AI events in Europe are booming, from massive summits with thousands of attendees to smaller, niche gatherings. But with limited time and budgets, you need to decide: Which events are worth it?
Here’s the quick answer:
- Big AI Summits (like RAISE in Paris): Great for startups seeking visibility, trends, and broad networking.
- Smaller AI Conferences: Better for in-depth discussions, technical insights, and tailored solutions.
- Timing: Match events to your company’s growth stage - startups focus on exposure, scaling firms on partnerships, and mature companies on policy and strategy.
- Frequency: Executives typically attend 3–5 events per year, balancing one major summit with several smaller, focused gatherings.
Quick Comparison of AI Event Types
| Feature | Large AI Summits | Small AI Conferences |
|---|---|---|
| Attendees | 9,000+ | Under 1,000 |
| Networking | Broad but less personal | Deeper, focused connections |
| Cost | €999–€3,499 | More affordable |
| Content | General trends, broad topics | Specific, actionable insights |
| Best For | Startups, visibility | SMEs, technical problem-solving |
Key Takeaways
- Startups: Focus on large summits for visibility and funding opportunities.
- Scaling Companies: Combine major summits with smaller events for partnerships and execution.
- Mature Firms: Prioritize events that influence policy and maintain competitive advantage.
Plan your calendar wisely, mix event types, and focus on ROI by turning insights into action within 48 hours of attending. Whether it’s a large summit or an intimate conference, the right choice depends on your goals and growth stage.
AI Event Selection Framework: Comparing Large Summits vs Small Conferences by Company Stage
Scaling Micro Event Strategies with AI
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Large AI Summits vs. Small Conferences: Understanding the Differences
AI events come in all shapes and sizes, and each format offers its own unique opportunities and takeaways.
What Large AI Summits Offer
Large AI summits bring together thousands of participants, creating an atmosphere buzzing with energy and opportunity. Take the RAISE Summit in Paris, for instance. Scheduled for July 2026 at the Carrousel du Louvre, it’s expected to draw over 9,000 attendees and 350 speakers. Impressively, 80% of those participants will be C-level executives and founders[3]. This concentration of high-level decision-makers makes these summits fertile ground for striking major deals and forming strategic partnerships.
The sheer scale of these events matters. With representation from over 2,000 companies, large summits provide a panoramic view of industries like healthcare, finance, cybersecurity, and manufacturing. The focus tends to be broad, covering overarching AI trends, regulatory updates, and strategic insights rather than diving into technical details. As Alexandru Stan, CEO at TNW, puts it:
"Big events are not disappearing. They are simply no longer where important decisions are made."[5]
These summits are ideal for spotting trends, making initial connections, and showcasing new innovations. They’re more about seeing the big picture than getting into the nitty-gritty. For those seeking a more tailored experience, smaller conferences may be a better fit.
Benefits of Small AI Conferences
Smaller AI conferences, with attendee numbers typically under 1,000, offer a more intimate and focused experience. These events emphasize personal engagement, often fostering a close-knit, community-driven vibe. They’re particularly appealing to decision-makers in SMEs and family-owned businesses, thanks to their practical, hands-on approach.
The content at smaller conferences is laser-focused and actionable. Instead of covering a broad spectrum of AI topics, they zero in on specific challenges, such as integrating machine learning into manufacturing, ensuring GDPR compliance for AI systems, or building data infrastructures for mid-sized firms. The smaller scale encourages technical, in-depth discussions that can lead to real-world solutions and meaningful collaborations.
Comparison Table: Large AI Summits vs. Small Conferences
| Feature | Large AI Summits | Small Conferences |
|---|---|---|
| Attendee Numbers | 9,000+ | Typically under 1,000 |
| Networking Depth | Broad, but less personal | Focused, with deeper connections |
| Cost | Higher (€999–€3,499 for RAISE Summit) | Lower, more affordable for startups |
| Content Focus | General AI trends and strategic insights | Specific challenges and hands-on workshops |
| Attendee Profiles | Mostly C-level executives and founders | Industry-specific professionals and practitioners |
| Return on Investment | High visibility and partnership potential | Targeted insights and strong community ties |
The right choice depends on your company’s current goals and priorities. Startups seeking visibility or funding might benefit more from the expansive networking opportunities of a large summit. On the other hand, companies looking for tailored solutions or technical expertise may find the focused nature of smaller conferences more rewarding.
When to Attend AI Events Based on Your Company's Growth Stage
The stage of your company's growth plays a big role in determining which AI events will offer the most value. Startups, scaling businesses, and established enterprises each have distinct needs, and your event strategy should align with those priorities.
Early-Stage and Startup Companies
For early-stage companies, the focus is often on gaining visibility, securing funding, and finding inspiration. Large AI summits are perfect for this. These events, often attended by thousands, bring together a high concentration of C-level executives, investors, and industry leaders, creating opportunities for startups to make valuable connections.
Thanks to EU funding initiatives, attending these events has become more accessible. Sponsorships now often cover costs like registration fees, travel, and accommodation, removing financial hurdles for startups [6]. As highlighted in an analysis by Nap OS:
"AI Europe conferences are no longer optional extras for founders. They are recognised, fundable, and strategically encouraged activities within the EU's AI framework" [6].
Additionally, these summits provide startups with exposure to essential regulations, such as the AI Act, helping them navigate compliance early on.
When startups transition to the scaling phase, their event priorities naturally evolve.
Scaling Companies
For companies that have secured funding and validated their business models, the focus shifts to execution and forming strategic partnerships. Events that emphasise practical deployment and networking become key growth drivers.
Large summits remain valuable at this stage, as they enable connections between builders, investors, and policymakers [3]. Companies in this phase can benefit greatly from attending side events or informal gatherings that often occur alongside major conferences, as these settings are ideal for forging meaningful partnerships.
Once a company has scaled successfully, its objectives pivot toward shaping industry strategies and maintaining a competitive edge.
Mature Companies
Established enterprises attend AI events to influence policy, strengthen leadership-level networks, and prepare for regulatory changes. With 78% of organisations already utilising AI in at least one business function by early 2026, staying ahead of industry shifts is crucial [7].
Large summits that bring together leaders to discuss topics like capital, compute resources, and policy provide mature companies with a platform to shape the broader AI landscape [3]. As Piers Grassmann, Associate Account Director, Technology, points out:
"Conferences only create ROI when insights turn into action. Be strategic: map key sessions to business goals, pre-book meetings, and gather insights your teams can use" [7].
Recommended Number of AI Events for Executives Per Year
Finding the right balance between staying informed and managing daily responsibilities is crucial for executives. Attending 3 to 5 well-chosen AI events each year often strikes that balance.
Event Frequency by Executive Role
The ideal number of events depends on the executive's role and priorities:
- C-suite executives: Typically, 3 events per year - 1 major summit and 2 exclusive forums. These events focus on high-level discussions around policy and investment strategies. Exclusive gatherings like the CxO Summit are particularly useful for these leaders [1][3].
- VPs and Directors: Around 4 events annually, including 1 major summit and 3 specialised meetings. Their focus on implementation and partnerships benefits from smaller, targeted events that allow for deeper conversations [1][9].
- Founders and early-stage leaders: Up to 5 events a year, with 2 major summits and 3 investor-oriented side events. These are great opportunities to refine storytelling, explore product-market fit, and secure funding. As Jason Lemkin, Founder of SaaStr, explains:
"The #1 event in the industry is where the top customers, prospects, partners, and other execs are" [10].
Budget and Return on Investment Considerations
Planning your event budget requires balancing ticket prices, travel costs, and the potential return. For instance, the RAISE Summit offers tickets ranging from €999 for PRO access to €1 899 for VIP access, with the latter including exclusive networking opportunities and curated experiences [3]. For senior executives, the added benefits of VIP access can justify the price.
When assessing ROI, focus on how the event impacts your strategic goals. Did it challenge key assumptions? Did it lead to meaningful partnerships? Dan Faggella, CEO of Emerj, highlights the importance of these events:
"Money is being made in artificial intelligence today at events" [8].
To ensure ROI, follow the 48-hour rule: within two days after the event, turn your notes into actionable steps, refine strategic plans, and follow up with 5 to 7 key contacts [1]. This quick turnaround helps transform insights into real outcomes.
Combining Broad and Specialised Event Attendance
To get the most out of your event calendar, mix large summits with smaller, focused gatherings. This "1+N" strategy involves attending one large summit for broad industry insights and 2–4 smaller events for deeper, more personal interactions [1][9].
For example, large summits like RAISE, which draw over 9 000 attendees and 2 000+ companies, are ideal for networking and discovering cutting-edge innovations [3]. On the other hand, smaller events foster more intimate conversations, offering honest discussions about challenges and fostering partnerships that endure beyond the event [1][9].
Katie Harbath, Founder of Anchor Change, captures the value of these smaller settings:
"The real value is often in the hallway conversations, the dinner after, the group chat that forms" [1].
If you're based in a tech hub, consider adding two local evening events per month to your schedule. These smaller, informal gatherings help maintain visibility in your local ecosystem without straining your budget [10].
5-Step Framework for Selecting AI Events
This five-step guide helps refine your approach to choosing AI events, ensuring your attendance aligns with your company’s specific goals and limitations.
Step 1: Assess Your Company's Stage and Goals
First, determine whether you’re a "Provider" (creating AI systems) or a "Deployer" (using AI in your operations). This distinction is crucial since each group faces different regulatory challenges [12].
Next, consider your risk classification. Companies developing high-risk AI - such as for critical infrastructure, education, or law enforcement - should focus on compliance-driven events. On the other hand, those working on low-risk applications like spam filters might benefit more from innovation-focused gatherings [12]. Early-stage businesses should prioritize events offering AI sandboxes and testing opportunities [11]. If you're working on General Purpose AI models, seek out forums addressing technical documentation and systemic risk management [12].
Tools like the AI Act Compliance Checker can help identify your regulatory obligations and guide you toward the most relevant technical or legal summits [12]. For systems requiring over 10^25 floating point operations, extra attention to systemic risks is essential [12].
Once you’ve clarified your company’s needs, move on to evaluating which event formats suit you best.
Step 2: Evaluate Event Fit
When choosing events, the attendee mix often matters more than the speaker lineup. Focus on events that encourage meaningful interactions and decision-making, especially when physical presence is necessary [1][3].
For strategic partnerships, choose events where at least 80% of attendees are C-level executives or founders. Decide whether you’re looking for "broadcast" value (informational content) or "exchange" value (networking opportunities) [1][3]. Match the event’s focus with your goals: policy forums for navigating the EU AI Act, trade shows for vendor assessments, or trend-focused events for insights into emerging shifts like geopolitical changes [1][2].
Once you’ve identified the right events, align them with your financial constraints.
Step 3: Budget Planning and Pricing Tiers
Plan your budget by weighing ticket prices against potential returns. For instance, the RAISE Summit offers options ranging from €599 for STARTUP access to €3,499 for VIP MAX access, which includes exclusive dinners and networking opportunities [3].
For senior executives, VIP tiers can often be worth the investment. At RAISE, the VIP MAX tier provides access to a private dinner in Paris and a dedicated lounge for high-stakes networking [3]. Don’t forget to account for travel costs - especially important for SMBs, which often have tighter budgets [4].
Focus your budget on one key summit, supplemented by a few smaller, cost-effective events.
Step 4: Prioritise Events Based on Industry Trends
Coordinate your attendance with Europe’s regulatory deadlines. For example, the EU AI Act sets timelines of six months for prohibited systems, 12 months for General Purpose AI, and 24–36 months for high-risk systems [12]. AI Pact webinars can help you understand both general principles (Pillar I) and best practices (Pillar II) [11].
Stay informed about emerging topics. Physical AI and robotics integration are gaining attention, as are forums addressing issues like data centre efficiency and sustainability [3][14]. If your focus is on agentic AI systems, choose events discussing governance at scale [4].
Platforms like AI-on-Demand (AIoD) can connect you with the AI Expert Network, helping you identify specialised conferences tailored to your needs before committing your budget [13]. As the focus shifts from "AI theory" to "AI in practice", many events now highlight collaboration and trustworthy implementation [13].
Step 5: Measure Post-Event Return on Investment
Evaluate the event’s impact within 48 hours. Track metrics like new contacts, scheduled follow-up meetings, and actionable insights gained [1].
Assess whether the event challenged your assumptions or led to valuable partnerships. For executives, consider whether VIP perks delivered tangible benefits, such as productive dinner conversations or exclusive networking opportunities in private lounges. Monitoring both immediate outcomes and long-term relationship building ensures your participation delivers value.
Conclusion
Choose AI events based on your company’s growth stage and your networking priorities. The framework above offers a practical way to make the most of each event you attend.
For executives aiming to build meaningful connections, carefully selected summits offer direct access to key decision-makers. Larger events, on the other hand, create spaces where strategic partnerships can develop quickly, and impactful conversations feel natural.
"For leaders operating at the frontier of artificial intelligence, RAISE is the room to be in where direction is set and long-term advantage and relationships are formed." [3]
Budget planning plays a crucial role. Spending on premium access can deliver measurable outcomes if paired with clear follow-up plans and aligned with your broader business goals. The focus should always be on ensuring your investment leads to real, actionable results.
Instead of stretching your resources across numerous conferences, concentrate on attending one or two top-tier events each year. Complement these with smaller, targeted gatherings that cater to specific professional goals. This balanced approach helps you gain broad industry exposure while diving deeper into specialised topics, ensuring your time and budget drive real business outcomes.
FAQs
How do I pick the right AI event for my exact business goal?
To pick the right AI event, match the event's theme and audience to your business goals. If you're targeting enterprise-level objectives like scaling up or improving ROI, look for events tailored to enterprises. On the other hand, if innovation or securing funding is your priority, startup-focused gatherings are a better fit.
Also, think about where your company stands in its growth journey. Smaller, more intimate events work well for early-stage businesses, while larger conferences or summits are more beneficial for established companies. Lastly, prioritize events that align with your key focus areas - whether that's AI infrastructure, regulatory compliance, or another strategic need - to ensure you gain the most value.
What should I do before and after an AI event to maximise ROI?
Before the event, take time to choose events that match your objectives. Look at factors like attendee demographics, session topics, and the list of sponsors to ensure alignment with your goals. Once you've picked the right event, plan how you'll engage. This could involve scheduling meetings in advance, preparing specific questions, or even tailoring demos to showcase your solutions effectively.
After the event, it's all about keeping the momentum going. Track interactions, follow up with attendees promptly, and use AI tools to analyse the outcomes. This not only helps you measure your return on investment but also fine-tunes your approach for future events, ensuring they drive your business forward.
Is a VIP ticket worth the extra cost for my role?
A VIP ticket can justify the extra expense if you prioritize exclusive perks, the chance for meaningful discussions, and direct access to influential decision-makers. This option is particularly appealing for executives, leaders, or high-level professionals aiming to enjoy premium advantages while building connections in private, high-profile settings.
