Your MAICON Field Guide: Everything to Know Before You Go

You’re coming to Cleveland for MAICON 2026. Excellent choice.Now let’s make sure you get the most out of it.

With three days of keynotes, breakout sessions, hands-on workshops, networking, AI demos, live podcasts, and plenty of ideas flying around, MAICON can be a lot to take in. A little planning before you arrive can make the difference between “That was a great conference” and “I have 17 ideas I can actually put into practice on Monday.”

Consider this your MAICON Field Guide.

From parking and session planning to networking opportunities and what to do after the conference, here’s everything you need to know before you go.

First Things First: Review the Basics

The Dates: Oct. 13-15, 2026

The Location: Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland

300 Lakeside Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44113

You’re going to be busy, so let’s get a few logistics out of the way first.

Pack the Ideal Conference Bag

Conferences are great, but temperatures in a convention center can be unpredictable, so consider packing a light sweater or jacket. Comfortable shoes are a must, and a canvas bag or tote to carry the swag you pick up in the MAICON expo hall will help make your experience better.

Beverages are provided at meals and networking breaks, and water stations are strategically placed throughout the Huntington Convention Center. Consider packing your favorite water bottle.

Do you enjoy writing out session notes? Bring a journal and your favorite pen, though many sponsors often bring their branded journals to share.

Do you have a hot tip on the best item to pack? Join us in the #MAICON channel in our Slack community and let us know!

Getting There: Here’s the Parking Situation

Driving your car?

Due to construction, the Huntington Park Garage will have limited availability during MAICON so we suggest planning to use another nearby parking option. Alternatives include Willard Park Garage, Memorial Plaza Garage, and the Cleveland Municipal Parking Lot.

There are more than 5,000 walkable parking spaces in city lots and garages surrounding the Convention Center, so you will find something! That said, allow extra time for parking, especially during peak arrival times.

Taking a rideshare?

Uber and Lyft are both active throughout Cleveland, so make sure you have your preferred rideshare app downloaded before you arrive.

If you're using a rideshare service or taxi, direct your driver to:

300 Lakeside Ave. East, Cleveland, OH 44114

That will get you to the appropriate Convention Center entrance.

Pro tip: Give yourself a little extra time on your first morning. You’d rather arrive early with coffee in hand than sprint into your first session wondering whether your badge is on upside down.

How to Build Your Agenda Before You Arrive

Selecting your sessions before you arrive reduces stress big time.

That’s why we recommend building at least a rough agenda in advance. But you don’t need to schedule sessions in advance; all sessions are first come, first served.

You can shape your session selection around your role, areas of focus, and overall conference goals. Think about your goals, KPIs, and Rocks for the next six months. Which sessions will help you move forward? With that in mind, filter by track on the website or in the app, and dig into specifics from there.

Keep in mind that breakout sessions are sorted into two distinct tracks: Applied AI and Strategic AI (see those defined below):

• Applied AI features hands-on, tactical sessions that showcase real-world applications and use cases.
• Strategic AI explores high-level concepts, offering insights into AI strategy, leadership, and decision-making.

You can select one track to follow, or you can customize with a mix of both.

Or, if there’s a particular leader you’ve been following, you can also filter by speaker and build your schedule around them.

Don't Skip the Build Sessions

Want to do more than take notes?

Add a Build Session to your agenda. These hands-on working sessions are designed to help you create something useful in real time. Bring your laptop and leave with something valuable.

And make time for the AI Transformation Stage, where you can hear candid conversations and real-world perspectives from marketers navigating AI transformation inside their organizations.

Unlock Networking Opportunities

Connection is key. So don't spend all three days glued to your session notes. Here are a few built-in opportunities to connect.

AI for CMOs Networking Reception

Exclusively for AI for CMOs Summit registrants - see email invite for details.

When: Monday, October 12, 2026 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm

What to Expect: Start your AI for CMOs Summit experience with a private evening reception designed exclusively for CMOs and senior marketing leaders.

Before the broader MAICON conference begins, connect with peers who are actively evaluating, implementing, and scaling AI within their organizations. Share perspectives on AI strategy, team adoption, governance, and the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of marketing leadership.

Opening Night Party

When: Tuesday, October 13, 2026 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Where: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Union Home Mortgage Plaza, 1100 Rock & Roll Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio 44114

What to Expect: Get ready to rock! MAICON 2026 kicks off with an unforgettable Opening Night Party at the iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in downtown Cleveland. This legendary venue celebrates the artists, anthems, and energy that shaped generations and sets the perfect stage for a night of connection and inspiration. Mingle with fellow marketers, innovators, and AI enthusiasts while surrounded by exhibits honoring the greatest names in music history.

Networking Breakfasts & Lunches

Some of the best conversations at MAICON happen over a meal. Throughout the conference, you’ll enjoy shared breakfasts and lunches designed to spark connection, collaboration, and great ideas.

Take a break from the sessions, grab a plate (or a coffee), and join your fellow attendees for relaxed, organic conversations that turn insights into action. Whether you’re reflecting on a keynote, sharing success stories, or meeting someone new, these moments of connection are what make MAICON special.

Networking Happy Hour

When: Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | 5:35 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.

Where: Exhibit Hall C

What to Expect: After a full day of insights, inspiration, and big ideas, it’s time to kick back and connect. Join us for a lively Networking Happy Hour, where registered attendees can grab a drink, enjoy light bites, and continue the conversations with fellow marketers, innovators, and exhibitors. It’s your chance to unwind, make new connections, and explore cutting-edge AI solutions in a relaxed, social setting.

Meet the Sponsors Before You Go

Speaking of the exhibit hall...

Take a look at the MAICON sponsors before you arrive.

Knowing which companies and solutions will be there can help you make a game plan. Is there an AI platform you've been curious about? A technology partner you want to meet? A solution that might help solve a problem your team is currently facing?

Make a short list before you arrive so you don't leave Cleveland thinking, “Oh, I meant to talk to them.”

Learn about the sponsors here.

Hear a Podcast Live - MAICON Studio

The MAICON Podcast Studio will host eight podcasts recording live from the conference, bringing together some of the biggest voices and conversations in AI and marketing.

If you're a podcast fan (or just want to see how industry conversations happen behind the scenes), make a point to stop by the studio.

Here are the eight podcasts recording live at MAICON.

What Comes After MAICON

The conference doesn't have to end when you leave Cleveland.

If your package includesOn Demand, you'll have access to select session recordings after the event through AI Academy for Marketers for 12 months.

Didn't purchase an On Demand package? You can upgrade at any time if you want continued access to eligible on-demand content.

And finally, if you haven’t seen it, we also shared 10 ways to make the most of your conference experience.

There’s Still Time to Register!

Not registered yet? There’s still time to grab your ticket! We’re excited to host our 7th annual Marketing Artificial Intelligence Conference (MAICON) at this pivotal point for our industry. Join us from October 13 - 15, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.