Self-Driving Car Fundamentals: The six stages of automation
3. The Quantum & Advanced Computing Frontier
This is where the future is being built. These events are for leaders trying to understand the “when” and “how” of the next computing paradigm.
- When: March 16-20, 2026
- Where: Denver, CO, USA
- The WiBrief Take: The premier scientific conference. If your R&D team needs to be on the absolute cutting edge of quantum computing, sensing, and networking, this is where they send their papers.
- When: June 25-26, 2026
- Where: Boston, USA
- The WiBrief Take: This is where the “Quantum ESG” conversation you’re searching for is happening. It’s a high-level, strategic event for leaders figuring out the long-term commercial applications of quantum.
See our analysis on why this technology is a strategic priority: ➡️ Harnessing Quantum Computing: Transforming ESG for a Sustainable Future.
4. The C-Suite & Partner Hub
These are the global “big picture” events. They are less about a single technology and more about the intersection of startups, venture capital, and global policy.
- When: March 2-5, 2026
- Where: Barcelona, Spain
- The WiBrief Take: MWC is no longer just about phones. It’s the most important event for the entire connectivity and infrastructure ecosystem (5G, IoT, Edge Computing) that powers everything else on this list.
- When: February 1-4, 2026
- Where: Doha, Qatar
- The WiBrief Take: Less of a tech conference, more of a global gathering of startups, investors, and policymakers. Go here to build your network, meet potential partners, and feel the pulse of the global venture landscape.
Building a great network is our core philosophy. Learn more about our own strategic approach: ➡️ Our Story
For region-specific events, use the dropdown menu at the top of the page or the links below:
- Global: The 2026 Global Tech Events Hub is a strategic guide that curates the year’s most important technology conferences by key themes—from AI governance to quantum computing—and provides executive-level analysis on why each event matters.
- United States: Dive into the dynamic tech landscape of the U.S. with events like AI conferences in Silicon Valley and blockchain summits in New York.
- Europe: Discover Europe’s leading tech gatherings, including events in London and Cannes.
- Asia-Pacific: Explore the future of tech in Asia with events like DeepFest in Saudi Arabia and Asia Rebalance in Singapore.
- Other Regions: Stay informed about tech developments in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Join the Conversation
Stay connected with the latest advancements in technology by exploring our curated event listings. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, developer, or tech enthusiast, we invite you to participate in discussions and contribute to the future of technology.
Don’t forget to check back frequently for updates. We look forward to seeing you at these exciting global gatherings!
