Easyfairs buys The AI Conference in second US acquisition
What's the deal? EasyfairsDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → has acquired The AI ConferenceDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, a three-year-old applied artificial intelligence event held in San Francisco. Terms were not disclosed. The deal marks the Brussels-based organiser's second US acquisition and fourth US event.
What each side brings. The AI Conference, launched in 2023, focuses on how AI systems are built, deployed, governed, and scaled in real-world settings. It expects 5,500 attendees and 120 speakers at its 2026 edition, running from September 29 to October 1 at Pier 48. Easyfairs brings its international events network, operational resources, and reach.
Why now? The purchase deepens Easyfairs' US foothold in the fast-growing applied AI sector. The conference will keep its existing team and operational approach, gaining access to Easyfairs' global network.
What they're saying. "There is no better place to showcase that vision than San Francisco, where many of tomorrow's AI technologies are being developed today," said Easyfairs chief executive officer Matt Benyon. Shon Burton, founder and CEO of The AI Conference, said the deal delivers "the reach and resources to meet" rising demand for collaboration between technologists and business leaders.
The big picture. The deal caps an aggressive US expansion. In June 2025, Easyfairs launched Coiltech North AmericaDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, its largest launch to date; in December 2025, it acquired the Energy Projects Conference & ExpoDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → in Houston; and in July 2026, it announced a Digital Accountancy Show USADealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → launch in Austin for May 2027.
In August 2026, it also completed its acquisition of European organiser Xpo GroupDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, which runs 61 events across 17 countries. CapMDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → advised The AI Conference on the transaction.
The signal: Easyfairs is consolidating fast, betting that live applied-AI events can anchor its US push. With more launches and acquisitions in the pipeline, its "Visit the Future" slogan is increasingly pointed at North America.
Image credit: The AI Conference
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