Looking for the best consulting events & conferences?
In this article, we’ll share…
- The top consulting events & conferences for entrepreneurial consultants
- The benefits of attending these consulting conferences
- How to make the most of any consulting event you attend
- Information about our own consulting mastermind events (and upcoming consulting conference)
Ready? Let’s dive in…
Benefits Of Attending Consulting Events & Conferences
“Your network is your net worth.”
It’s cliche, but this quote holds a lot of truth in consulting.
Consulting is a relationship industry. People need to know you, like you, and trust you before they’re ready to do business with you.
So, the more relevant people you know, the more likely it is you know someone who would benefit from your expertise (or can refer you to someone who would).
Meeting people in person through networking events or conferences is the best way to grow your network.
Events and conferences in your specific industry or niche are excellent for meeting potential clients. At these types of conferences, you’ll…
- Learn more about the industry you serve (their problems and desired results)
- Find opportunities to share your expertise through speaking and presenting
- Connect directly with potential buyers
However, events and conferences specifically for consultants are better for learning how to grow and scale your business. At these types of conferences, you’ll…
- Learn more about the business of consulting
- Discover actionable strategies to help you work ON the business
- Connect with potential consulting mentors and mentees
Make a habit of attending both types (3-4 per year) and you’ll see great results in your business.
It’s an investment that will yield a positive return for you, your skills, and your business.
And you’ll have a lot of fun, too.
Top Consulting Events & Conferences
Below is a list of events and conferences created for entrepreneurial consultants.
1. Consulting Success® Mastermind Events
Overview: At Consulting Success®, we run online and offline mastermind events several times a year. Our Clarity Coaching community meets up to share insights, stories, and strategies for how to grow your consulting business.
Key Features:
- Keynote speeches
- Presentations & workshops
- Networking opportunities
- Social events
2. ICMCI International CMC Conference
Overview: The CMC Conference is an annual event and conference for management consultants around the world. The conference seeks to connect consultants and share knowledge of consulting firm owners.
Key Features:
- Keynote speeches
- Presentations & workshops
- Networking opportunities
- Awards & sponsorships
3. CMC Canada Consulting Events
Overview: CMC Canada hosts online and in-person events a few times a month. They feature courses, webinars, and in-person events specifically for Canadian management consultants.
Key Features:
- Online trainings
- Certification courses
- Networking opportunities
4. Mind Your Own Business Conference
Overview: Mind Your Own Business was built to help consulting business owners master the business side of consulting. Speakers include David C. Baker, Blair Enns, Rochelle Mourton, and many more.
Key Features:
- Keynote speeches
- Presentations & workshops
- Networking Opportunities
5. Umbrex Events
Overview: Umbrex hosts both in-person and online events for independent consultants. Topics include consulting websites, LinkedIn, sales, and more.
Key Features:
- Keynote speeches
- Presentations & workshops
- Networking opportunities
6. Consulting Magazine Events
Overview: Consulting Magazine hosts events and conferences for its readers. Their focus is on awards, business, and thought leadership in the consulting industry.
Key Features:
- Presentations & workshops
- Webinars
- Awards
7. Leaders In Consulting Conference
Overview: The Leaders In Consulting Conference provides an opportunity to meet your peers, create partnerships, and share knowledge. It’s open exclusively to partners and managing directors at consulting firms with 50+ employees.
Key Features:
- Keynote speeches
- Presentations & workshops
- Networking opportunities
8. The Consultancy Growth Network Events
Overview: The Consultancy Growth Network hosts online and in-person events for its members. Topics include consulting business development and member forums for specific industries.
Key Features:
- Presentations & workshops
- Networking opportunities
- Webinars
- Awards
Did we miss any conferences or events specifically for consultants? If so, leave us a comment below with your suggestion.
How To Get The Most Out Of Consulting Events & Conferences
1. Participate
Active participation is key to getting the most out of consulting events and conferences.
Attend as many relevant sessions and workshops as possible.
For example, if there’s a workshop on consulting sales, attend and engage fully.
Take notes during presentations to capture key insights.
Ask questions during Q&A sessions to deepen your understanding.
For example, if a speaker shares a consulting marketing strategy you haven’t heard of, ask how it can be applied to your specific situation.
Engage in interactive sessions and group activities.
Active involvement helps you absorb more information and get the most out of your investment in the event.
2. Network
Networking is one of the main benefits of attending consulting conferences.
Make the effort to connect with as many people as possible.
Start conversations during breaks and social events.
For example, introduce yourself to the person sitting next to you before a session starts.
Exchange LinkedIn profiles to stay in touch.
If there’s a speaker you admire, send an email and request a quick chat.
Be social, be friendly, and have fun. You never know who might introduce you to your next potential client, employee, or partnership.
And building these connections can lead to future collaborations and partnerships.
3. Imperfect Action
Don’t wait for the perfect moment to apply what you’ve learned.
Implement new ideas and test them as soon as possible.
For example, if you learned about a new digital marketing technique (like video messages), start incorporating it into your marketing habits immediately.
Even if you don’t feel fully prepared (who ever does?), taking imperfect action will help you learn and adapt quickly.
Experiment with new ideas and adjust based on the results.
If you simply attend a consulting event and don’t apply anything that you’ve learned, you won’t benefit from it.
Instead, take imperfect action on what you’ve learned. Doing so helps you turn insights into tangible improvements in your consulting business.
4. Follow Up
After the event, follow up with the contacts you’ve made.
Send personalized emails to stay in touch with your new contacts.
With networking and following up, think about what you can do for others first. Provide value, and you’ll receive value back.
Connect on LinkedIn and engage with your new contact’s posts. This keeps you on their radar and helps maintain the relationship.
Share your key takeaways from the event on social media or your blog.
For example, write a short post about the most interesting session you attended and what you learned. This not only supports your learning but positions you as an active member of the consulting community. Potential clients love to see that.
In any form of business development or networking, it’s the follow-up where the magic happens.
Join Our Upcoming Consulting Masterminds & Conference
If you’re looking to attend consulting events or a conference for consultants, look no further.
At Consulting Success®, we host mastermind events as a part of our Clarity Coaching Program.
This is where 6 and 7-figure consulting founders share strategies, stories, and insights — and have a ton of fun doing it.
In April of 2024, we hosted a mastermind event in Miami, Florida.
In October of 2024, we’ll be heading to Phoenix, Arizona.
And in 2025, we’re planning something big: a true conference for consultants.
If you’re interested in connecting with other like-minded consulting business owners — not only online but in person — then check out our Clarity Coaching program.
In our Clarity Coaching program, our coaches have helped over 1000 consultants to build a more strategic, profitable, and scalable, consulting business.
Learn More About Clarity Coaching
We’ll work hands-on with you to develop a strategic plan and then dive deep and work through your ideal client clarity, strategic messaging, consulting offers, fees and pricing, business model optimization, and help you to set up your marketing engine and lead generation system to consistently attract ideal clients.
And you’ll become an integral part of an invite-only private consulting community dedicated to your success. Learn more about Clarity Coaching and get in touch to talk about your situation and goals.
