What’s NEXT: Ad Age announced that it will host Next Conference, the evolution of its long-running Digital Conference, on 15 – 16 November in New York. According to Ad Age, Next is “designed specifically for industry decision makers who depend on knowing what’s next, and in practical terms.” Bringing together marketing, media, science and tech decision makers will discuss the technologies and trends that they should embrace and avoid in 2018 and beyond.

Forbes Hearts SMBs: Forbes joins Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal event teams by creating their own event for the SMB market.  Forbes previously celebrated their list of America’s Best Small Companies, but on 30 October, they will gather leaders of small and medium-sized businesses and their executive teams “for a day of interactive discussions, networking, and a keynote by legendary restaurateur and Small Giant Danny Meyer.” More details on the new Small Giants conference may be found here.

Speaking Opportunity: One of the world’s top events covering the mobile ecosystem has opened its Call for Presenters. Mobile World Congress, taking place from 26 February – 1 March 2018 will be accepting speaker/topic proposals through 27 September. The theme of this year’s event is Creating a Better Future, and some of the topics of interest include: Artificial Intelligence; Digital Marketing & Advertising; Big Data and Analytics; Mobile for Sustainable Development (financial inclusion, equality, environment, health, education, etc); Connected and Autonomous Vehicles; Next Generation Networks (5G, LP WAN, etc); Digital Content and Entertainment; NFV; Enterprise Transformation; Digital Identity and Privacy; Industrial Internet of Things; Cyber Security; Consumer Internet of Things; Smart Cities; Innovation; Smart Home; and Devices.  Submit your speaker suggestions today.

Lunchtime Learning: Each year the Global Education & Skills Forum brings together more than 2,000 world leaders from the public, private and social sectors seeking “solutions to achieving education, equity and employment for all.” Hear Heads of Government, Ministers, Board Chairs and Chief Executives of businesses, researchers, multi-lateral agencies and NGOs address how to jump-start global and local efforts that will place education first.

Coming up next week: The fall conference season starts with a bang, as Mobile World Congress Americas gets underway 12 September in San Francisco. The largest U.S. event for the mobile ecosystem, MWC Americas will cover everything from network technology to consumer IoT to policy for a crowd of 30,000. Digital Marketing Expo and Conference (dmexco) runs 13-14 Septemhber in Cologne with a theme of “Lightening the Age of Transformation” for its audience of content developers, marketers, and other creative professionals. On 12 September, Bloomberg will present Sooner Than You Think, a new tech event that draws on its own analysis and data to identify the next industry-changing innovation. The American Marketing Association holds its Annual Conference 11-13 September in Las Vegas. And The Nantucket Project kicks off on 14 September to an exclusive, invitation-only audience of 500 leaders, visionaries, and influencers.