INBOUND 2023 is on the way, and it’s bigger than ever! INBOUND is HubSpot’s yearly blockbuster marketing conference, bringing together thousands of marketers, business owners, creatives, and sales professionals from across the globe.
Whether you’re a seasoned attendee or a first-timer, you’ll find many interesting sessions to attend at this year’s INBOUND. This guide will walk you through everything the mega-conference offers, why you should attend, and how you can prepare for the best INBOUND experience with your team.
What is INBOUND 2023?
INBOUND is all about fostering community, culture, and innovation. It gathers the best speakers from various fields and provides attendees many opportunities to interact with thought leaders, peers, and potential business connections.
In keeping with the kind of value and innovation we’ve all come to expect from HubSpot, INBOUND offers a multitude of fresh ideas, educational opportunities, networking, and fun experiences for everyone. Whether in marketing, sales, customer experience, tech, business, or any other field, INBOUND is chock-full of activities and ideas you can incorporate into your work.
INBOUND Has An Interesting Origin Story
HubSpot co-founder Brian Halligan coined the term inbound marketing, a methodology that leverages personalization and tailored customer experiences through high quality and volume of content. Since 2005, when it was considered a revolutionary approach till date, inbound marketing continues to be one of the most prominent and effective forms of marketing across various industries.
Brian Halligan and Dharmesh Shah organized the first INBOUND event back in 2011. The objective was to hold an event that focused on the values of inbound marketing. At the time, the space was inundated with marketing events that were too sales-y, leaving attendees feeling uninspired and disconnected.
INBOUND has become the world’s largest event dedicated to marketing, sales, revenue operations, and customer success.
It is now a digital and in-person gathering where thought leaders and learners from over 161 countries come together to talk about the latest trends in the industry. The annual conference attracts over 70,000 attendees worldwide and grows in size, scope, and content.
Where Is INBOUND 2023 Going to Take Place? And When Is the Event?
This year’s INBOUND conference will be held from September 5 to 8, 2023, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center (BCEC) in Boston, Massachusetts. BCEC boasts an impressive 516,000 square feet of exhibit space with 82 meeting rooms and a 40,000 square foot ballroom, a lot of space for everyone to come together and network.
HubSpot has also announced that INBOUND 2023 will offer attendees more opportunities to grow their knowledge base through a multi-stage, choose-your-own-adventure approach. Participants can tailor their learnings to their interests and needs.
Thanks to HubSpot’s robust programming and community spaces, attendees will surely experience numerous entertaining and educational sessions.
There will also be sponsored events courtesy of local restaurants, product showcases and community meetups, and a lot of breaks for the fun stuff — like catching a game at Fenway Park or visiting a museum.
Who Will Be Attending INBOUND 2023?
INBOUND 2023 will attract new and seasoned marketing, sales, customer experience, and revenue operations professionals worldwide. Attendees can look forward to engaging with industry thought leaders, sharing industry best practices, hearing inspiring stories, learning about emerging trends in their field, and connecting with potential partners or customers.
Who Will be Speaking at INBOUND 2023?
Keeping with tradition, INBOUND will have featured speakers and breakout speakers at the event. While the 2023 lineup has not been announced yet, attendees can expect only the best to grace the INBOUND stage.
Last year’s conference was packed with the likes of headliner President Barack Obama and other eminent personalities like Dr. Jane Goodall and Viola Davis, who took center stage. Watch this space for the complete list of 2023 speakers.
Speaker applications are still open, so if you’re an experienced speaker and have something to share, make sure you apply!
What Kind of Sponsors and Exhibitions Will There be at INBOUND 2023?
According to preliminary data from Vendelux, 260+ exhibitors and sponsors are registered to attend INBOUND 2023, and this number is expected to grow as the event date gets closer. Bookmark the event page on Vendelux to keep track of prospective exhibitors and sponsors and learn about the latest offerings.
The 2023 sponsorship list has not been released yet, but among INBOUND’s constant and past sponsors are:
- Chase Ink
- Amazon
- Rollworks
- Aircall
- Brightcove
- Chili Piper
- and many, many more
What Kind of Sessions Are There at Inbound 2023?
You can participate in numerous networking sessions, workshops, and panel discussions. The conference will surely be jam-packed with sessions and workshops to inspire attendees and equip them with the tools they need to succeed in a digital world.
The event’s lineup changes each year slightly based on the overall theme and topics of interest, but INBOUND typically offers a range of topics to help attendees stay updated with industry developments and maximize their learning outcomes.
Some potential session topics may include:
- Leveraging AI and automation for marketing and sales
- Achieving growth through leadership storytelling
- Developing a customer-centric strategy
- Maximizing growth with revenue operations
- Exploring emerging trends in digital engagement
- Harnessing the power of disruption via web3 and the metaverse
The agenda will be announced this Spring, so watch this space for more details!
What Can I Expect from INBOUND 2023: Is it Worth it?
INBOUND 2023 is the ultimate destination for marketing professionals at all levels who want to stay ahead of the curve and gain sharper insights to take their business to the next level.
You can expect to learn from top-tier speakers, network with other professionals in your field, and discover new insights into your business growth and success. Additionally, many opportunities will be to build relationships and make lasting connections that could impact your career for years.
Designed to be an immersive 3-day experience, INBOUND aims to expand attendees’ perspective on all things tech, marketing, and everything in between. Fresh ideas always fuel creative pursuits, and INBOUND 2023 is the perfect place to find just that.
With a packed agenda of thought-provoking sessions, inspiring speakers, and innovative solutions, attending INBOUND 2023 is an excellent investment in your professional development.
INBOUND is your one-stop destination for learning, networking, and having fun! At INBOUND, you can:
- Tap into the expertise of industry leaders by attending their sessions and workshops
- Acquire new skills, insights, and knowledge that will empower you as a business leader
- Listen to thought leadership talks by executives, world leaders, and celebrities
- Connect with other professionals in your field
- Gather information about advanced tools and technologies from the providers themselves
- Discover Boston’s vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene
Why Should I Attend INBOUND 2023?
INBOUND isn’t your typical networking event. It also isn’t your one-and-done marketing or tech event. HubSpot shares that while great content is always a hallmark of every INBOUND event, the community and connection make INBOUND events remarkable.
Some communities formed at INBOUND are Black@INBOUND, Women in Tech, and others building future-oriented communities. HubSpot teased that this year’s INBOUND is being engineered by an experiential team of INBOUND alums from Bonnaroo, Outside Lands, and NBC to innovate diverse, inclusive, and engaging spaces.
Prepare to participate in thought-provoking storytelling prompts exciting games, and other (well-thought-out) shenanigans. One thing’s for sure: INBOUND 2023’s agenda centers on world-class content and ideas while fueling opportunities for connection.
Attendee Data: Learn Who’s Attending Inbound 2023 and Prepare for It
Per the latest tallies at Vendelux, attendees from the software, marketing, advertisement, and telecommunications industries will make up the bulk of INBOUND attendees this year. The crowd will be a lively mix of professionals in various fields, sales and marketing experts, founders, and top-level management.
In terms of seniority, we’re expecting a lot of professional-level attendees, followed by VP and director-level attendees, and a smattering of some C-Suite attendees. Regardless of your industry, you can keep track of the various sectors and job titles attending INBOUND 2023 on our website.
Vendelux is a revolutionary event intelligence platform that provides event marketers with the resources to find their ideal B2B events. Our database includes 60k+ b2b events worldwide. Our software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform offers detailed information on potential sponsors or prospects, including name, job title, company name, email address, phone number, and social media links.
Vendelux Fusion will take you one step further by predicting which sponsors and guests will likely join the next trade show or exhibit. This is an unprecedented benefit for event marketers as it allows them to identify who will attend their events beforehand, allowing them to sponsor or book meetings in advance. With Vendelux in your corner, locating prime business opportunities has never been easier.
Things to Consider When Registering for INBOUND 2023
INBOUND tickets are sold in tiers, so registering early is best to get the best rates for you and your team! There are currently two types of in-person passes you can get:
General Admission Pass (September 6 to 8)
- Access to all in-person programming and content
- Concierge services for discounted hotel rates and seamless booking experiences
- Award-winning local cuisine that can be purchased and sampled on the grounds
- Access to INBOUND’s attendee networking event, INBOUND at Night, where attendees can connect with others through badge-to-badge connections and sponsorship interactions
VIP Admission Pass (September 5 to 8)
- All the perks included in General Admission
- Exclusive, VIP-only welcoming party on September 5, where people can enjoy cocktails, live music, and more
- Access to the VIP lounge during the conference
- Exclusive VIP-only discounts at partner hotels and establishments
- Complimentary lunch from Boston’s award-winning local food businesses
- Reserved seating during Spotlight sessions
- Advanced registration
- Dedicated check-in lane for VIP registrants
Here are some more registration tips and reminders you may find helpful:
Get the INBOUND App
This app is the best tool you can use during the conference. It’ll help you quickly plan your conference days by choosing events and setting up your schedule so you don’t miss anything. You won’t have to wait in line if you register for your desired sessions beforehand!
Register for Sessions Ahead of Time
You’ll want to secure your spot for sessions you want to attend beforehand. Demand can be incredibly high for specific sessions, so register online as soon as possible to guarantee your seat. Also, make sure to arrive on time, as your seat can be given away to people on the waitlist if you’re late!
How Do I Plan for INBOUND 2023, and What Do I Do After the Event?
Conferences like INBOUND aren’t cheap, so you’ll want to ensure you get the most out of your investment. We’ve rounded up some tips and tricks from seasoned INBOUND alums to ensure you’re able to make the most of the conference:
Rest Well Before the Conference
It will be an eventful two to three days, so ensure you get plenty of rest before the conference. Between 8:30 am sessions, parties, and events, you’ll hardly have time to sit still and rest. You’ll want to be able to soak up as much information and interactions as possible, so ensure you’re well-rested and energized for the event itself!
Dress Comfortably
You’ll be on your feet for most of the day, so ensure you’re dressed comfortably and bring only what you need. Keep your outfits professional but functional by wearing a light jacket and comfortable shoes, as you’ll walk more than 10,000 steps daily.
Study the Agenda and Plan Your Schedule Early
As previously mentioned, scheduling sessions can be tight, and the hottest events fill up quickly. Make sure you and your team study the agenda at least a week ahead and decide who goes to which session. You can spread your team out between sessions simultaneously and share notes afterward.
Configure Auto-Posting from the INBOUND App
You can configure the INBOUND app to automatically cross-post to your social media channels like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn so that all status updates you post on the app automatically link to your socials. This can be particularly helpful if your regular content is aligned with INBOUND topics and you want to share it with your followers.
Nurture Mobile Interactions and Networking Exchanges
Treat mobile app interactions as physical ones by following them on the INBOUND app and then connecting through LinkedIn later.
Don’t Forget Your Business Cards
With everything you need to prepare for the conference, it’s easy to forget the essential part of attending a business event – your business cards! Bring at least 50 cards with you to leave no connection behind. If you’re in a bind and have run out of cards, you can create a last-minute QR code business card that connections can scan.
Maximize Hashtags
Use INBOUND’s specific hashtag to ensure other attendees can see your posts and connect with you. You can also use other specific hashtags related to your session topics or industry. This will help you discover your content through the right people and ensure you connect with the right audience.
Take Lots of Notes and Photos of Slides
With the number of sessions and events at INBOUND, keeping track of all the information can be difficult. Also, if you’re recapping sessions later on to publish on your website or share with your colleagues, relying on memory alone can be tricky! You can take notes by hand, use your phone or tablet, or just take photos of the slides to reference later.
Focus on a Few Tracks
The INBOUND agenda includes a host of conferences, events, and networking opportunities throughout the week! Stay focused and choose content specific to you to make the most of your INBOUND experience. The “HubSpot Hacks” or “Grow with HubSpot” tracks might be a good fit if you want more tactical strategies.
Alternatively, CMOs or executives may prefer the “Executive Track” or the riveting conversations in the “Bold Talks” series. The extensive array of topics available at INBOUND can seem overwhelming — but if you focus on what’s suitable for you, your experience will be incredibly worthwhile!
Follow Up After the Event
Ensure you and your team follow up with contacts and leads after the event has ended. Take notes during sessions, and reach out to new connections when you return home. You can connect further on professional networks like LinkedIn or email them directly.
Network—But Don’t Pitch Too Hard
INBOUND is an excellent opportunity to make meaningful connections, but it’s also an opportunity for you and your team to learn. While it’s essential to network and builds relationships with other attendees, remember that INBOUND is not the time or place for pitching full-on, as everything tends to be fast-paced, and everyone is busy.
You can always reach out afterward via LinkedIn or email for further conversations. Talk to people, and be strategic about it, but don’t pitch too hard! Nothing kills the vibe of an event faster than hard selling, so focus on establishing a relationship first, then pitch later on.
Tips When Traveling to INBOUND 2023 + Hotels & the Best Parties
Boston can get pretty packed during INBOUND, and hotel rates tend to skyrocket due to the number of visitors. So book your accommodation early to get discounted rates and avoid the last-minute rush. Your admission ticket will include concierge services and special hotel discounts, but with the number of attendees, you’ll still want to book in advance.
INBOUND has a list of partner hotels each year. For 2023, the official hotel provider is onPeak, and INBOUND offers special rates at selected Seaport District and Boston hotels:
Hotels Exclusively For VIP Ticket Holders
- Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport: Room rate is $346; Distance from BCEC is 0.24 miles
- The Westin Boston Seaport District: Room rate is $322; Connected to BCEC via sky bridge
Hotels for VIP and General Admission Ticket Holders
- Aloft Boston Seaport District: Room rate is $299; Distance from BCEC is 0.33 miles
- Boston Marriott Long Wharf: Room rate is $362; Distance from BCEC is 1.27 miles
- Boston Park Plaza Hotel: Room rate is $309; Distance from BCEC is 1.54 miles
- Courtyard Boston Downtown: Room rate is $287; Distance from BCEC is 1.39 miles
- Doubletree by Hilton Boston Downtown: Room rate is $312; Distance from BCEC is 1.36 miles
- Element Boston Seaport District: Room rate is $309; Distance from BCEC is 0.38 miles
- Omni Parker House Boston: Room rate is $300; Distance from BCEC is 1.22 miles
- Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel: Room rate is $341; Distance from BCEC is 0.3 miles
- Seaport Hotel Boston: Room rate is $365; Distance from BCEC is 0.29 miles
- Four Seasons One Dalton: Room rate is $475; Distance from BCEC is 2.45 miles
- Hampton Inn Seaport District: Room rate is $339; Distance from BCEC is 0.5 miles
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Boston Seaport District: Room rate is $359; Distance from BCEC is 0.5 miles
- Hyatt Place Boston / Seaport District: Room rate is $329; Distance from BCEC is 0.5 miles
- Yotel Boston: Room rate is $299; Distance from BCEC is 0.53 miles
Once you have your INBOUND 2023 ticket, you can head to the hotel portal to book via onPeak, which offers no-deposit bookings with provisions for changes and cancellations.
In addition to booking your hotel early, we recommend taking the Silver Line bus from Logan Airport into town. If you’re staying near BCEC, the bus from the airport is free. For instance, the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel is only one stop from the Silver Line Way Station, just a three-minute walk from the bus stop to the hotel. The usual fare is around $2 to $3 if you’re not coming from the airport.
INBOUND also features the best parties and events hosted by sponsors, so check out the app for the latest information on where they’ll be held. Most of these are located near the conference venue, so you can quickly join after your sessions end or even during your breaks if you need a breather. Take advantage of the after-parties and events scheduled throughout the week, as each one is an excellent opportunity to network with fellow attendees!
Attending INBOUND also means enjoying the best that Boston has to offer, so if you haven’t been to Beantown, here’s a little sneak peek of what you can expect:
- Award-winning restaurants and bars, rich cultural offerings, iconic landmarks, and an incredible music scene
- Educational landmarks such as Harvard University, Tufts University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Museums with notable collections dating back to the late 1800s/early 1900s featured at the Harvard Art Museums, Museum of Science, Museum of Fine Arts, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
- Local businesses (like HubSpot) and brands with entrepreneurs you may get to network with at INBOUND
- Great seafood from Neptune Oyster and dessert (try the Boston Cream Pie) at the Omni Parker House Hotel
- Time to unwind and process your thoughts at the Boston Commons
Summary: Careful Planning Can Make a Big Difference When you go to INBOUND 2023
INBOUND 2023 offers a wide range of learning and networking opportunities, so the challenge is knowing how to plan and curate a conference experience that works for you and your team. Book your accommodation early, check the app for special events and parties, take advantage of concierge services, and catch up on what Boston offers outside the conference venue.
With careful planning and patience, you can make INBOUND 2023 the best and most productive conference experience ever. Preparation is key, including researching who will be there beforehand, knowing which teams to network with, and doing your homework on sessions and speakers. You’ll also have to carefully budget your resources to ensure you don’t spend more than you need on accommodations, food, and other related costs.
Lastly, remember to have fun exploring new ideas, connecting with great people, and learning as much as possible quickly. Good luck, and we’ll see you there!
