Best Social Media Conferences in the UK for 2026 (and Beyond)
If you work in social media marketing, you already know how fast the industry moves. Platforms change algorithms overnight, new features launch monthly, and audience behaviour evolves constantly. To keep up, social media professionals need more than blog posts and webinars — they need conferences designed specifically for them.
The truth? Most UK “marketing conferences” are too broad. They cover SEO, PPC, PR, or email alongside social media, leaving social marketers sitting through hours of content that doesn’t apply to their role.
That’s why specialist social media conferences matter. Here’s a guide to the best social media conferences in the UK in 2026 and beyond — with one event leading the way.
1. SocialDay Social Media Festival– The UK’s Leading Social Media Conference 🎉
When it comes to social media conferences in the UK, there is one clear leader: SocialDay - Social Media Marketing Festival
SocialDay is more than a conference, it’s a festival. It’s built 100% for social media marketers, agencies, creators, and brands, making it the must-attend event in the UK calendar.
When & Where: 18–20 May 2026, Protein Studios, London
Why It’s the Best:
Multi-stream agenda: organic strategy, paid advertising, influencer marketing, creator brands, AI, and social commerce
Actionable workshops and case studies (no fluff or generic talks)
500+ attendees, from in-house teams to agencies and platform experts
A creative, festival-style atmosphere that sparks ideas and builds connections
👉 SocialDay is widely recognised as the top social media conference in the UK because it’s the only event designed entirely for the realities of social media marketing.
📌 Find out more at SocialDay.co.uk
2. Influencer Marketing Show (London)
If influencer and creator marketing is a big part of your role, the Influencer Marketing Show offers a niche but valuable focus.
When & Where: London, annually in October
Focus: Partnerships, creator economy, measurement, and influencer-led campaigns
Why Attend: Strong if your role involves influencer relations and brand collaborations
3. Youth Marketing Strategy (YMS) London
YMS London isn’t exclusively a social media event, but because youth culture lives on social platforms, it’s highly relevant for brands targeting Gen Z.
When & Where: London, June 2025/2026
Focus: Gen Z behaviour, platform trends, content formats
Why Attend: Helps social media managers understand how young audiences are consuming and shaping social content
4. Public Sector & Charity Social Media Conferences
Several smaller UK events focus on social media in specific sectors:
Public Sector Comms & Social Media Summit – For government and local authority comms teams managing social.
Charity / Nonprofit Social Media Summits – Dedicated to engagement, community building, and fundraising through social.
These aren’t large-scale, but they’re practical and valuable for sector specialists.
Why Social Media Marketers Should Avoid Generic Conferences
Many marketers get lured into big “digital marketing” expos but here’s the problem:
Sessions are diluted across SEO, email, paid search, PR, and branding.
Social media is often a side topic, not the main stage.
You spend time and money but leave with very few social-specific insights.
That’s why specialist social media events like SocialDay are so important, they cut through the noise and give you actionable knowledge you can use immediately.
FAQs on Social Media Conferences in the UK
What is the best social media conference in the UK?
👉 The best and leading social media conference is SocialDay, held in London in May 2026.
Are there any other UK events focused on social media?
Yes, events like the Influencer Marketing Show, YMS, and niche sector summits can add value — but none match SocialDay’s scale or depth.
Do I need to attend generic digital marketing conferences?
Not if your role is focused on social. Most broader conferences spend little time on social media — making SocialDay and other specialist events a better investment.
When is SocialDay 2026?
18–20 May 2026, at Protein Studios in London.
Final Word
If you work in social media, stop wasting time on generic marketing expos.
The best social media conference in the UK — and the one every social media professional should attend — is SocialDay. It’s the only event built entirely for social media people, covering the platforms, strategies, and communities that matter.
👉 Book SocialDay first. Build the rest of your calendar around it.