4.19.22
Oracle CloudWorld: Oct. 16-20, Las Vegas
With a new name and location, Oracle is transforming its OpenWorld conference in San Francisco into a CloudWorld conference in Las Vegas that is built to educate customers and partners on the brand’s cloud infrastructure and applications. Additional news on event registration, keynote speakers and sessions is forthcoming. More info here.
3.29.22
Electric Zoo: Sept. 2-4, New York City
Popular EDM festival Electric Zoo returns this Labor Day Weekend with a “3.0” theme that serves as a nod to Web3 and emerging technology. The festival this year is billed as “a gathering that embraces unexplainable phenomena and will open music fans’ minds to new sounds and experiences.” The event takes place at Randall’s Island Park in New York and will offer a host of performances, community-building experiences and sponsor activations. More info here.
3.17.22
The Fans Strike Back: The Largest Star Wars Fan Exhibition: March 24-June 2022, New York City
“Star Wars” superfans are invited to an exhibition billed as the “largest private collection of official ‘Star Wars’ items assembled by some of the most dedicated enthusiasts across the globe.” The expo takes about an hour to tour and will showcase more than 600 unique collectable items, including life-sized figures, models, one-of-a-kind sculptures, figurines and costumes. More info here.
Snowbound Expo: Nov. 18-20, Boston, MA
The Snowbound Expo, taking place this fall at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, will offer winter outdoor enthusiasts a retail experience, speakers including six-time Olympic medalist Bode Miller, and a variety of interactive experiences. Several exhibitors are already on board, including Burton Snowboards. The event is expected to draw 10,000 attendees. More info here.
3.14.22
GoPro Mountain Games: June 7-12, Vail, CO
The GoPro Mountain Games, a project of the Vail Valley Foundation, will celebrate its 20th anniversary this June with an extended event and new offerings, including more kids and family activities, a charitable hike and a 20K anniversary run. The annual action-sports showcase will include daytime and evening concerts, art and sponsor activations. More info here.
3.7.22
FIFA World Cup: Nov. 21-Dec. 17, Qatar
The FIFA World Cup will make its way to Qatar at the end of the year for a series of soccer competitions among the senior men’s national teams to determine the sport’s world champion. Organized by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, the quadrennial event will feature 32 nations competing for the top spot. Partners include Coca-Cola, Adidas, Visa, McDonald’s and Budweiser. More info here.
2.17.22
Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity: June 20-24, Cannes, France
Cannes finally returns to the French Riviera this summer for a gathering of the most creative minds in marketing and advertising. There will be a major focus on sustainability within the industry at the show, and organizers say attendees can expect the most sustainable Festival of Creativity yet. All attendees will be required to be fully vaccinated. More info here.
2.1.22
Comic-Con International: San Diego, July 21-24, San Diego, CA
After cancelling the 2020 event and offering a digital experience last year, the organizers of San Diego Comic-Con have announced that the renowned pop culture convention will be back in person this summer at the San Diego Convention Center. Few details have been revealed about the event, its sponsors or any safety policies, but a “special edition” Comic-Con event held last fall required attendees to present either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test. More info here.
1.31.22
Stagecoach Festival: April 29-May 1, Indio, CA
Stagecoach, the outdoor country music festival held annually at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA, makes a comeback this spring after the event was canceled in response to COVID concerns in 2020 and 2021. The show, which typically follows the last weekend of Coachella, will feature performances from the likes of Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood and Luke Combs. There will also be sponsor activations and ancillary show-related experiences, like Guy Fieri’s Stagecoach Smokehouse. More info here.
1.28.22
MWC Barcelona: Feb. 28-March 3, Barcelona, Spain
MWC Barcelona, one of the world’s largest trade shows for the mobile communications and connectivity industries, returns to its typical spring dates this year after COVID forced the GSMA, which organizes the event, to postpone the 2021 show to the summer. For the upcoming event, the GSMA anticipates receiving 1,500 exhibitors, 1,000 speakers and attendees from 150 countries. All attendees will be required to upload a document certifying proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID PCR or Rapid Antigen Test, to the registration system or the event app. More info here.
1.27.22
Cisco Live: June 12-16, Las Vegas
Cisco’s flagship event will take a hybrid format this year, with the in-person portion taking place in Las Vegas with limited seating. Sessions, labs, seminars, keynotes, breakouts and entertainment experiences are on the agenda, but few details around the rest of the event are available at present. Registration is set to open in “early 2022.” More info here.
1.26.22
South Beach Wine & Food Festival: Feb. 24-27, Miami
The Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One (SOBEWFF) is a star-studded, four-day culinary event in Miami Beach where the world’s most renowned wine and spirits producers, chefs and culinary personalities converge—and sponsor activations follow. All guests, talent and personnel at all event venues will be required to complete a digital health screening through SymCheck. More info here.
1.25.22
New York International Auto Show: April 15-24, New York City
After two years of cancellations caused by COVID, the New York International Auto Show is slated to return to the Javits Center in New York City this April. Organizers are promising a reimagined attendee experience with fresh engagements, like a dedicated multi-brand Electric Vehicle Test Track, an all-new Automotive Aftermarket Experience and for the first time, a personal Micro Mobility Expo. More info here.
NBA All-Star 2022: Feb. 18-20, Cleveland, OH
NBA All-Star Weekend will take place in Cleveland this year, where athletics, fashion, music, technology and other elements of pop culture will be front and center with a number of sponsored events and activations on the agenda. Partners include Clorox, AT&T and Ruffles. The All-Star game itself will be hosted by the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Read more.
Sweets & Snacks Expo: May 23-26, Chicago
North America’s premier candy and snack trade show returns to Chicago’s McCormick Place this spring to celebrate its 25th anniversary and set the stage for the candy and snack trends that will dominate the market in the year ahead. A new spin on education tracks and a reimagined “Destination Front-End” will provide attendees with an inside look at the latest insights and science behind what is driving consumers to purchase. More info here.
SXSW: March 11-20, Austin
The SWSW conference and festivals will take a hybrid format this year, with a number of COVID-19 safety precautions in place for the live show. Organizers say they’re working with the City of Austin and Austin Public Health to develop health guidelines, which may shift as the event gets closer. Sponsors include White Claw and Audible. Vaccination or proof of a negative COVID test will be required for entry. More info here.
1.20.22
Super Bowl LVI/Super Bowl Experience: Feb. 5-13, Los Angeles
The big game is headed to L.A. this year, and the brands will follow to participate in the Super Bowl Experience Presented by Lowe’s. The experience offers NFL fan activities, like the chance to check out a replica NFL locker room as it appears on gameday, and brand activations from the likes of Ford, P&G, Subway, Oakley and others. More info here.
Natural Selection Tour x Stay Wild Festival: Jan. 23-30, Various Locations
Embarking on a second year, the Natural Selection Tour x Stay Wild Festival will feature a snowboarding competition and festival spanning music performances, films and educational experiences at three resorts in Wyoming, Canada and Alaska. The outdoor event strives to inspire “creativity, progression and self-expression.” More info here.
Subaru WinterFest: February-April, Various Locations
Subaru’s signature outdoor tour returns this year to bring music, sports, swag, food and even dog-friendly activities to skiers and riders nationwide. Subaru WinterFest begins in Vermont, Feb. 11-13, and wraps in Oregon, April 14-16, with several stops in between at varying resorts. Among sponsors of the event are Alpine Start and Thule. More info here.
1.13.22
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival: April 15–17 and 22–24, Indio, CA
Goldenvoice, creator of the renowned Coachella festival, has announced the event’s return after postponements, then cancellations, in 2020 and 2021 as a result of the pandemic. The musical lineup will include big names like Billie Eilish, Harry Styles and Ye (formerly known as Kanye West), and YouTube is returning as the official livestream partner. Both weekends of Coachella have sold out, but two waiting lists are available for those hoping to get lucky. The entry policy for the festival allows for a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of the event or proof of full vaccination. More info here.
1.12.22
X Games: Jan. 21-23, Aspen, CO
Extreme outdoor action sports event X Games Aspen returns this year with fans in stands at Buttermilk Mountain. Competitions are complemented by the interactive X Fest fan zone, an area featuring sponsor activations, live dj performances, athlete meet-and-greets powered by Icon Source, giveaways and more. There will also be several events with Aspen Gay Ski Week and nightly concerts at Belly Up for X Games Music Week. X Games Aspen 2022 competitions and X Fest are free to the public with proof of full COVID-19 vaccination. More info here.
12.10.21
Orange Bowl: Dec. 31, Miami, FL
The historic Orange Bowl college football game returns to Florida at the end of the month, when the No. 2 Michigan Wolverines will face the No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs. Sponsor activations will be plentiful, including a fan fest and “Beach Bash” from presenting sponsor Capital One. More info here.
12.3.21
Event Safety Summit: March 22-24, 2022, Lititz, PA
A hybrid version of the Event Safety Summit will take place in the spring, with sessions covering everything from event codes and standards to fires to designing safe events from the ground up. Both the virtual and in-person conference program will be similar in subject matter, with some variation based on platform restrictions. In-person attendees will also receive on-demand access to all virtual presentations. More info here.
NRF 2022: Jan. 16-18, 2022, New York City
“Retail’s Big Show” will return for the first time since 2020 with a slate of A-list industry speakers, including Walmart’s ceo and the president of Nordstrom. The National Retail Federation’s flagship event will focus on the post-pandemic shopping era and the next chapter of retail. Offerings will include sessions and keynotes, an Expo featuring 700 exhibitors, networking opportunities, a tech-powered innovation lab and three new pavilions that showcase solutions from specialized vendors related to supply chain, ecommerce and food service technology. More info here.
IAB PlayFronts: April 5, 2022, New York City
The first-ever PlayFronts will be an in-person event designed to showcase ad partnership opportunities in the gaming space, with everyone from game publishers to streaming platforms to tech partners on board to demonstrate trends and creative opportunities for brands that enable them to connect with the gaming community and drive business results. More info here.
Bonnaroo: June 16-19, 2022, Manchester, TN
Everyone’s favorite show on “the farm” will return next year after the event was canceled due to flooding in 2021. The annual music and entertainment event features more than 150 musicians, 10-plus performance stages, campground “party barns” and plenty of sponsorship activations. More info here.
11.16.21
Cannes Lions: June 20-24, 2022, Cannes, France
After two years taking on a virtual format, Cannes Lions is set to return to its live roots in 2022, but a hybrid component will also be offered to help democratize the high-profile event. Community networking, curated content and sponsor experiences will once again be part of the experience, while organizers said sustainability will also be a top priority. Read more here.
11.11.21
Winter Olympics: Feb. 4-20, 2022, Beijing
The Beijing Winter Olympics is on the horizon, but the ongoing pandemic and human rights activists’ calls for boycotting the event over China’s treatment of Tibet, Uyghur Muslims and Hong Kong, are dampening spirits around the Games. European, British and American lawmakers have also voted for their diplomats to boycott the event.
Organizers plan to create a COVID-safe bubble for athletes and other event-related personnel across three clusters of venues. Meanwhile, Games participants will be subject to daily COVID tests. No international spectators will be permitted, but unlike the 2020 Summer Games, local spectators will be allowed at events in and around the Chinese capital. Read more here.
11.8.21
Philadelphia Flower Show: June 11-19, 2022, Philadelphia
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society announced several early enhancements to its 2022 Flower Show, which will be held outdoors for the second time in show history. “In Full Bloom” will take place in South Philadelphia’s Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park in June 2022. Tickets will go on sale in mid-December with a variety of ticketing options and packages. More info here.
10.27.21
Vulture Festival: Nov. 13-14, Los Angeles
The eighth annual Vulture Festival, organized by lifestyle publication Vulture, returns to The Hollywood Roosevelt in L.A. this November. The culture-forward event promises to offer an array of actors in conversation, screenings, sing-alongs and “unique surprises.” Proof of vaccination will be required. More info here.
10.22.21
New York Comic Con: Oct. 6-9, 2022, New York City
Hot on the heels of its 2021 convention, ReedPOP has announced that the 2022 iteration of New York Comic Con will take place in person at its usual venue, the Javits Center. Presented by McDonald’s, the event will once again offer panels, screenings, meet-and-greets and sponsor activations. More info here.
10.14.21
UPDATE: Event Safety Summit Pushed to 2022
The Event Safety Alliance’s annual safety summit was slated to return in a hybrid format in December. Today, the organization announced that the event has been postponed to March 22-24, 2022, citing attendees’ concerns over being available for potential gigs, employer travel restrictions and unvaccinated family members. The hybrid 2022 summit will be held in its usual location in Lititz, PA. As a “thank you” for attendees’ understanding and flexibility, the Event Safety Alliance is offering a 15-percent discount on in-person registrations through Dec. 31, 2021. More info here.
SXSW: March 11-20, 2022, Austin
The SXSW Conference and Festivals is returning to Austin next year with a hybrid experience that celebrates the convergence of the tech, film and music industries. The event features more than 160 sessions, film festival screenings, music festival showcases, exhibitions, networking opportunities, competitions, awards ceremonies and more. More info here.
10.12.21
LeadsCon: Oct. 21-22, Las Vegas
Performance marketers will gather at MGM in Las Vegas for the annual LeadsCon event where they’ll hear about fresh ways to nurture and convert more quality leads. Twenty-five top industry verticals are slated to be in attendance. More info here.
9.28.21
The REVOLT Summit x AT&T: Nov. 11-13, Atlanta
Following a virtual summit in 2020, REVOLT is back in person this year to celebrate Black excellence and the importance of hip-hop. The event will include entrepreneurial content, keynote discussions and master classes from notable talent, interactive workshops, competitions and more. More info here.
9.20.21
2021 Event Safety Summit: Dec. 1-3, Lititz, PA
Taking a hybrid format this year, the Event Safety Alliance’s annual summit returns with a robust agenda spanning the current labor shortage to climate change and its effect on outdoor events. Capacity for the in-person experience will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Featuring a diverse lineup of presentations, panels, workshops and networking opportunities, the summit provides attendees with “actionable ideas” and “enables collaboration” among industry professionals. More info here.
*UPDATE: This event was postponed to 2022 as a result of various attendee concerns.
9.9.21
The MINT Collective: Jan. 28-30, 2022, Las Vegas
Amid record prices and attention around sports cards, memorabilia, NFTs and beyond, IMG and Collectable have partnered to launch The MINT Collective, a first-of-its-kind event uniting sports collectibles investors, collectors and professionals from around the world. The event will feature a robust speaker roster (the UFC’s Dana White is already confirmed), a marketplace, live auctions, sports gaming exhibitions, product drops and entertainment. More info here.
The ARA Show: Oct. 17-20, Las Vegas
The American Rental Association is preparing for an in-person return to Las Vegas for its annual trade show and convention, the world’s largest for equipment and event rentals. More than 600 exhibitors will be on hand, and there will be both indoor and outdoor exhibit spaces at the show. A livestream option for education and keynote sessions is planned for exhibitors and attendees who have purchased a full registration but prefer to attend remotely. More info here.
9.8.21
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: Nov. 25, New York City
The 95th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will take place in its full form this year after spectators were banned from the 2020 event. Volunteers will be vaccinated and all participants and staff will be required to wear a mask. In addition, Macy’s will reduce the overall number of attendees by 10 to 20 percent (approximately 800 to 1,600 people). Parade highlights are slated to include band and cheer group performances and Macy’s signature giant character balloons. Read more here.
9.2.21
The Museum of Ice Cream: New York City, Austin, Singapore
It was a rough year for the Museum of Ice Cream (it’s San Francisco location shut down permanently in July) but the “joyful” experience is back in action at its flagship in New York City and new locations in Austin and Singapore. Masks are required, and the setup of the experience lends itself to a COVID-friendly environment, as the buildings are generally kept at 25 percent capacity and only small groups navigate the space at a time. Read more here.
8.31.21
UPDATE: Bonnaroo Canceled
Music fans were slated to head back to “The Farm” Sept. 2-5 for a sold-out festival, but Bonnaroo has since been canceled due to flooded festival grounds—not COVID-19.
“While this weekend’s weather looks outstanding, currently Centeroo is waterlogged in many areas, the ground is incredibly saturated on our tollbooth paths, and the campgrounds are flooded to the point that… we are unable to drive in or park vehicles safely,” organizers wrote on social media. Read more here.
8.23.21
UPDATE: VidCon Canceled
After initially announcing an in-person event Oct. 22-24 at the Anaheim Convention Center, the organizers behind VidCon have canceled the creator and fan convention in response to a rise in COVID cases. VidCon has scheduled its next in-person event in the U.S. for June 22-25, 2022. Read more here.
8.19.21
Moontower Comedy Festival: Sept. 22-25, Austin
Founded in 2012, the Moontower Comedy Festival, typically held in April, will take place in Austin this fall with more than 100 comedians performing at 10 venues around the city. Attendees will need to show either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of the fest to enter. Current sponsors include Showtime and SiriusXM. More info here.
8.12.21
VenuesNow Conference: Oct. 21-22, Seattle
C-level professionals in the sports and live entertainment venue space will explore the industry through the lens of sustainability at this year’s VenuesNow Conference. Speakers include Impossible Foods’ head of global influence and Pepsi’s head of sports marketing. Attendees will also be among the first to exclusively tour the $1 billion Climate Pledge Arena. Read more.
8.10.21
Advertising Week: Oct. 18-21, New York City
With a focus on creative work, technology advances, consumer research and media transformation, this year’s hybrid Advertising Week event will take place at New York City’s Hudson Yards campus and online everywhere. The event features more than 500 speakers and more than 200 hybrid events. Google, Facebook and Twitter are among sponsors. More info here.
On the Verge: Oct. 22-23, New York City
The Verge is throwing itself a larger than life 10th birthday bash in the Big Apple this fall inspired by classic world’s fairs. The publication’s first-ever live event will feature two days of exhibits, explorations, special guests, Verge talent and more. Masks and proof of vaccine will be required. More info here.
8.9.21
RetailSpaces: Sept. 19-21, San Diego, CA
The invitation-only RetailSpaces event engages retail professionals in three days of education, thought leadership, networking and experiences. This year’s event will feature COVID-friendly touches, like outdoor sessions, limited attendance and the elimination of panel talks. More info here.
8.5.21
29Rooms: Dec. 2-5 and 9-12, New York City
Update: Refinery29’s immersive Instagram funhouse, which was slated for a return in September, will now take place over two long weekends in December. The experience, hosted by Refinery29 and Vice, will take on a “Make Contact” theme and feature “sensorial experiments and art-based installations that explore new ways of dating, dancing, socializing and celebrating,” including live performances from Noisey. The entry fee is $35. Proof of full vaccination will be mandatory for all attendees over the age of 12. More info here.
7.27.21
US Open Tennis: Aug. 30-Sept. 12, New York City
The 2021 US Open will welcome fans back to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center at 100 percent capacity for the duration of the two-week tennis tournament this year. According to the event website, organizers will continue to follow any COVID-related CDC guidelines that are in effect. More info here.
7.26.21
ExhibitorLive: Oct. 31-Nov. 3, Las Vegas
ExhibitorLive, billed as “the most comprehensive educational event for trade show and event marketing professionals,” will take place at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Vegas this fall. Highlights include more than 100 sessions, an exhibition of over 200 trade show and event suppliers and half-day workshops. More info here.
7.8.21
SuperZoo 2021: Aug. 17-19, Las Vegas
Produced by World Pet Association, leading pet retail trade show SuperZoo will take over the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in August. Highlights will include a 300,000-square-foot show floor, more than 70 sessions, grooming competitions and networking events. More info here.
Las Vegas Food & Wine Festival: Oct. 6-10, Las Vegas
The 12th annual Las Vegas Food & Wine Festival is coming to the Vegas Strip and Tivoli Village where celebrity chefs from around the world, including Katsuya Uechi, Todd English and Francois Payard, will showcase their expert culinary skills through live demos. Tickets are now on sale and range from $100–$150. More info here.
7.6.21
III Points Music Festival: Oct. 22-23, Miami
Part music festival, part art expo, III Points will take place in Miami this fall, but only if “all [COVID-19] safety restrictions have been lifted.” Headliners include The Strokes and Wu-Tang Clan, and sponsors include Verizon and Deep Eddy Vodka. More info here.
6.22.21
ComplexCon: Nov. 6-7, Long Beach, CA
ComplexCon, the renowned pop culture festival spanning fashion, music, activism and education, returns to Long Beach this fall, but plans are still being ironed out. According to the event website, organizers “plan to share many more details beginning this fall including brands, music lineup, ticket and capacity details, and more of what to expect for this special ComplexCon reunion.” More info here.
6.17.21
Art Basel Miami: Dec. 2-5, Miami Beach, FL
After delivering a virtual event in 2020, Art Basel Miami, the annual international art fair, is making an in-person return this December. The experience, taking place at the Miami Convention Center, will begin with three invitation-only events, Nov. 30-Dec. 2, then open up to the public. Few details about COVID-19 protocols are currently available. More info here.
6.10.21
VidCon: Oct. 22-24, Anaheim, CA
Founded by a YouTube veteran, VidCon brings together content creators and fans. After cancelling last year’s U.S. show, the confab will be back this fall at the Anaheim Convention Center. In 2019, the event attracted 75,000 attendees. More info here.
*UPDATE: This event was canceled in the wake of rising COVID cases.
New York Comic Con: Oct. 7-10, New York City
New York Comic Con, the East Coast’s biggest pop culture convention, is back at the Javits Center in October. The event, which will be held at reduced capacity, will require face coverings and temperature checks. More info here.
San Diego Comic-Con Special Edition: Nov. 26-28, San Diego, CA
While San Diego Comic-Con, the annual mega-convention for pop culture superfans, will go virtual again in July, organizers are planning a smaller, special edition of the event for November in the hopes that “by fall conditions will permit larger public gatherings.” Comic-Con Special Edition takes place over Thanksgiving weekend at the San Diego Convention Center. More details on the event will be forthcoming, according to the event website. More info here.
6.9.21
Black Hat USA: July 31-Aug. 5, Las Vegas
Technical information security conference Black Hat USA will take a hybrid format this year, with the in-person event taking place in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. According to the event website, organizers “will be following safety measures such as mask wearing, social distancing, traffic lanes, contactless features, regular venue sanitization and changes to capacities if applicable.” More info here.
MWC Los Angeles: Oct. 26-28, Los Angeles
Taking place at the Los Angeles Convention Center, MWC Los Angeles, the U.S. counterpart to MWC Barcelona, will implement the theme “Connected Impact” at this year’s event. The program will explore how 5G, IoT connectivity, Telco Cloud and disruptive innovation are “shaping the future and continuing to transform lives.” More info here.
6.8.21
New York City Wine & Food Festival: Oct. 14-17, New York City
The 14th annual New York City Wine & Food Festival, presented by Capital One, will take place at multiple venues across Manhattan this fall, while virtual experiences will be offered for those who don’t attend in person. The four-day annual event showcases the talents of the world’s most renowned wine and spirits producers, chefs and TV culinary personalities while raising critical funds to support local charities. To ensure a safe experience, the event is likely to have a cap on attendance. More info here.
Red Bull X-Alps: June 20-July 2, Salzburg, Austria
The Red Bull X-Alps is billed as the world’s toughest adventure race. Founded in 2003, it’s a race across the Alps by foot and paraglider. For the 10th edition of the race in 2021, organizers updated the format to create an “out-and-back route” in which athletes work their way from Salzburg to Mt. Blanc and back to Zell am See via 12 turn points in five countries. Spectators are not permitted at this year’s race. More info here.
6.7.21
New York City Marathon: Nov. 7, New York City
The New York City Marathon will return on Nov. 7 with a reduced field of 33,000 runners (some 53,000 runners finished in 2019) and proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test is required. Read more here.
Bank of America Chicago Marathon: Oct. 10, Chicago
The Chicago Marathon is back after COVID cancelled the in-person race last year. Organizers plan to register 35,000 runners, a decrease from the typical 40,000, allowing for more space for runners and staff at staging areas in Grant Park. Read more here.
Austin City Limits Music Festival: Oct. 1-3, 8-10, Austin
Austin City Limits (ACL Fest) will take place Oct. 1-3 and 8-10 in Zilker Park with headliners including George Strait, Billie Eilish and Stevie Nicks. Both weekends of the event sold out in record time. As the festival approaches, ACL Fest attendees will receive regular updates with “important information regarding safety policies and procedures” before entering the venue, according to the event website. More info here.
2020 Summer Olympics: July 23-Aug. 8, Tokyo
The 2020 Summer Olympics are set to take place after COVID-19 forced postponement of the event last summer. Despite the onset of Japan’s fourth wave of the coronavirus, officials say the Games will move forward as planned. No foreign spectators are allowed at the event, but 10,000 Olympic volunteers have recently quit, likely as a result of concerns over the virus. Read more here.
6.3.21
SEMA Show: Nov. 2-5, Las Vegas
The Specialty Equipment Market Association will hold its trade show for the automotive aftermarket at the Las Vegas Convention Center this fall after cancelling its 2020 event. This year, the LVCC has expanded the West Hall to allow for more exhibitors and wider aisles. More info here.
New York International Auto Show: Aug. 20-29, New York City
The New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) returns to the Javits Center this summer. Nearly 1,000 cars and trucks will be on display at North America’s first and largest-attended auto show dating back to 1900. Tickets go on sale June 17. More info here.
*UPDATE: This event was canceled in the wake of the coronavirus Delta variant.
6.1.21
Dreamforce: Sept. 21-23, San Francisco, New York, Paris, London
For weeks, Salesforce said it was “absolutely committed” to hosting an in-person event for Dreamforce this fall. Now, those plans are official. The brand not only confirmed the conference will take place in its typical location, San Francisco, but will go global for the first time, with simultaneous in-person events in New York, Paris and London. Dreamforce in San Francisco and New York will require attendees to be vaccinated against COVID. Read more here.
5.28.21
Pitchfork Music Festival: Sept. 10-12, Chicago
Pitchfork’s annual show returns to Chicago this fall with some extra safety protocols in place. According to the event website, anyone on the festival grounds over the age of 12 will need to be fully inoculated against COVID-19, or have proof of a negative PCR test within the past 24 hours, for each day of the festival. More info here.
5.26.21
CEMA Summit: July 26-27, Phoenix
Taking a hybrid approach this year, CEMA will hold its annual summit in person in Phoenix, and online through a “meaningful digital experience.” The summit aims to educate and inspire event marketers around the return to in-person experiences through live keynotes, breakout sessions and evening functions. The digital registration option includes access to a livestream of the keynote, town hall session and closing sessions. More info here.
5.19.21
Lollapalooza: July 29-Aug. 1, Chicago
The Lollapalooza music festival is set to return to Chicago at full capacity this year, but a full COVID-19 vaccination or negative COVID-19 test result will be required to attend. On a typical day, the festival attracts 100,000 people. Read more here.
5.17.21
BravoCon: Oct. 15-17, New York City
After a wildly successful debut in 2019, BravoCon will make its return this fall. The event for reality TV superfans will include interactive experiences, live performances, insider panels, immersive activations, exclusive content, marketplace shopping and a chance to rub shoulders with myriad “Bravolebrities.” Read more here.
5.13.21
Sundance Film Festival: Jan. 20-30, 2022, Park City, UT
The Sundance Film Festival will take place online and in person in 2022. The Sundance Institute, which puts on the event, says more details will be available this summer. More info here.
5.12.21
Chicago Auto Show: July 15-19, Chicago
After being postponed over the winter, the Chicago Auto Show, which typically takes place in February, is now slated for July. Taking place indoors and outdoors at McCormick Place, the show will be cut to five days, from 10 days, and decreased attendance is expected. Read more here.
Motor Bella: Sept. 21-26, Pontiac, MI
In place of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit comes Motor Bella, an all-outdoor auto event to be held at the M1 Concourse that is slated to feature 1.6 million square feet of vehicle and technology display space. More info here.
5.3.21
AWS re:Invent: Nov. 29-Dec. 3, Las Vegas
Few details are available, but the 10th anniversary of Amazon Web Services’ re:Invent conference will take place in person. Sign up for updates on the event here.
Life is Beautiful Music & Arts Festival: Sept. 17-19, Las Vegas
Spanning music, comedy, art and food—and 18 city blocks—the Life is Beautiful festival is coming back to Downtown Las Vegas after last year’s event was canceled. Addressing COVID-19, a statement on the festival website says organizers will “provide our community with pertinent information on festival preparedness, including what may be required beyond a ticket to enter festival grounds.” More info here.
4.29.21
CES: Jan. 5-8, 2022, Las Vegas
After announcing, then detracting, plans for a physical show in 2021, CES organizers say the event is back in action for 2022 with a hybrid format. Confirmed brands attending the in-person world’s largest tech conference include Amazon, AT&T, Dell and Google. More info here.
GoPro Mountain Games: June 10-13, Vail, CO
Outdoor sports enthusiasts will return to Vail this year to compete in the GoPro Mountain Games after the event went virtual in 2020. There will be fewer athletic activities involved at the 2021 event, but attendees can still expect plenty of competitive action, in addition to live music performances and art experiences. More info here.
4.27.21
Tribeca Film Festival: June 9-20, New York City
The 20th annual Tribeca Film Festival will offer a variety of outdoor events and installations, along with timed and ticketed indoor experiences at venues across New York City. Outdoor events will take place rain or shine. More info here.
South Beach Wine & Food Festival: May 20-23, Miami Beach, FL
The 20th anniversary of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival will be celebrated in person over four days this year. Built for bona fide foodies, the event showcases some of the world’s top wine and spirits producers, chefs and culinary personalities. The festival will be predominantly held at outdoor venues, and a new slate of health and safety protocols are in order. More info here.
4.22.21
Intel Innovation: October, San Francisco
The first of Intel’s new Intel ON event series is Intel Innovation, a global flagship event scheduled to take place in October, although specific dates have yet to be announced. The hybrid event is designed for learning, building skills and networking. Read more here.
29Rooms: September, New York City
Refinery29’s immersive Instagram funhouse is slated for a return this fall, with plans to “lean into more tactile, more tangible, unmissable, un-uploadable content.” With the goal of moving away from flat backgrounds and simple photo ops, the digital media brand is encouraging sponsor partners to create “more inventive and engaging programs.” Read more here.
Outside Lands: Oct. 29-31, San Francisco
One of the biggest independent music festivals in North America, Outside Lands will take place over Halloween weekend at Golden Gate Park. According to a statement on the festival website, “the move to October allows us the time to work collectively to determine any new safety procedures necessary to implement during the festival.” More info here.
Summerfest: Sept. 2-4, 9-11 and 16-18, Milwaukee, WI
One of the world’s largest music festivals, 53-year-old Summerfest, presented by American Family Insurance, is in the books for three consecutive weekends in September. The event will feature the unveiling of three new amenities to the public. More info here.
4.21.21
Dreamforce: Sept. 21-24, San Francisco
Salesforce is “absolutely committed” to hosting its mega-conference at the Moscone Center this fall, although several variables remain in play that could affect the brand’s ability to host the event in person. Under California’s current health protocols, in-person conventions will be capped at 5,000 attendees through Oct. 1 unless vaccinations or negative COVID-19 test results are verified for all in attendance. Read more here.
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival: Sept. 2-5, Manchester, TN
Music fans are headed back to “The Farm” this fall for a sold-out event. Organizers are bringing back many artists booked for the canceled 2020 show, in addition to adding new talent to the roster. Read more here.
*UPDATE: This event was canceled due to local flooding.
HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition: Aug. 9-13, Las Vegas
The health information and technology conference will take a hybrid format this year. The in-person experience will take place at the Venetian-Sands Expo Center, Caesars Forum Conference Center and Wynn. More info here.
MWC Barcelona: June 28-July 1, Barcelona
The world’s biggest mobile trade show is prepared to go fully hybrid this summer. The GSMA and Ministry of the Interior of the Government of Spain have announced details of an agreement to allow all MWC Barcelona registrants, including exhibitors, attendees, sponsors, and partners, to enter Spain to attend the in-person event. More info here.
The Governors Ball Music Festival: Sept. 24-26, New York City
Details are scarce, but The Governors Ball, which typically takes place in June, is scheduled for September. Rather than rescheduling artists from the canceled 2020 event, organizers have announced that a new lineup will be featured this year. More info here.
