The best networking events: New events, new destinations?

When you’re working as a digital nomad, finding places to connect, collaborate, and get inspired is important for business opportunities, socialising with like-minded people, and maintaining good mental health. Whether you’re freelancing, building a business or simply seeking deeper professional connections abroad, attending the best networking events designed for remote professionals can spark your next big project or even introduce you to future partners.

In 2026, the digital nomad networking events are bigger and more diverse than ever – from beach-side coworking in Brazil to mountain retreats in Bulgaria, you’ll find communities who understand your lifestyle – the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Here are five standout networking events for 2026 that combine meaningful networking, quality schedules, and epic locations. The list has been curated for the globally minded, independent digital nomad.

Nomad Summit – Chiang Mai, Thailand

Duration: 3 days main conference and side events for a full week
Type of sessions: Nomad Summit aims to inspire, connect, and energize a new wave of builders, makers, and remote dreamers. The event features high-energy talks and hands-on sessions with insights from experienced founders, creative experiments, interactive panels, and spontaneous hallway conversations – all designed to help participants level up and take action.
The program explores three central themes:

·       Building success: Empowering indie hackers and business owners to create and scale profitable, remote-first ventures.

·       Building a life of freedom: Strategies for balancing well-being, community, and career growth as a digital nomad.

·       Building ideas into action: The famous “buildathon” – a hackathon-style event where teams turn innovative concepts into tangible projects.

Why it’s worth attending: Nomad Summit isn’t just another tech conference; it’s where creativity and collaboration meet. Chiang Mai provides the perfect backdrop for a community of builders, founders, freelancers, and innovators seeking freedom and impact. Whether you’re an indie hacker, a remote worker evolving into a founder, or a tech enthusiast craving inspiration, this event helps you transform ideas into action, together with a global network of like-minded pioneers.

Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Date: January 16–18 (main). Nomad Week January 19–26, 2026.
Cost:

• Early Bird (until Oct 15, 2025):
  Standard $249 (€229) / Premium $329 (€303)
• Regular (until Jan 7, 2026):
  Standard $299 (€275) / Premium $399 (€367)
• Late Bird (until Jan 15, 2026):
  Standard $349 (€321) / Premium $449 (€413)
• Door Fee (from Jan 16, 2026):
  Standard $399 (€367) / Premium $499 (€459)
• Ticket perks:
  Standard ($299 / €275 regular price) includes admission to the main conference, 5-star lunch buffets (Sat & Sun), afterparty (Sat), pool party (Sun), and free access to side events.
• Premium ($399 / €367 regular price) includes everything above plus early-booking access to side events, fast-track registration, instant access to session recordings, exclusive swag, and partner perks.

Full information on the Nomad Summit.

The Nomad World – Rio Edition – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Duration: 8 days
Type of sessions: Get insights into the future of remote work, nomad-friendly cities, AI-driven work trends, and scaling a global business. Whether you’re a freelancer, startup founder, or part of a remote team, you’ll gain actionable strategies to thrive in the new era of work. Through structured networking, masterminds, and interactive discussions, you’ll build relationships that last long after the event ends. Experience coworking, cultural events, beach sports, hikes, and curated side activities in one of the world’s most vibrant cities.

Why it’s worth attending:
The Nomad World – Rio Edition offers an ideal blend of professional growth and cultural immersion. By day, you’ll attend forward-thinking sessions with global experts; by night, you’ll unwind in Copacabana and socialise under the stars. It’s a great networking event for digital nomads who want to elevate their careers while embracing the freedom of the Rio lifestyle.
Location: Porto Maravalley, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Date: March 6–14, 2026
Cost:

• 2-Day Conference Pass: $51 (€47) (+ $5 (€4.40) fee) – includes access to all main conference talks and workshops.
• Full-Week Premium Pass: $160 (€147) (+ $12 (€11.17) fee) – includes access to all main and side events, premium networking sessions, and evening activities.
• (Sales end February 28, 2026, for Premium, and March 4, 2026, for the 2-Day pass.)

Full information on The Nomad World, Brazil.

Bansko Nomad Fest – Bansko, Bulgaria

Duration: 11 days
Type of sessions: A celebration of the remote lifestyle featuring curated conference sessions, community-led skill shares, networking events, and evening entertainment – from speed dating and karaoke to pool parties and bonfire nights. The mountain setting provides a relaxed, social environment that helps build genuine professional and personal relationships.
Why it’s worth attending: Bansko Nomad Fest is one of Europe’s biggest digital nomad events, blending work, wellness, and fun. You’ll meet remote professionals from across the world, attend workshops on entrepreneurship and AI, and recharge with yoga, meditation, and mountain adventures. It’s the ultimate mix of learning and leisure for location-independent workers.
Location: Bansko, Bulgaria
Date: June 20–30, 2026
Cost:

• 2026 Social Ticket – Super Early Bird Special
  $95 (€87.50) + $19 (€17.50) 
• 2026 Standard Ticket – Super Early Bird Special
  $177 (€162.50) + $35 (€32.50) 
• 2026 Silver Package – Super Early Bird Special
  $268 (€245.83) + $54 (€49.17) 
• 2026 Industry Ticket – Super Early Bird Special
  $404 (€370.83) + $81 (€74.17) 

Ticket perks:

• Social Ticket: Access to weekend events, morning wellness, and park night program.
• Standard Ticket: Access to Fri–Sat conferences, unconferences, and park night program.
• Silver Ticket: Adds access to networking areas and a €50 app credit.
• Industry Ticket: Includes all premium benefits plus business networking, relaxing hot springs, and spa day add-ons.
• Full information on the Bankso Nomad Fest.

The Nomad World – Mexico Edition – Mexico City, Mexico

Duration: 7 days

Type of sessions: Expect in-depth academies and workshops designed to help you launch, scale, or streamline your remote business. The sessions go beyond inspirational talks, offering real strategies from industry leaders in digital entrepreneurship, marketing, and community building. Learn from top global voices such as Hannah Dixon, Safir Jamal, and Sergio Sala, alongside local innovators.

Why it’s worth attending: The Mexico City edition connects you with founders, freelancers, and policy leaders while immersing you in the city’s culture through culinary tours, coworking meetups, and cultural experiences. Each event integrates deeply with the host city, making participants feel part of a true “pop-up nomad capital.” Whether you’re starting your nomad journey or scaling your seventh startup, this is the place for real learning, real connection, and real belonging.

Location: Mexico City, Mexico
Date: May 1–7, 2026
Cost:

• 1-Day Conference Pass: $51 (€47) (+ $5 (€4.40) fee) – includes access to the main conference talks and workshops.
• Full-Week Premium Pass: $160 (€147) (+ $12 (€11.17) fee) – includes access to all main and side events, academies, networking sessions, and cultural experiences.

(Sales end May 1, 2026.)

Full information on The Nomad World, Mexico. 

Running Remote – Austin, Texas, USA

Duration: 3 days

Type of sessions: Running Remote is the leading global event for founders and leaders of distributed teams, designed to share real-world strategies for scaling, managing, and thriving in remote and hybrid organisations.

Austin is a thriving hub of innovation, creativity, and collaboration. Known as the “Silicon Hills,” it’s home to a vibrant tech ecosystem of startups, established companies, and a dynamic community of digital professionals.

Attendees will benefit from AI-powered networking and meeting tools, session summaries, and exclusive audience-based breakfasts, plus full access to event recordings and an interactive expo.

Why it’s worth attending: The event is known for its calibre of attendees and speakers, offering equal learning opportunities from both. Each ticket includes a 1-year community membership featuring a 24/7 global Slack group, peer masterminds, AI-driven resources, and direct access to top speakers and advisors – along with a 50% discount for RR2027.

Location: Fair Market, 1100 East 5th Street, Austin, TX 78702, USA
Date: April 27–29, 2026

Cost:

• Full Access Pass: $899 (€827) (Early Bird, was $1,999 (€1,839))
• Budget Focused: $1,299 (€1,195) (available until end of February)
• Full Price: $1,999 (€1,839) (at the door)

Special Passes:

• Group Rate: 20% off for teams of 2–5 members
• Time Doctor Customers: Invite-only discounted access
• Early-Stage Startups: Discounted passes for startups that have raised under $3M
• Media & Press: Free access for accredited journalists

Full information on Running Remote, Texas.

Why attending networking events in 2026 could change your career

Attending one or more of these events isn’t just about collecting business cards; it’s about immersing yourself in an ecosystem of like-minded professionals, building relationships that travel with you, and accelerating your remote-work journey in fresh directions.

You’ll meet people from different countries and industries, which is great for future collaborations, partnerships or job leads.

These events include workshops and sessions designed for digital nomads, entrepreneurs and remote workers, meaning you’ll pick up actionable insights, not just theory.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

Plans that may interest you

eSIM Morocco

From

$3.79

USD

Letara Draghia

English Copywriter

I've been a copywriter for over a decade, working mostly in the retail industry. I've managed copywriting teams and contributed to major campaigns for F&F at Tesco, TK Maxx, and Dreams. I also work part-time as a news writer. Outside of work, I love to cook, and a fun fact about me is that I have a phobia of bananas—it's the smell!

Read full bio

Related reading