As a small and midsize business (SMB) owner, you’re always looking for ways to get ahead and grow your business. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to the must-attend events for small business owners. Attending these SMB networking events isn’t just an option — it’s an investment in the success of your business. These events are designed to help you learn, connect, and get inspired.
We’ve put together an updated list of must-attend small-business events happening in 2025, featuring upcoming opportunities such as Salesforce’s Dreamforce and Connections. And, you’ll find practical tips and expert strategies to make the most of these experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, these events can fuel your journey.
Lineup of small business events for 2025
Here’s your updated 2025 lineup of essential events for SMBs. Mark your calendar and get ready to gain insights, make meaningful connections, and explore innovative tools to grow your business.
TrailblazerDX 2025
Dates: March 5–6, 2025
Location: San Francisco, CA & Salesforce+
TrailblazerDX is the go-to event for tech-savvy SMBs looking to explore the latest in Salesforce solutions and innovations. Sign up today to gain access to exclusive discounts and updates on registration, speaker announcements, and session details.
Tableau Conference #Data25
Dates: April 15–17, 2025
Location: San Diego, CA & Salesforce+
The Tableau Conference is a must for SMBs focusing on data-driven growth. Sign up today to stay ahead of updates on this event, which showcases the latest in data visualization, analytics, and AI-powered decision-making.
Small Business Expo
Dates: May 7–8, 2025
Location: Miami, FL
The Small Business Expo is a vibrant hub for entrepreneurs, offering workshops, networking opportunities, and exhibitor showcases. Connect with experts, discover tools for your business, and engage in discussions that address your most pressing challenges. The SMB Expo also offers multiple locations and multiple dates.
Connections 2025
Dates: June 11–12, 2025
Location: Chicago, IL & Salesforce+
Focused on marketing, commerce, and customer experience, Connections offers SMB owners tailored sessions, actionable strategies, and exclusive networking opportunities. The 2025 event will feature new breakout sessions on using AI to personalize customer journeys and improve retention rates.
America’s SBDC Conference
Dates: September 2–5, 2025
Location: Orlando, FL
America’s SBDC (Small Business Development Center’s) Conference gathers industry experts and small-business advisors from across the country annually. Sessions in 2025 will focus on AI adoption, securing funding, and scaling SMB operations in competitive markets.
Dreamforce 2025
Dates: October 14–16, 2025
Location: San Francisco, CA & Salesforce+
Dreamforce is a must-attend event for SMBs looking to embrace cutting-edge technology, build connections, and gain inspiration for growth. In 2025, the event promises even deeper dives into AI, automation, and customer experience solutions tailored for small businesses.
What you need to know before you go
Before you head out to any event, it’s important to be prepared to get the most out of your time. By planning ahead, you can take full advantage of the opportunities events offer and come back to your business with valuable connections and insights.
1. Set clear goals
Before stepping into any event, get clear on your goals for the year ahead. Are you exploring ways to improve your SMB’s customer experience, seeking to implement tools like Starter Suite, or simply looking for fresh inspiration? Setting specific goals, such as finding new partnerships or gaining insight into solutions like Small Business Commerce, will guide your focus and ensure you prioritize what matters most.
2. Prioritize sessions
Get to know the event’s agenda, speakers, and exhibitors. Prioritize the sessions and workshops that resonate most with your business needs. Create a personalized schedule that optimizes your time and opens up areas for new insights and opportunities. Line up the day with what’s best for your business.
3. Prepare your pitch
Create a short, compelling pitch that conveys your business, its unique benefit, and what you hope to gain from the event. Read it out loud and see how it feels, and how it sounds. Practice your pitch with confidence, because you’ll be saying it a lot. People will remember you and your business better if it’s short and sweet — who you are and what you do.
4. Be yourself (and your business will benefit)
Networking is the lifeblood of these events. No pressure, right? Being yourself is key as you open yourself up to new connections. Have an open mind, and follow your interests and passions for the success of your business, this will help you find the right people. Engage in meaningful conversations, exchange information, and most importantly, be yourself.
5. Share your story
Don’t just sit in the back quietly, actively engage in sessions and workshops. Take notes, ask questions, and participate in discussions. This helps you learn as a business owner, and shows your interest for partners — you never know what can happen. Get yourself out there and show them what you’re worth.
People love an origin story. So give it to them! Share the reason why you started your SMB in the first place. What’s your passion? And, what drove you to come to this event in the first place? Some people may not remember your name, but they will remember your authentic passion for your business.
6. Personalize the follow-up
After the event, follow up with the connections you made. Don’t wait too long, statistics say you should follow up within 1-3 business days, so the connection is still strong. Send personalized emails, connect on social media, and schedule follow-up calls to continue building these relationships and exploring potential opportunities. Anything can happen from these events, all you have to do is ask.
By following these guidelines and tips, you can make valuable connections, get industry insights, and grow your business as it should be — homegrown.
Tips for connecting like a pro at small-business events
Don’t get the networking jitters. Everyone is in the same boat. Networking is a big part of attending small-business events, we all know — it’s the heart of why you go, to connect. It’s a chance to make important connections, learn from others in your industry, and get some new clients. To make the most of these events, here are some networking tips.
- Dress for the part: First impressions count, so make sure you’re dressed appropriately (and comfortably!) for the event. Your outfit should reflect your professionalism, but more importantly, it should reflect you as a business owner. Whether it’s a formal conference or a casual mixer, dress in a way that makes you feel confident and credible.
- Network like a pro: Networking isn’t just about talking, it’s about building relationships. Listen attentively to what others have to say, ask thoughtful questions, and show genuine interest in their experiences. People are more likely to remember and connect with you when they feel heard and valued.
- Take your cards: Always have your business cards at the ready, or a digital version easily accessible — but get theirs first. Take initiative, when you meet someone you want to stay in touch with, exchange contact information, and follow up promptly after the event. This shows your interest in continuing the conversation and building a new relationship. Be bold, your business will thank you later.
- Maximize the post-even followup: After the event, take a moment to consider the connections you’ve made and the conversations you’ve had. Take a deep breath, you did it. Now, it’s time to make it count. Prioritize following up with those you’ve made a genuine connection with and could see potential for collaboration. This is the fun part.
Post-event tips for small business growth
Following up after attending any type of event is big for nurturing the connections you’ve made. Here are some key steps to make the most out of these connections.
Send personalized thank-you notes or emails. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way. Thank everyone you meet, be it a potential client, a fellow entrepreneur, or an industry expert. Personalize each email with a reference to something specific you discussed or learned during your connection. This simple act of courtesy shows your appreciation and bridges that gap between event and business.
Stay connected. Strengthen your professional network by connecting with those you met at the event. Personalize your invitation by referencing the event or why you want to stay in touch. LinkedIn is a fantastic tool for maintaining connections, exchanging industry knowledge, and creating lasting professional relationships.
Be sure to support other small businesses too. If you’ve gotten a ton of business cards or contact details from these SMB events, seize the moment. Connect with these prospects in a support-only way to explore opportunities and partnerships, giving is a great way to begin a partnership.
Dedicate a moment to reflect on the event’s overall vibe and success. Consider the quality of the content, the networking opportunities, and the value of the information you’ve gained. This reflection will help you to make well-informed choices about future events and guarantee that you’re getting the maximum benefits from your investment.
Catch the latest events on Salesforce+
Join us for the biggest small business events in the world, wherever you are. Watch all your favorite sessions on Salesforce+.
Events for your small business can help you grow
Events like these are more than networking opportunities — they’re platforms for transformation. By immersing yourself in these types of events, you can unlock new ways to grow, build lasting connections, and gain a fresh perspective on what’s possible for your business.
Take the leap. Your SMB journey deserves every chance to thrive. Whether you’re redefining your customer experience with SMB Commerce or exploring tools to drive growth, Salesforce is here for you every step of the way, empowering your next chapter.
