
#2 Business & Financial Industry Event
Las Vegas
The splashy hedge fund conference attracts 1,800 institutional and private investors, managers, and others—all fully vetted and invited by the planners. The event mixes finance and government with the larger culture; speakers at the 2013 event included Duke men's baseketball coach Mike Krzyzewski, actor Al Pacino, and former French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Next: May 2014

#3 Business & Financial Industry Event
Los Angeles
The Orange County-based investment banking company marked its 25th annual conference in March. The event puts a premium on production, particularly for its entertainment. This year rapper Macklemore performed in front of marquee letters that spelled out the company’s name. Next: March 2014