Europe is the epicenter of AI innovation and regulation in 2026. With the EU AI Act in full effect, AI professionals are focused on balancing advanced technologies with compliance and ethical standards. Whether you're a startup founder, C-suite executive, or developer, attending the right conference this year can provide actionable insights, networking opportunities, and exposure to cutting-edge AI applications. Here's a quick rundown of the top 5 AI conferences in Europe for 2026:

• RAISE Summit (Paris, France): 8–9 July 2026. Focused on ROI-driven AI, agentic systems, and sovereign AI. Tickets: €699–€4,599.
• World Summit AI (Amsterdam, Netherlands): 7–8 October 2026. Covers AI ethics, regulation, and tech advancements. Pricing TBC.
• GITEX AI EUROPE (Berlin, Germany): 30 June–1 July 2026. Highlights AI in industries like HealthTech, FinTech, and Smart Cities. Pricing TBC.
• Big Data Conference Europe (Vilnius, Lithuania): 24–27 November 2026. Emphasizes data science, machine learning, and quantum computing. Tickets: €700–€1,730.
• AI Summit London (London, UK): 10–11 June 2026. Focused on practical AI applications across industries. Tickets: £25–£1,399.

These events are your gateway to connecting with global leaders, exploring the latest AI trends, and staying ahead in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Quick Comparison

Each event offers unique opportunities tailored to different professional goals. Plan ahead to secure your spot and make the most of these must-attend AI events.

1. RAISE Summit (Paris, France)

Dates and Location

The RAISE Summit is set to take place on 8–9 July 2026 at the Carrousel du Louvre, located at 99 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France ^[1]. Its proximity to the iconic Louvre Museum adds a touch of prestige to the event. Beyond the main summit, attendees can enjoy a Side Events Week, transforming Paris into a hub for AI enthusiasts with exclusive dinners, workshops, and networking parties. The event promises a dynamic blend of professional growth and cultural immersion.

Cost Range

The summit offers several pricing tiers to cater to different needs:

• The PRO pass, starting at €999 (early-bird) and climbing to €1,799 (standard rate), grants access to exhibitions, workshops, startup pitches, and the official party. Prices exclude VAT.
• The VIP pass, priced between €1,899 and €2,999 + VAT, includes all PRO benefits plus VIP lounge access and entry to the co-located Machina Summit, which focuses on Physical AI and robotics.
• For an elevated experience, the VIP MAX tier (from €3,499 to €4,599 + VAT) adds an exclusive Royal Dinner with global AI leaders.
• A standalone MACHINA pass is also available for €699 + VAT, specifically for those interested in robotics ^[2].

Key Focus Areas

RAISE Summit uses its 4F Compass framework to guide discussions and insights. This structured approach includes:

• Foundation: Addressing infrastructure topics like sovereign clouds and the energy-compute relationship.
• Frontier: Delving into agentic systems and deploying autonomous intelligence.
• Friction: Tackling ROI challenges, cyber resilience, and compliance.
• Future: Examining AGI pathways and sustainable AI practices ^[4].

This framework ensures a balance between cutting-edge research and practical applications. A new highlight this year is the CxO Summit, an exclusive program for Fortune 1000 executives. This invitation-only event focuses on benchmarking AI strategies through tailored sessions and private networking.

"The CxO Summit exists so companies don't just talk about AI, they leave RAISE with real partnerships, pilots, and signed deals" – Hadrien de Cournon, co-founder ^[3]

Networking Opportunities

Networking is a cornerstone of the RAISE Summit. With over 9,000 attendees expected, the event combines scale with a focus on meaningful connections. An AI-powered matching platform facilitates one-on-one meetings, while Side Events Week extends networking opportunities beyond the main venue.

Highlights include:

• The RAISE Startup Competition, featuring a €5 million prize pool.
• A global AI hackathon with €200,000 in prizes for 8,000 participants.
• Opportunities to connect with investors managing over $600 billion in assets.

Past editions have drawn representatives from 168 Fortune 500 companies, solidifying the summit's reputation as a must-attend event in the AI world ^[1].

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2. World Summit AI (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

Dates and Location

Mark your calendars for 7–8 October 2026, when the World Summit AI will take place at the TAETS Art and Event Park in Zaandam, just outside Amsterdam. As the centerpiece of World AI Week - which features over 100 side events - this summit turns Amsterdam into a buzzing epicenter for AI professionals. It’s a prime opportunity to dive into the latest advancements and connect with leading minds in the field.

Key Focus Areas

The 2026 theme, "Guardians of Tomorrow: Shaping the New AI Paradigm," delves into how human intention influences AI's journey from analytical tools to systems capable of reasoning. The summit is divided into several focused tracks:

• Mainstage: Tackles the economic, ethical, and societal impacts of AI's evolving paradigms.
• Adopt AI: Offers insights into deploying AI solutions across global enterprises.
• Build AI: Focuses on the technical aspects of creating AI systems.
• AI Labs: Highlights cutting-edge research in areas like natural language processing, healthcare, and robotics.
• Sovereign AI: Discusses how nations manage and regulate AI infrastructure.
• AI Media: Explores how AI is reshaping workflows in creative industries.
• Frontier Founders: Puts a spotlight on startups and venture capital trends in AI.

For those looking to dig deeper, interactive workshops provide hands-on technical sessions to complement the main tracks.

Networking Opportunities

The summit aligns perfectly with Europe’s push for AI innovation, drawing an impressive mix of executives, entrepreneurs, investors, academics, and policymakers ^[6]. The multi-track format encourages collaboration across disciplines, while World AI Week’s informal events create ideal spaces for building meaningful professional connections. Whether you're a technical expert or a business leader, this is the place to meet the people shaping the future of AI.

3. GITEX AI EUROPE (Berlin, Germany)

Dates and Location

GITEX AI EUROPE 2026 is scheduled for 30 June to 1 July 2026 at the Messe Berlin Exhibition Centre (South Entrance) in Berlin, Germany ^[7]. This two-day event brings together Europe's top AI initiatives in one dynamic venue. Berlin, a city celebrated for its forward-thinking culture, provides the perfect backdrop for meaningful discussions and advancements in AI.

Key Focus Areas

The event dives into practical AI applications, industrial advancements, and the concept of digital sovereignty within Europe. It’s divided into four key zones:

• AI Everything Europe: Highlights impactful AI use cases.
• North Star Europe: A hub for startups and scaleups.
• GITEX Cyber Valley Europe: Focused on cybersecurity and building digital resilience.
• GITEX Quantum Expo: Dedicated to quantum technology advancements.

These zones explore a range of industries and technologies, including AI & GenAI, Quantum Computing, Cloud & Data Centres, and Big Data. Additionally, sectors like Industry 4.0, HealthTech, FinTech, GreenTech, and Smart Cities take center stage. Emphasis is placed on fostering public-private partnerships and cross-border collaborations, aligning with Europe’s push for AI solutions that are both impactful and compliant with regulations.

Networking Opportunities

The event is a hotspot for global connections, attracting over 30,000 tech and business leaders from more than 100 countries, alongside 2,000 enterprises and startups and 600 investors ^[8]. With over 500 speakers from around the world, the conference also features specialised sessions that enable meaningful exchanges across diverse AI fields. Whether you're looking to connect with industry giants or emerging innovators, the networking potential here is unmatched.

4. Big Data Conference Europe (Vilnius, Lithuania)

Dates and Location

The 10th edition of the Big Data Conference Europe is set to take place from 24 to 27 November 2026 in Vilnius, Lithuania. Workshops will kick off the event on 24 November at V. Gerulaičio g. 10, while the main conference sessions will run from 25 to 27 November at Multikino, Ozo st. 18. Whether you prefer to attend in person or online, the hybrid format ensures flexibility for all participants ^[9].

Cost Range

Ticket prices depend on the level of participation. A 4-Day Full Ticket is priced at €1,730, but if you act early, you can grab it for €900 (excl. VAT) with the Blind Bird discount. A 3-Day Onsite and Online Ticket costs €1,350, or €700 (excl. VAT) with the same discount. To take advantage of the 50% Blind Bird discount, make sure to register by 5 March 2026. Additionally, teams of 10 or more can enjoy an extra 15% discount by contacting the organisers directly ^[9]. These pricing options make it accessible for both individuals and teams to join this content-packed event.

Key Focus Areas

The conference brings together top minds to discuss Big Data, High Load, Data Science, Machine Learning, and AI. The 2026 programme will dive into cutting-edge topics like Generative AI, Quantum Computing, Ethical AI, Multimodal AI, and DataOps, organised into four distinct tracks. Across four days, attendees can look forward to over 60 talks and five hands-on workshops, all designed to provide deep technical knowledge.

"Big Data Conference Europe was a genuinely refreshing experience, prioritising deep technical insights. The organisers struck a perfect balance of professional efficiency and humble hospitality." – Manish Kumar, Platform Engineer at Mercari ^[9]

This carefully curated agenda ensures professionals leave with actionable insights to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and data technologies.

Networking Opportunities

Expect a vibrant mix of over 700 attendees from 35+ countries, including 50% senior-level professionals and 5% executives. The organisers have gone the extra mile to foster connections through interactive games, quizzes, and evening activities.

"The sessions were diverse and well-structured, making it easy to stay engaged throughout the day. Even more impactful were the conversations with industry peers – full of sharp insights and practical advice." – Radoslaw Zynda, IT Analyst at DNV ^[9]

The attendee profile is equally diverse, with Data Analysts & Scientists (28%), Data Engineers (27%), and Software Developers (13%) forming the majority. This mix creates an ideal environment for cross-functional collaboration and knowledge-sharing ^[9].

5. AI Summit London (London, United Kingdom)

Dates and Location

The 10th annual AI Summit London is set for 10–11 June 2026 at Tobacco Dock, London (E1W 2SF). As the flagship event of London Tech Week, it offers a central and accessible location for international attendees ^[10][12].

Cost Range

Tickets range from £25 to £1,399, depending on the type of pass selected. Options include Delegate Passes, VIP All Access Passes, and Tobacco Dock Campus Passes. Discounts are available for groups of three or more delegates from the same organization. Additionally, start-ups, investors, academics, and government representatives can take advantage of special rates. A limited number of free passes are also available for registered charity workers ^[12][13].

Key Focus Areas

This year’s summit emphasizes the practical application of AI with a focus on "Bottom-Line Impact." It introduces four new stages:

• Sustainable Innovation: Exploring green AI and energy-efficient practices.
• Data Excellence: Highlighting data-centric development and governance.
• AI at Scale: Strategies for scaling AI pilots into full production with measurable ROI.
• Industries: Insights into transformative AI applications across various sectors, led by industry experts ^[10][11][13].

"It was great to see the demos and hearing from different companies and industries on their experience so far with AI, the importance of regulations, principles and standards along with communication, trust and connection." – Anna Dillon, Senior Project Manager, easyJet ^[10]

With 5,000+ attendees, 300+ speakers, and 100+ sponsors and exhibitors, the event provides actionable strategies to enhance operations across industries ^[10].

Networking Opportunities

Networking is a cornerstone of the AI Summit London. Here are some key highlights:

• Networking Café: Facilitates app-matched one-on-one meetings in a relaxed environment.
• Industry Speed Networking: Enables up to 10 quick connections in just 20 minutes.
• VisionAIres VIP Programme: Open to director-level executives, offering access to a private lounge and strategic discussion sessions.
• Start-up & Investor Village: Features a "Dragon's Den"-style pitch competition for up to 25 early-stage start-ups.
• Official After-Party: Extends networking opportunities into the evening ^[10][11][13].

These carefully curated networking opportunities enhance the summit's value, making it a standout event among Europe’s AI conferences in 2026.

Conference Comparison Table

Choose an event that aligns with your professional goals, budget, and interests. The table below provides a detailed side-by-side comparison of five major AI conferences, helping you identify the best fit for your objectives.

The RAISE Summit stands out for its structured focus on high-stakes deal-making and ROI impact, using the unique 4Fs framework (Foundation, Frontier, Friction, Future) ^[1][5]. With pricing tailored to different audiences, including developers, startups, and industry leaders, it offers clear value for a wide range of participants.

Meanwhile, other events like World Summit AI and GITEX AI EUROPE promise exciting opportunities for networking and exploring advancements in AI, though their pricing details are yet to be confirmed. Each conference brings its own unique themes and audiences, ensuring professionals from various sectors can find an event that suits their interests and career goals.

Conclusion

The European AI conference circuit in 2026 promises to reshape the industry landscape. These events cater to a variety of audiences, offering everything from high-level networking with C-suite executives to focused discussions on regulatory challenges. For professionals and researchers, they’re a gateway to career growth, strategic collaborations, and staying ahead in a fast-moving tech world.

In a time marked by rapid technological progress and stringent regulations, these conferences equip attendees with essential tools and connections. The networking opportunities alone make participation worthwhile. As Chamath Palihapitiya, co-founder of Social Capital, puts it:

"As things become more virtual, I think it's increasingly important for people to come together. The serendipity that can happen when you're together in a physical space is life-changing." ^[2]

Attending these events connects you directly with the decision-makers shaping the future of AI.

Securing your spot early not only saves money through early-bird pricing but also unlocks access to networking tools designed to help you make the most of your time. These apps allow you to plan meetings and identify potential collaborators before the event even starts ^[2].

Whether your focus is on navigating the evolving European AI Act, exploring advancements in robotics and physical AI, or competing in startup challenges with prize pools as high as €5 million ^[1], these conferences provide the platform to turn ideas into actionable business outcomes. With keynotes, practical workshops, and targeted networking sessions, they foster connections and drive innovation.

Don’t miss the chance to engage with Europe’s leading AI community in 2026. Plan ahead, register early, and be part of the conversations shaping the future of artificial intelligence.

FAQs

Which 2026 AI conference best fits my role (developer, founder, C‑suite)?

Choosing the best AI conference in 2026 really depends on what you're looking for and your specific role in the field. One standout option is the RAISE Summit in Paris, which caters to a variety of attendees with its tailored tracks:

• Developers can dive into hands-on workshops to sharpen their skills.
• Founders get access to networking opportunities and resources for startups.
• C-suite executives gain strategic insights to guide decision-making at the top level.

This broad approach makes the RAISE Summit a compelling choice for professionals at all levels.

That said, other events might align better with niche interests. For example, AAAI 2026 focuses heavily on research, making it ideal for academics or those deeply involved in AI studies. Alternatively, the AI Summit in Paris, taking place in July 2026, is another excellent option for exploring the latest developments and trends in the industry.

How can I plan for EU AI Act and compliance sessions at these events?

To make the most of AI conferences in Europe and prepare for sessions on the EU AI Act and compliance, start by carefully reviewing the event agenda. Look for sessions that focus on AI governance, regulation, and compliance topics. Register early to ensure you get access to these tracks, as they may fill up quickly.

Take the initiative to connect with organisers or speakers ahead of time. They can provide insights into workshops or panels that align with your interests. Networking events are another key opportunity - especially those featuring policymakers or industry leaders involved in shaping AI regulations.

Before attending, spend time reviewing the EU AI Act itself. Familiarising yourself with its key provisions will help you engage more effectively during sessions. Bring along specific questions or challenges you’re facing to guide your learning and refine your compliance strategies.

What’s the smartest way to maximise networking and meetings onsite?

To get the most out of networking at AI conferences like RAISE Summit 2026 in Paris, take advantage of the event's networking tools. Many conferences provide specialised apps or platforms that let you connect with other attendees even before the event begins. This is a great way to identify potential collaborators or key industry figures you'd like to meet.

Consider joining pre-event activities, such as dinners, workshops, or informal gatherings. These smaller settings often make it easier to strike up meaningful conversations. Another smart move is to schedule meetings ahead of time using the official event platforms. This ensures you make the most of your time and don’t miss out on key connections.

During the conference, look out for themed sessions or networking lounges tailored to specific topics or industries. These spaces are designed to bring like-minded professionals together, making it easier to meet people with shared interests.

Ultimately, proactive planning and seizing opportunities to participate in exclusive activities will help you build strong professional relationships at events like these.

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