Looking to connect with AI leaders or explore the latest trends? Europe’s AI scene in 2026 offers a packed calendar of conferences tailored to different goals - from networking with C-level executives to diving into technical workshops. Here’s what you need to know:
- RAISE Summit (Paris, 8–9 July 2026): The largest AI event in Europe, with over 9,000 attendees, 350+ speakers, and a €5 million startup competition. Key topics include AI infrastructure, compliance, and AGI. Tickets start at €999.
- Rise of AI Conference (Berlin, 5–6 May 2026): Focused on policy and applied AI, this intimate event limits attendance to 300 participants, fostering close connections. Tickets start at €999.
- AI Summit London (10–11 June 2026): Part of London Tech Week, with 5,000+ attendees and 300 speakers, this event emphasizes AI’s impact on industries like healthcare and retail. Tickets start at £2,399.
- IJCAI-ECAI 2026 (Bremen, 15–21 August 2026): A research-driven event for academics and practitioners exploring AI methodologies like NLP and computer vision.
Quick Tip: Choose events based on your goals - whether it’s forming partnerships, understanding compliance, or exploring technical advancements. Plan ahead to maximize networking opportunities and ROI.
New Frontier AI - Bringing Europe back to the AI Development Table | DLD26
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RAISE Summit: Paris AI Conference at Carrousel du Louvre
Scheduled for 8–9 July 2026 at Le Carrousel du Louvre, the RAISE Summit brings together industry leaders to tackle the challenges of AI adoption and infrastructure.
Event Features and Scale
This summit is set to attract over 9,000 attendees, feature 350+ speakers, and host representatives from more than 2,000 companies worldwide. Impressively, over 80% of participants are C-level executives or founders. Notable speakers for 2026 include Mark Cuban (Entrepreneur), Vlad Tenev (CEO, Robinhood), Charlie Kawwas (President, Broadcom), and Pat Gelsinger (GP, PlayGround Global & former Intel CEO).
The agenda revolves around "The 4Fs":
- Foundation: Topics like computing, sovereign cloud, and silicon advancements.
- Frontier: Covering agentic systems, autonomous intelligence, and enterprise architecture.
- Friction: Addressing ROI challenges, compliance, cyber resilience, and workforce transformation.
- Future: Exploring AGI pathways, sustainable AI, and multimodal interfaces.
In addition to the main sessions, the Machina Summit on 7 July 2026 will spotlight Physical AI innovations, while the CxO Summit provides a private setting for executive strategy discussions. A startup competition featuring over 1,000 startups will compete for a €5 million prize pool, and the Global AI Hackathon will engage over 8,000 participants with a €200,000 prize at stake.
A week of "Side Events" across Paris extends networking opportunities, featuring exclusive dinners, workshops, and meetups hosted by global innovators. PRO and VIP ticket holders also gain access to a networking app designed to help attendees schedule meetings and foster business connections before the event.
These features are complemented by a variety of ticket options tailored to meet diverse attendee objectives.
Ticket Prices and Plans
| Ticket Type | Early-Bird Price | Regular Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRO | €999 + VAT | €1,799 + VAT | Access to exhibition/stages, networking app, Ecosystem Party, food & drinks |
| VIP | €1,899 + VAT | €2,999 + VAT | All PRO perks, VIP lounge, Machina Summit access, startup pitch decks, industrial reports |
| VIP MAX | €3,499 + VAT | €4,599 + VAT | All VIP perks, plus the "Royal Dinner" executive evening event |
| DEVELOPER | €599 + VAT | N/A | Includes PRO features; eligibility required |
| STARTUP | €599 + VAT | N/A | Includes PRO features; designed for early-stage companies |
| MACHINA | €699 + VAT | N/A | Full-day Machina Summit access (talks, demos, robot showcases) |
| VOLUNTEER | FREE | N/A | Event access for selected applicants |
Early-Bird pricing offers a significant discount, with PRO tickets saving 44% compared to regular prices. VIP and VIP MAX tickets include Machina Summit access (normally €699) and exclusive benefits like industrial reports and startup pitch decks, which are especially valuable for investors and corporate leaders.
These ticket plans are thoughtfully designed to match the summit's diverse offerings.
Benefits of Attending RAISE Summit
The summit is crafted to deliver actionable outcomes. A dedicated networking app allows attendees to arrange meetings in advance, while the VIP lounge provides a quieter space for in-depth discussions. For VIP MAX ticket holders, the Royal Dinner offers an intimate setting for executive-level connections.
"The serendipity that can happen when you're together in a physical space is life-changing."
- Chamath Palihapitiya, Co-founder, Social Capital [1]
For companies exploring AI vendors or scouting technical talent, the startup competition and hackathon offer direct access to innovative solutions and skilled developers. Meanwhile, industrial reports and startup pitch decks provide valuable insights into emerging trends and technology strategies. The 4Fs framework ensures the agenda covers everything from infrastructure and application development to risk management and long-term planning - helping attendees tackle multiple priorities efficiently.
This focused approach ensures the summit delivers measurable value for all participants.
Other AI Events in Europe (2026)
In addition to the RAISE Summit, Europe is home to several notable AI events in 2026. These events cater to a wide range of interests, from policy-making and business applications to academic advancements.
Rise of AI Conference (Berlin)
On 5–6 May 2026, Berlin will host the 10th edition of the Rise of AI Conference. This event brings together political leaders, researchers, and top executives. It features two main tracks: the Meta Stage, focusing on policy discussions and ecosystem growth, and the Applied AI Stage, which highlights business demos and implementation strategies.
Prominent speakers include Franziska Giffey (Mayor of Berlin), Stefan Mesken (Chief Scientist at DeepL), and Dr. Ulli Waltinger (Vice President at Siemens AG). Attendance is capped at 300 participants, ensuring a close-knit networking environment. Ticket prices start at €999 for the Singularity Pass, with Premium Passes available at €1,299, which include access to an exclusive speaker dinner [3].
"When Germany rises, it's also thanks to people like Veronika and Fabian - who thoughtfully bring together the knowledgeable and powerful." - Dr. Ramin Assadollahi, Chairman of the Board & Founder, ExB group [3]
From Berlin, we move to London, where another major AI event showcases the technology's transformative business potential.
AI Summit London
Taking place on 10–11 June 2026 at Tobacco Dock, the AI Summit London is the centrepiece of London Tech Week. With over 5,000 attendees and 300+ speakers across 8 stages, this conference delves into how AI is reshaping industries like finance, healthcare, and retail.
The event is supported by an Ambassador Chapter featuring industry leaders such as Lawrence Ampofo (Vodafone), Matthew Candy (IBM), and Mara Pometti (Mastercard) [4].
Next, for those interested in academic breakthroughs, the IJCAI-ECAI 2026 in Bremen offers an in-depth exploration of cutting-edge research.
IJCAI-ECAI 2026 (Bremen)
Scheduled for 15–21 August 2026 in Bremen, Germany, IJCAI-ECAI 2026 is a hub for researchers and practitioners. The event includes presentations, workshops, and collaborative sessions covering topics like machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. It’s an ideal venue for those eager to engage with emerging methodologies in AI.
How to Select the Right AI Event
Europe AI Events 2026 Comparison: Dates, Prices, and Focus Areas
Choosing the right AI conference in Europe can feel overwhelming with so many options available. Start by clarifying your main objective. For example, if you're exploring automation platforms, trade shows with a strong vendor presence are ideal. On the other hand, if you're focused on understanding EU compliance and the EU AI Act, look for events offering direct engagement with policymakers shaping these regulations [2].
Your professional role also plays a big part. C-level executives aiming for high-level deal-making should prioritise events where decision-makers dominate the attendee list. Meanwhile, developers and data scientists may get more value from conferences that focus on technical case studies rather than sales-oriented sessions.
Budget is another factor to weigh carefully. Align your spending with your goals, and use the table below to get a quick snapshot of some key AI events.
Event Comparison Table
| Event | Date | Location | Attendees | Price Range | Main Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rise of AI | 5–6 May | Berlin, Germany | Hybrid/Limited | Free online streaming | Policy & Applied AI |
| AI Summit London | 10–11 June | London, UK | 5,000+ | £2,399+ | Enterprise Implementation |
| IJCAI-ECAI 2026 | 15–21 August | Bremen, Germany | N/A | N/A | Academic Research |
Matching Events to Your Goals
It's not realistic - or necessary - to attend every conference. Instead, focus on two or three that align closely with your objectives. For instance, if you're a startup founder looking for investors, seek out events with a strong investor presence. Enterprise leaders aiming to integrate AI across departments should consider attending alongside key team members to strategise effectively.
Don't forget to factor in the full cost of attendance, including travel, accommodation, and the time commitment. Networking opportunities are also worth considering. Smaller, more intimate gatherings often allow for deeper, more meaningful connections compared to massive festivals with over 10,000 attendees. Many events now offer networking apps, enabling you to schedule meetings in advance and make the most of your time [1].
Conclusion
This guide highlights how Europe's AI events equip professionals with opportunities to spark meaningful innovation and forge strategic partnerships. The events showcased here cater to a wide range of professional interests, from research-focused conferences to business-oriented summits, ensuring there's something for everyone.
One standout is the RAISE Summit, a prime event for top-tier networking and actionable AI insights. With ticket prices starting at €999 for PRO access and going up to €3,499 for the VIP MAX experience, it offers flexible options tailored to diverse networking ambitions and budgets.
Attending in person provides unmatched opportunities for connection. Whether you're tackling intricate regulatory issues, diving into cutting-edge automation tools, or scouting for investment prospects, selecting the right event and fully immersing yourself in its offerings can make a measurable impact on your outcomes.
Plan wisely, prepare thoroughly, and participate actively - these events hold the potential to shape your organization's AI trajectory well beyond 2026. The relationships and knowledge you gain could be pivotal for your long-term strategy.
FAQs
Which AI event should I choose for my role?
The best AI event for you depends on what you’re looking to achieve. If your goal is maximising ROI and connecting with top industry leaders, the RAISE Summit in Paris on 8–9 July 2026 should be on your radar. For those focused on ethics, regulation, or cutting-edge tech developments, the World Summit AI in Amsterdam happening 7–8 October 2026 is a great choice. Meanwhile, if robotics and industrial automation are your priorities, don’t miss Machina 2026 in Paris on 7 July 2026.
How can I maximise networking ROI at RAISE Summit?
To get the most out of your networking efforts at RAISE Summit, dive into the event's structured opportunities. Attend key gatherings like the VIP dinner, Speakers Lounge, and Ecosystem Party to meet peers and industry leaders in a more focused setting. Take full advantage of the event's networking app to connect with others and lock in meetings ahead of time. Also, fine-tune your pitch and conversation points beforehand, especially for pre-event sessions such as Y-Combinator x RAISE and founder nights. These steps will help you make meaningful connections and leave a lasting impression.
What extra costs should I budget beyond the ticket?
When budgeting for your trip, don't forget to account for expenses beyond the ticket price. These can include accommodation, meals, transportation, and even optional networking or social events. Such costs usually aren’t covered in the ticket price and will depend on your personal choices and travel plans.
