Easyfairs has acquired The AI Conference, a three-year-old applied artificial intelligence event held in San Francisco.
The deal marks Easyfairs’ second U.S. acquisition and fourth U.S. event, following a rapid North American expansion that began in 2025.
Why it matters
The acquisition positions Easyfairs in the fast-growing applied AI sector while deepening its U.S. foothold in a market where the Brussels-based organizer has been aggressively expanding through both launches and acquisitions.
The AI Conference expects 5,500 attendees at its 2026 edition, scheduled for Sept. 29-Oct. 1 at Pier 48 in San Francisco, with 120 speakers already announced.
The AI Conference was launched in 2023. Photo: The AI Conference
The big picture
Easyfairs’ U.S. expansion accelerated in 2025:
June 2025: Launched Coiltech North America, described as the company’s largest launch ever
December 2025: Acquired Energy Projects Conference & Expo in Houston
July 2026: Announced Digital Accountancy Show USA launch in Austin for May 2027
August 2026: Completed acquisition of European organizer Xpo Group (61 events across 17 countries)
The company has additional U.S. launches and acquisitions in the pipeline, according to an Easyfairs announcement.
What they’re saying
Matt Benyon, Easyfairs CEO: “Artificial intelligence speaks directly to our company slogan and mission statement, ‘Visit the Future’. There is no better place to showcase that vision than San Francisco, where many of tomorrow’s AI technologies are being developed today.”
Matt Benyon, Easyfairs CEO Photo via LinkedIn
Shon Burton, founder and CEO of The AI Conference: “The true impact of any new technology is determined by how it is applied to industry, commerce and everyday life. Easyfairsgives us the reach and resources to meet” growing demand for collaboration between technologists and business leaders.
Shon Burton, founder and CEO of The AI Conference Photo via LinkedIn
The AI Conference: By the numbers
5,500 attendees expected at 2026 edition
120 speakers announced for this year’s event
2023: year The AI Conference launched
4th U.S. event for Easyfairs
2nd U.S. acquisition for Easyfairs in the U.S.
What’s next
The AI Conference will retain its existing team and operational approach while gaining access to Easyfairs’ international events expertise, operational resources and global network.
The 2026 event will feature Day ZERØ, an exclusive pre-conference day for senior AI leaders, followed by two days of five-track programming, keynote presentations, a Startup Showdown and an Innovation Hub.
The conference focuses on how AI systems are built, deployed, governed and scaled in real-world environments, covering fundamental research, large language models, AI frameworks, platforms and solution development.
CapM advised The AI Conference on the transaction.