BrightonSEO
Attending for the first time or on your own?

Everyone's welcome

First time at brightonSEO? Coming on your own? You’re in very good company. We know a big conference can feel overwhelming but brightonSEO is famously friendly, welcoming and easy to find your feet in. Here is a little guide to help you make the most of your trip.

Need to book your ticket? Register here

Your guide to brightonSEO San Diego 2026

At our last event, 43% of attendees were there for the very first time and a huge number came on their own. It might feel like everyone already knows each other, but that’s rarely the case. Most people are open, approachable, and just as keen to meet new people as you are.

📋 What to expect

Here’s how the conference works (and how to make it work for you):

  • There are 5 tracks, each with 5 sessions per day
  • Each session includes 3–4 talks on a shared topic
  • You can move between tracks between sessions (but not between individual talks)
  • You’re welcome to move between Hero Conf and brightonSEO sessions

For the last session on Wednesday, the keynote is a single-track session so everyone can attend together.

The expo area is busiest during breaks, so if you prefer a quieter wander or want more time to chat, dip in during a talk session instead.

🗓 A simple first-timer plan

  • Arrive early for registration (queues build from 9am onwards)
  • Grab a coffee, explore the venue, and get familiar with the space
  • 9am: Head to the Welcome Briefing
  • Pick 2–3 sessions per day you’re most excited about
  • Create your ‘My Schedule’ on the website and print it
  • Spend one break (or a talk session) exploring the expo
  • Go to the after-party or drinks - even if just for 30 minutes

And don’t worry:
It’s completely normal to attend sessions alone. Even people who come in groups often split up to catch different talks.

👋 Start your day right

Join our first-timers’ meet-up in the Community Hub, Room 8, at 8:15am on Tuesday. Meet other newcomers, make a few friendly connections and start the conference with some familiar faces.

🤝 Meet people (without the awkwardness)

There is nothing worse than coming away from a buzzing event like brightonSEO but feeling like you didn't connect with anyone. Which is why we put on a whole range of low-pressure networking activities to help you find your SEO people.

There are plenty of easy, low-pressure ways to connect:

These are especially popular with first-timers and solo attendees and there’s something for every personality type.

🍴 Meet-Up Meals (for solo & first-timers only)

Once you’ve booked your ticket, you can join one of our Meet-Up Meals, designed specifically for:

  • First-time attendees
  • People coming on their own
  • BFF ticket holders

These are reserved tables at restaurants on Tuesday & Wednesday evening where you can meet and dine with fellow attendees.

🔗 If you have your brightonSEO ticket, you can book onto a meal here.

👥 Structured Networking

If you prefer something more organised, join our Speed Networking sessions in the Community Hub during the conference:

Speed Networking Times:

11:10 AM – 12:10 PM

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

On both Tuesday & Wednesday

🦜 Birds of a feather meet-ups

Our Birds of a Feather meetups are informal, friendly gatherings built around shared experiences, interests and careers - perfect for first time attendees. No presentations, no pressure - just good conversations with great people.


Tuesday

Registration - 8.15am - 👋 First-Time Attendees

Registration - 8.15am - 🐦 New to SEO? Meet Your People

Registration - 8.15am - 🐦 New to PPC? Meet Your People

Lunch - 12.30pm - 🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ+ in Search & Paid Media

Lunch - 12.30pm - 🧠 Neurodivergent SEOs & PPCers

Lunch - 12.30pm - 🌸 Women in SEO & PPC

Happy Hour - 6.00pm - 🚀 SEO & PPC Careers & Freelancing

Happy Hour - 6.00pm - 🔗 PR, Links & Authority

🟡 Roundtables

Our roundtables are also a great way to connect with new people. These exclusive peer-to-peer sessions allow you to meet industry peers in similar roles for high-impact, focused discussions on today’s most pressing topics.

Tuesday September 15


Wednesday September 16



🏨 Book your hotel

If you haven't already sorted accommodation, booking through the official brightonSEO hotel block gives you access to exclusive rates, carefully selected nearby hotels, and a stay designed around the conference experience.


Two out of three hotel booking slots have now closed. Book with the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter by Friday 31 to save $432 on a three night stay.

Final note

You don’t need to know anyone to feel at home here.
Show up, be yourself, and take it at your own pace. You’ll fit right in.

Plan your visit

Find your crowd and inspiration at brightonSEO this September 15 - 16 at the San Diego Convention Center

Speaker on stage at brightonSEO San Diego

Your talks schedule

Pick which talks you'd like to attend and create your own personal agenda.

networking events brightonseo San Diego

Networking events

Browse our networking activities and book on.

suggested itinerary brightonSEO San Diego

Suggested itineraries

Check out some suggested itineraries we have put together depending on your focus.

getting to San Diego

Getting to San Diego

Plan your journey to brightonSEO San Diego.

FAQs brightonSEO San Diego

Check out our FAQs

Have a question? We may cover it here.

hero conf San Diego 2026

Access to Hero Conf San Diego

Co-located with Hero Conf for all your PPC needs.