Podcast Summary: The $100 MBA Show

Episode: What Are The Best Conferences To Attend In 2026?
Host: Omar Zenhom
Date: February 11, 2026

Episode Overview

In this actionable episode, Omar Zenhom addresses a listener’s question about the best conferences to attend in 2026 to grow your business. Drawing from his own extensive experience attending and speaking at major conferences, Omar lays out a clear framework for evaluating events and shares his top conference recommendations across different industries and business stages. He emphasizes that while their value can be huge, conferences also risk being expensive wastes of time if you choose the wrong ones or fail to fully engage. This is a no-fluff, insight-rich guide for entrepreneurs seeking to level up through in-person networking and industry learning.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Three Ingredients of a Valuable Conference ([03:32])

• 1. The Right People

  • Conferences must attract attendees who are operators, builders, and doers—not just “tourists and tire kickers.”
  • “If the audience are not where you want to be in the future, then you're really not going to get a lot out of it.” (Omar, 04:01)

• 2. High-Quality Content

  • The content should offer practical, challenging insights—not hype or “recycled motivation.”
  • Look for conferences that “respect your intelligence and your time.” (Omar, 06:02)

• 3. The X-Factor: Vibe

  • The sense of community and approachability defines the experience.
  • Conferences run by founders or creators often have the best vibes.
  • “The best conferences feel like a community, feels like a family, feels like, wow, where have all these people been all my life?” (Omar, 08:08)

2026 Conference Shortlist

Omar recommends five outstanding conferences, each serving different audiences:

1. The Podcast Show London ([09:32])

• Who’s it for? Podcasters, podcast advertisers, content creators.
• Why attend?
  • Comprehensive look at every aspect of podcasting: content, ads, sponsorships, tech and forward-looking discussions.
  • High-value networking opportunities, often in informal settings (e.g., over coffee or lunch).
  • Cost-effective: around £200/$300, “most bang for your buck.”
  • “Some of the most valuable moments... happen over coffee, over lunch, or even between sessions.” (Omar, 10:26)

2. MicroConf ([14:19])

• Who’s it for? SaaS founders, software entrepreneurs, bootstrappers.
• Key Features:
  • One main track: no overwhelm, shared attendee experience.
  • Run by Rob Walling; “the community is absolutely special.”
  • Emphasizes informal networking—“hallway track”—with built-in downtime.
  • Different US and European editions; Europe locations rotate yearly.
  • “Everybody I meet at MicroConf is warm, is humble, is generous, is sharp. Despite the fact that they're incredibly successful...” (Omar, 16:45)
  • Activities (like hikes) at European editions foster strong connections.

3. DCBKK ([20:24])

• Who’s it for? Lifestyle business owners, digital nomads, “independent business” crowd.
• Highlights:
  • Run by the Dynamite Circle, annual in Bangkok.
  • Membership required (~$500/year), but easy to join.
  • Attendees focus on lifestyle design, financial independence, and international diversity.
  • Fun elements: tuk tuk rides, playful events.
  • “The attendees come of a diverse background, different types of people from different parts of the world.” (Omar, 21:29)

4. Stripe Tour ([23:05])

• Who’s it for? Online business owners, those interested in payments, pricing, and revenue optimization.
• What’s special:
  • Free, one-day events in multiple cities worldwide.
  • High-profile speakers (e.g., Jony Ive) and excellent, pragmatic content.
  • “Out of this world great value”—includes free breakfast, lunch, coffee.
  • “This is probably the most affordable one...big surprise about Stripe Tour is that it's actually free.” (Omar, 24:07)

5. South by Southwest (SXSW) ([26:11])

• Who’s it for? Creatives, filmmakers, YouTubers, designers, musicians, cultural innovators.
• Distinctives:
  • Massive, immersive festival in Austin (as well as international editions).
  • Tracks for film, music, gaming, tech—a “cross-pollination” of creative fields.
  • Overwhelming but deeply stimulating and fun; designed experiences (not just booths).
  • Includes live performances, movie screenings, interactive after-events.
  • “It's more of a festival than a conference...but it's also a lot of fun, it's really inspiring and full of interesting and creative people.” (Omar, 26:32)

Omar’s Personal Conference Guidelines ([33:30])

• Be Fully Present:
  • “Don’t book work calls, don’t work on your business while you’re there... be fully present.” (Omar, 33:44)
• Set Social Goals:
  • Aim to meet two or three new people each day, even if introverted.
• Participate in all events:
  • Don’t retreat to your hotel room; maximize interactions at dinners and parties.
  • “Trying to half attend kills your return on investment. So immerse yourself, don't half-ass it.” (Omar, 34:46)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On What Makes a Conference Great:
  • “There’s something that happens when you have a room full of inspiring people that are taking action...the molecules in the room change.” (Omar, 04:31)
• On Conference Content:
  • “The best conferences respect your intelligence. They respect your time. And the people that are on stage, they bring it.” (Omar, 06:14)
• On “Vibe”:
  • "You want a place where people feel approachable and they feel generous and they feel giving." (Omar, 08:23)
• On Immersion:
  • “Immerse yourself and get the most out of it.” (Omar, 35:09)
• On Personalization:
  • “There is no universal best conference. The right conference depends on your business, your stage, the people you want to meet, the life you’re trying to build. So choose intentionally, not emotionally.” (Omar, 35:32)

Important Timestamps

• [03:32] – Three Ingredients of Great Conferences
• [09:32] – Podcast Show London Recommendation
• [14:19] – MicroConf Details and Community
• [20:24] – DCBKK: Lifestyle Business Focus
• [23:05] – Stripe Tour: Payments, Revenue, Free Event
• [26:11] – South by Southwest (SXSW) for Creatives
• [33:30] – How to Maximize Your Conference ROI
• [35:32] – The Importance of Choosing the Right Conference for You

Conclusion

Omar Zenhom’s criteria and recommendations offer a practical playbook for selecting the right conferences to attend in 2026—whether you’re a seasoned SaaS founder, an aspiring podcaster, a lifestyle entrepreneur, or a creative type. While his shortlist provides concrete options, the episode’s true takeaway is Omar’s insight that the best conference is the one that matches your specific needs and where you show up, fully engaged. As he advises: “Choose intentionally, be present, and immerse yourself for maximum impact.”