#1 Technology Industry Event
Part conference, part music festival, the event proves that Salesforce knows how to throw a party. Over the years, the tech company has booked bands such as Foo Fighters, Metallica, and Green Day, and speakers from such leaders as Bill and Hillary Clinton, Sheryl Sandberg, and George Lucas. During the four-day gathering, 160,000 attendees learn about new products, attend training sessions, network, and earn certifications. Next: October 4-7, 2016
#2 Technology Industry Event
Cloud-based software company Oracle draws more than 60,000 information technology professionals from 145 countries for its signature conference. The event takes place in the Moscone Center and more than a dozen downtown San Francisco venues, with an estimated economic impact of more than $120 million to the Bay Area. Next: September 18-22, 2016
#4 Technology Industry Event
More than 7,000 developers attended Google’s annual conference at the Shoreline Ampitheatre in Mountain View this year, and millions tuned in virtually. Between product launches, office hours, codelabs, and the after-hours parties, this is a hot ticket for Android developers. Next: Summer 2017
#5 Technology Industry Event (up from #8)
Twice a year, in March and August, Y Combinator’s latest batch of startups present to a select group of invitees. Advance details are limited—there’s no schedule or list of presenting companies—so attendees have to stick around for the full event, or risk missing the next tech breakthrough. Next: August 22-24, 2016
#6 Technology Industry Event (up from #9)
Call it the Silicon Valley effect. Thanks to the HBO hit’s Pied Piper vs. Hooli showdown at a fictional version of the event, it now transcends the divide between insider conference and pop-culture phenomenon. Startups compete on stage in front of potential venture capital investors, media, and attendees for prize money and publicity. Next: September 12-14, 2016
#7 Technology Industry Event
The conference is the world's largest and longest-running professionals-only game industry event. For over 26,000 programmers, artists, producers, game designers, audio professionals, and others, the conference is the primary forum for exchanging ideas and shaping the future of the industry. Next: Feb 27-March 3, 2017
#8 Technology Industry Event
The definitive Java programming event of the year, it is where developers gather to discuss all the details on the company’s latest technology. The conference runs concurrently with Oracle OpenWorld in San Francisco’s Union Square. It includes 450 Java-focused sessions, demonstrations, and labs. Next: September 18-22, 2016
#9 Technology Industry Event
The forum is a 6,000-strong gathering to discuss Intel products and derivative products. Last year’s event included futuristic items such as dancing robots and smart vending machines, as well as developer labs and demos. Intel launches may not garner the same buzz as the next iPhone, but considering that the company supplies chips and processors for Apple, Samsung, HP, and Dell, the company’s latest development will have a ripple effect through the tech industry. Next: August 16-19, 2016
