Rewind a few years, and it was a real challenge for product managers working in tech to find a conference that spoke directly to them. Most events were angled towards general entrepreneurship or tech, leaving Product Managers and Product Leaders to pick up scraps from sessions that were only tangentially related to product management.
Today… things have changed. The landscape has completely been transformed, and for the better. We’ve seen a surge of product management conferences popping up globally – and even more virtual events breaking down geographical barriers. These conferences cover a spectrum of themes – from the nitty-gritty of product development to leadership strategies and career growth pathways.
Choosing the right conference in this sea of options can be overwhelming. My aim with this article is to help you navigate these choices, so you can pinpoint a conference that aligns with what you’re looking to gain from the experience.
So, what can you really learn at a product management conference?
If you’ve ever huddled up with a group of Product Managers, you’ll hear them bring up a common question time and time again, “Am I doing this right?” While there were few just a decade ago, it’s true that today there are loads of online resources, bootcamps, and workshops that can help you navigate the product management career path. But nothing compares to the experience of a live conference. It’s where you get to see how today’s top companies implement best-practice product management principles. More than that, though, It’s a place that gives you the comfort of knowing you’re not alone in your doubts and questions.
And it’s not just about self-assurance. Attending product management conferences lets you:
- Connect with product people from diverse industries, each bringing unique insights.
- Listen to today’s top product management influencers and practitioners and learn directly from those who are shaping today’s ever-evolving landscape.
- Make new friends and connect with peers in product management – people who share the same passions, interests, and face the same challenges.
- Discover emerging software and tech to enhance your products and processes.
- Perhaps most importantly, find that slice of inspiration you may be looking for in order to 10x the products you manage for your company.
What topics are covered at product management conferences?
Product management conferences can be quite broad, providing evergreen education that will always be useful – or focus on specific, niche topics that are especially timely.
Commons themes you may find in product conference tracks include:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Growth
- Go-To-Market Strategies
- Product Analytics
- Product Discovery
- Product Operations
- Product Strategy and Roadmapping
Top conferences to attend in 2024
Are you looking to level up your skills as a Product Manager, Product Owner, or Product Leader in 2024? Consider attending any of the following conferences.
INDUSTRY: The Product Conference
European edition of INDUSTRY (Dublin, Ireland): June 15-17, 2024
Global edition of INDUSTRY (Cleveland, Ohio): September 23-25, 2024
Virtual edition of INDUSTRY (Anywhere): October 17, 2024
INDUSTRY offers attendees incredible keynotes, interactive Q&As, networking, and exclusive content to help you build, launch, and scale world-class software products. The premier conference for Product Managers – with a special experience for Product Leaders – INDUSTRY is one of the longest running independent product management conferences anywhere in the world.
Who should attend this conference: Product Managers, Product Owners, and Product Leaders working in tech; Those involved with Digital Transformation at large enterprises.
Why attend this conference: We’ve been at the helm of INDUSTRY since it first kicked off back in 2015, so it’s fair to say we’re a bit partial. But we pour our hearts (and a whole lot of elbow grease) into making INDUSTRY the best possible in-person conference experience for Product Managers and Product Leaders.
For those who’ve had the chance to join us, you know that INDUSTRY isn’t just another conference on the calendar – it’s a thriving community. Imagine diving into sessions where you get up close with some of the brightest minds in product, engaging in roundtable brainstorms, and bouncing ideas around in interactive working sessions. It’s one reason why some of the best of the best in the world of product – people like Marty Cagan, April Dunford, Janna Bastow, Christian Idiodi, Dan Olsen… and even celebrities like Common and BJ Novak – have taken the stage at INDUSTRY.
The cherry on top? We hire a professional journalist to create detailed notes, which are delivered to you within 24 hours after the conference ends. That means you can immerse yourself in the conversations without the hassle of scribbling down that new framework you just learned.
Cost: The cost for INDUSTRY ranges by location and depending on whether you’re attending the 2-day conference only – or adding on additional workshops and courses. Earlybird are discounted by over 40% (if purchased before January 1st). Earlybird passes start at just $150 for the Virtual edition and as little as $745 for the in-person editions.
New York Product Conference
New York, NY (April 18, 2024)
Looking to attend a product management conference in one of the best metropolitan cities in the world – right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan? Set against the backdrop of New York City’s dynamic landscape, this conference is a single-day experience (with an option for a half-day workshop on the day before) for those looking to fast-track their product management knowledge set. Originally launched to serve NYC’s growing product community, the New York Product Conference now sees attendees join from all over the world.
- Details: INDUSTRYconference.com/new-york
- Cost: Earlybird passes are available for as little as $495
Mind The Product
San Francisco, CA (Spring 2024)
London, England (Fall 2024)
As one of the largest gatherings of product professionals globally, Mind The Product unites industry leaders for inspiring talks and workshops. Now owned and operated by Pendo, MTP offers valuable learning opportunities for product managers at all career levels.
- Details: MindTheProduct.com
Productized
Lisbon, Portugal (Fall 2024)
Productized stands out for its practical approach, blending workshops and talks focused on the art and science of product management. It’s designed to equip product managers with skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of product development in today’s market.
- Details: https://www.productized.co/
- Cost: €769
Product at Heart
Hamburg, Germany (September 11-13, 2024)
Designed for those who are curious and looking to expand your knowledge and network within the product management community. The day will be structured with four insightful keynotes from renowned figures in the product world, framing the in-depth conversations across several dual-track-themed sessions.
- Details: https://productatheart.com/
- Cost: €699
Product Camps
Various sites throughout the world
While ProductCamp isn’t a traditional conference, there’s a lot of benefit to be had in connecting with peers in the product space. Product Camps, known for their unique “unconference” style, offer a platform for product managers, UX designers, and marketers to engage in open, participant-driven discussions. These events are ideal for exchanging experiences and learning from peers in an informal setting.
- Details: http://www.productcamp.org/
- Cost: Often free; Sometimes there’s a nominal cost
Women in Product
Online (May 9-10)
A virtual conference that’s dedicated to equipping women and non-binary folks to thrive in product management careers at all levels. The aim is to have equitable opportunities to build rewarding careers and shape the products of the future – with its annual conference featuring some of the leading and up-and-coming product voices… you’re bound to learn things that will ultimately help you become a better product person.
- Details: https://womenpm.org/conference/
- Cost: $274+
Product Conferences by leading tech companies:
Various sites throughout the world
These days, product management conferences are so popular – that even some of today’s leading technology companies present their own conferences. Some of these are a combination of conference and customer events, but nevertheless – there’s still a lot to be learned at many of these events. Some of our favorites include:
- Amplify, by Ampltiude (Las Vegas, NV) Spring 2024
- ITX Product and Design Conference, by ITX (Rochester, NY) Summer 2024
- Pendomonium, by Pendo (Raleigh, North Carolina) Fall 2024
- Product Excellence Summit, by Productboard (Virtual) Fall 2024
- Spark, by Fullstory (Atlanta, GA)
Choosing the Best Conference for You
When selecting a conference to attend, consider your goals. Are you looking to network, gain specific skills, or find solutions to challenges you’re facing? Also, consider the format that suits you best, whether it’s the dynamic interaction of an unconference or the structured learning of a more traditional event.
Remember, attending these conferences is not just about gaining knowledge; it’s about becoming part of a community. Each event offers unique opportunities to connect with peers, learn from industry leaders, and grow in your career.
We hope this guide helps you choose the best product management conference for your needs in 2024!
