Easyfairs has acquired The AI Conference, a San Francisco-based event focused on applied artificial intelligence. The acquisition represents another step in the international event organizer’s growing presence in the U.S. market and adds an established AI-focused conference to its expanding portfolio.
The AI Conference, launched in 2023, is scheduled to return to San Francisco from September 29 to October 1, 2026. The upcoming edition is expected to attract approximately 5,500 attendees and currently has 120 speakers announced. The event will take place at Pier 48 and will bring together technology professionals, business leaders, AI practitioners and other industry stakeholders.
Easyfairs Strengthens Its U.S. Presence
The acquisition marks Easyfairs’ second U.S. acquisition and its fourth U.S. event. The Brussels-based organizer has accelerated its North American expansion through a combination of new event launches and acquisitions.
Its U.S. activity has expanded considerably since 2025. In June 2025, Easyfairs launched Coiltech North America, which the company described as its largest launch to date. In December 2025, it acquired Energy Projects Conference & Expo in Houston.
The company also announced the upcoming Digital Accountancy Show USA in Austin, scheduled for May 2027. In August 2026, Easyfairs completed the acquisition of Xpo Group, adding 61 events across 17 countries to its international portfolio.
The company has indicated that additional U.S. launches and acquisitions are also being considered as part of its broader expansion strategy.
Why The AI Conference Acquisition Matters
The acquisition gives Easyfairs a stronger position in the rapidly developing applied AI event sector. San Francisco provides a particularly relevant location because of its concentration of technology companies, startups, researchers and organizations developing AI applications.
The AI Conference focuses on the practical use of artificial intelligence rather than limiting discussions to theoretical developments. Its programming examines how AI systems are built, deployed, governed and scaled across real-world environments.
The conference also covers areas including fundamental AI research, large language models, AI frameworks, technology platforms and solution development. This focus allows attendees to explore both emerging technologies and their practical applications across industries.
What the Acquisition Means for the 2026 Event
The AI Conference is expected to maintain its existing team and operational approach following the acquisition. At the same time, the event will gain access to Easyfairs’ international event expertise, operational resources and broader global network.
The 2026 conference will begin with Day ZERØ, an exclusive pre-conference program designed for senior AI leaders. The main event will then feature two days of programming across five tracks.
Key elements of the conference are expected to include keynote presentations, a Startup Showdown and an Innovation Hub. These features are designed to encourage interaction among established businesses, emerging companies, technology professionals and AI decision-makers.
Key Numbers Behind The AI Conference
Several figures highlight the scale and growth of the event:
- 5,500: Expected attendees for the 2026 edition
- 120: Speakers already announced for the 2026 conference
- 2023: Year The AI Conference was launched
- 4th: U.S. event in Easyfairs’ portfolio
- 2nd: U.S. acquisition completed by Easyfairs
These figures demonstrate the growing scale of both The AI Conference and Easyfairs’ North American operations.
Leadership Perspectives on the Deal
Easyfairs CEO Matt Benyon has positioned the acquisition as a natural fit with the organizer’s broader vision and its focus on showcasing future technologies. San Francisco’s role as a major center for AI development further strengthens the strategic appeal of the event.
Shon Burton, founder and CEO of The AI Conference, has emphasized the importance of applying new technologies across industry, commerce and everyday life. The partnership is expected to provide the conference with additional resources and reach as demand for collaboration between technology professionals and business leaders continues to grow.
What Attendees Can Expect
The 2026 edition is designed around practical AI applications and the challenges organizations face when implementing AI technologies. Sessions will explore the development, deployment, governance and scaling of AI systems in real-world settings.
Attendees can also expect opportunities to learn about large language models, AI frameworks, platforms and emerging solutions. The combination of keynote sessions, multiple programming tracks, startup-focused activities and networking opportunities is intended to create a broad experience for professionals working across the AI ecosystem.
The Broader Outlook for AI Events
The acquisition also reflects the increasing importance of artificial intelligence within the business events industry. As organizations move from experimenting with AI to implementing it across operations, demand for events that connect technology specialists with business decision-makers is likely to remain strong.
For event organizers, AI conferences can provide opportunities to bring together developers, entrepreneurs, investors, executives and technology users around practical challenges and emerging solutions. Easyfairs’ decision to expand its presence in this segment demonstrates the strategic value that the company places on AI-focused events.
Conclusion
Easyfairs’ acquisition of The AI Conference strengthens the organizer’s growing U.S. presence while adding a specialized applied AI event to its international portfolio. With approximately 5,500 attendees expected and 120 speakers announced for the 2026 edition, the San Francisco conference is positioned to provide a major platform for discussions around the development and practical implementation of artificial intelligence.
The acquisition also gives The AI Conference access to Easyfairs’ international network and event-management resources while allowing the existing team and operational approach to continue. As AI adoption expands across industries, the partnership could further establish the conference as an important meeting point for professionals exploring how artificial intelligence can be built, deployed and scaled in real-world environments.
FAQs
Yes. Following the acquisition, The AI Conference is expected to retain its existing team and operational approach while gaining access to Easyfairs’ resources and international network.
Day ZERØ is an exclusive pre-conference day designed for senior AI leaders before the main two-day conference programming begins.
San Francisco is a major technology hub with a strong concentration of AI companies, startups, researchers and technology professionals, making it a natural location for an applied AI-focused event.
