Top Data Science Conferences in 2026 in London UK, Europe, US and Asia

The data science and artificial intelligence conference calendar for 2026 offers exceptional opportunities for practitioners, researchers, and business leaders to connect with the global community driving innovation in machine learning, analytics, and AI applications. From intimate gatherings of senior executives to massive academic conferences attracting thousands, this comprehensive guide covers the most influential events across London, Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East. ## Executive Summary Data science conferences in 2026 span the full spectrum from cutting-edge academic research to practical enterprise applications. Whether you seek the latest advances in machine learning theory, hands-on training in emerging tools, or strategic insights for data-driven business transformation, these events deliver unparalleled access to knowledge and networking opportunities with the global data science community. ## 1. AI World Congress 2026 Dates: June 23-24, 2026
Location: London, United Kingdom
Website: aiconference.london AI World Congress stands as the premier gathering for senior AI and data science leaders in 2026. The event attracts 250+ senior-level delegates including Chief Data Officers, AI Directors, and Machine Learning Heads from leading global enterprises. The intimate format enables meaningful conversations between practitioners tackling real-world AI implementation challenges. Sessions address enterprise AI strategy, responsible AI governance, and emerging applications across industries. The London venue provides an ideal setting for European and international delegates seeking high-quality engagement with peers driving AI transformation. ## 2. NVIDIA GTC 2026 Dates: March 16-19, 2026
Location: San Jose, California, USA
Website: nvidia.com/gtc NVIDIA GTC (GPU Technology Conference) delivers the definitive showcase for AI, robotics, and digital innovation powered by accelerated computing. The conference features hundreds of sessions covering deep learning, generative AI, autonomous systems, and high-performance computing. NVIDIA's keynote announcements frequently set the agenda for the entire AI industry. Technical workshops provide hands-on experience with the latest CUDA tools, frameworks, and hardware platforms. GTC attracts developers, researchers, and enterprise leaders seeking to leverage GPU acceleration across their AI initiatives. ## 3. Gartner Data & Analytics Summit Dates: May 11-13, 2026
Location: London, United Kingdom
Website: gartner.com/conferences Gartner Data & Analytics Summit convenes data leaders for strategic guidance on AI governance, analytics modernisation, and data-driven decision making. The conference delivers Gartner's renowned research insights through keynotes, analyst sessions, and peer networking. Chief Data Officers and analytics leaders gain frameworks for building data strategies aligned with business objectives. Sessions address emerging trends including AI governance, data fabric architectures, and analytics democratisation. The London event serves European organisations navigating regulatory requirements while advancing their data capabilities. ## 4. ICML 2026 Dates: July 6-11, 2026
Location: Seoul, South Korea
Website: icml.cc The International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML) represents the premier academic gathering for machine learning researchers worldwide. The conference showcases breakthrough research in deep learning, reinforcement learning, probabilistic methods, and optimisation. Paper presentations, tutorials, and workshops cover the theoretical foundations and practical advances driving the field forward. ICML attracts leading researchers from universities, corporate research labs, and AI startups. The Seoul venue reflects Asia's growing importance in machine learning research and development. ## 5. Big Data LDN Dates: September 23-24, 2026
Location: London, United Kingdom
Website: bigdataldn.com Big Data LDN delivers the UK's largest gathering of data, analytics, and AI professionals. The free-to-attend conference features over 200 speakers across multiple stages covering data engineering, machine learning operations, analytics platforms, and AI applications. The extensive exhibition showcases leading vendors and emerging startups in the data ecosystem. Practical case studies from major enterprises demonstrate real-world implementations. Big Data LDN provides an efficient opportunity to evaluate technologies, learn from practitioners, and network with the UK data community. ## 6. DSC NEXT 2026 Dates: May 7-8, 2026
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Website: dsc-next.com DSC NEXT brings together forward-thinking data scientists and machine learning practitioners in Amsterdam for an intensive exploration of emerging techniques and tools. The conference emphasises practical skills development alongside strategic discussions of the profession's evolution. Sessions cover MLOps, AutoML, responsible AI, and novel applications across industries. The Amsterdam setting attracts a diverse European audience of data science professionals from startups to established enterprises seeking to advance their capabilities. ## 7. Data Science Week 2026 Dates: Various dates throughout 2026
Locations: Dubai, UAE and London, UK
Website: datascienceweek.org Data Science Week presents a thematic global series addressing AI, data, and analytics across multiple international venues. The Dubai and London editions bring together regional communities with global speakers and content. Sessions address data strategy, advanced analytics, machine learning deployment, and emerging applications in regional contexts. The series format enables participants to engage with content tailored to their geographic markets while connecting to the broader international data science community. ## 8. ODSC (Open Data Science Conference) Dates: April 28-30, 2026
Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA (with virtual options)
Website: odsc.com ODSC East delivers comprehensive AI and data science training through workshops, talks, and hands-on sessions. The conference emphasises practical skills development with extensive training tracks covering Python, deep learning, NLP, computer vision, and MLOps. Industry leaders share insights on building and deploying AI systems at scale. The hybrid format enables remote participation for those unable to travel to Boston. ODSC serves practitioners seeking to advance their technical capabilities alongside exposure to the latest tools and frameworks. ## 9. SIAM MDS26 Dates: November 16-20, 2026
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Website: siam.org The SIAM Conference on Mathematics of Data Science (MDS26) explores the mathematical foundations underlying modern data science and machine learning. The conference attracts applied mathematicians, statisticians, and computer scientists advancing theoretical understanding of algorithms and methods. Sessions cover optimisation, high-dimensional statistics, graph analytics, and computational aspects of machine learning. MDS26 provides unique opportunities for cross-disciplinary exchange between mathematics and data science communities. ## 10. AISTATS 2026 Dates: May 2-5, 2026
Location: Tangier, Morocco
Website: aistats.org The International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Statistics (AISTATS) bridges the AI and statistics communities through rigorous research presentations and discussions. The conference showcases advances in probabilistic methods, Bayesian inference, causal reasoning, and statistical machine learning. The Tangier venue reflects the conference's commitment to geographic diversity and emerging research communities. AISTATS attracts researchers seeking to understand the mathematical and statistical foundations of intelligent systems. ## 11. NextGen Data 2026 Dates: March 30-31, 2026
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Website: nextgendata.ai NextGen Data Summit brings together global leaders in AI, machine learning, and data science for strategic discussions of emerging trends and applications. The Barcelona setting attracts a diverse international audience of practitioners and executives. Sessions address generative AI, data infrastructure modernisation, and AI governance frameworks. The summit format enables deeper engagement with speakers and peers compared to larger exhibitions. ## Conference Selection Criteria For Academic Research: ICML and AISTATS deliver the highest quality peer-reviewed research in machine learning and statistics respectively. For Enterprise Strategy: Gartner Data & Analytics Summit and AI World Congress provide strategic frameworks for data-driven transformation. For Technical Skills: NVIDIA GTC and ODSC offer extensive hands-on training and workshop opportunities. For Networking: Big Data LDN and AI World Congress enable efficient engagement with large communities of practitioners. For European Focus: DSC NEXT, Big Data LDN, and AI World Congress address European market dynamics and regulatory considerations. ## Maximising Conference Value Successful conference participation requires advance preparation including session planning, meeting scheduling, and clear learning objectives. Engage actively with speakers through questions and follow-up conversations. Document insights and action items for implementation upon return. Connect with peers facing similar challenges to build lasting professional relationships that extend beyond the event.