For immediate release:
Rough Agenda, the organizers of brightonSEO and Hero Conf, have announced that the co-located conferences will move to the San Diego Convention Center in 2026.
The shift marks an exciting milestone for the US event’s fourth edition, reflecting its rapid growth and increasing significance within the global digital marketing community.
Following another record-breaking year in 2025, the decision to relocate comes after outstanding attendee feedback, exceptional rebook sales, and a clear desire for more space to grow. The San Diego Convention Center - home to iconic gatherings such as Comic-Con International - will provide the ideal environment for brightonSEO and Hero Conf to expand while preserving the inclusive, high-energy atmosphere the events are known for.
“brightonSEO delivers what matters most: incredible energy, cutting-edge learning & genuine connections. The move to the San Diego Convention Center gives brightonSEO the space it needs to do more of what we love; geeking out together & pushing our industry forward.”
- Britney Muller, LLC | AI Educator & Advisor
“brightonSEO has always been a standout event in the industry, and moving it to the San Diego Convention Center feels like an exciting next step that will solidify it as the event to be at in digital marketing for 2026. It’s a reflection of how the event, industry, and community continue to grow and adapt, and I’m thrilled to see what’s in store for next year.”
- Ross Simmonds, Foundation Inc, Founder/CEO,
A Global Growth Story
The brightonSEO journey began in the UK as a small meetup of search marketers in a room above a Brighton pub. Over the past 15 years, it has evolved into the world’s largest SEO conference, attracting thousands of digital marketers from across the globe to two major Brighton events each year. Known for its practical insights, warm community, and dedication to learning, brightonSEO has become a cornerstone of the global digital marketing calendar.
Expanding the Portfolio
In 2024, Rough Agenda expanded its reach with the acquisition of Hero Conf, the world’s longest-running PPC (pay-per-click) conference. Since joining the Rough Agenda family, Hero Conf has become a powerful complement to brightonSEO, rounding out a world-class lineup that covers the full spectrum of search, paid, and digital marketing.
Together, brightonSEO and Hero Conf embody Rough Agenda’s mission: to create events that combine actionable education, community connection, and creative inspiration.
“We’ve seen incredible momentum in San Diego since launching the U.S. edition, and announcing our move to the Convention Center live at this year’s event felt like a fitting celebration of that growth,” said Kelvin Newman, Founder/MD at Rough Agenda. “It’s a chance to welcome even more marketers, innovators, and industry leaders to a space that matches the energy and ambition of our community.”
More information:
The 2026 brightonSEO & Hero Conf San Diego event will take place at the San Diego Convention Center on September 15-16, 2026.
Find out more about the events:
Ticket bookings are now open here.
Sponsorship enquiries can be directed to [email protected].
About Rough Agenda
Rough Agenda is an independent events company based in the UK, dedicated to creating world-class digital marketing conferences and training. Founded by Kelvin Newman, Rough Agenda produces brightonSEO, Hero Conf, and other specialist events that bring together thousands of marketers each year to meet, learn and do their jobs a little better.
Media enquiries can be directed to:
Grace Allwright,
Head of Marketing,
Rough Agenda
[email protected]
