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7 Biggest Tech Conferences for Sponsorship & Networking in 2025

Discover the 7 biggest tech conferences for 2025. Get exclusive data on attendees, sponsors, and costs to maximize your ROI and find the best events.

Choosing the right tech conference to sponsor is a high-stakes decision. With thousands of options and massive budgets on the line, how do you ensure your sponsorship investment delivers tangible returns? Generic attendance numbers and flashy marketing materials are insufficient for strategic planning. You need granular, actionable data on attendees, historical sponsors, and event focus to accurately forecast your ROI.

As the largest aggregator of conference and sponsorship data, we cut through the noise. This isn't just another list; it's a data-backed analysis of the biggest tech conferences poised to deliver value in 2025/2026. We help you identify which events attract your ideal customer profile and which sponsorship packages offer the best value. This guide is designed to empower you with the specific insights needed for confident sponsorship and attendance decisions.

Whether you're a marketing leader seeking high-value sponsorships, a business development professional targeting key accounts, or an exhibitor looking for unparalleled networking, our analysis provides the clarity you need. We'll explore the events that offer the greatest potential for your specific goals, supported by our unique data, screenshots, and direct links to each conference platform. Let's dive into the metrics that matter for discovering conferences and securing sponsorships.

1. CES (Consumer Electronics Show)

As the definitive platform for one of the biggest tech conferences globally, ces.tech is the command center for anyone looking to discover sponsorship opportunities or attend. The site is the primary source for all event logistics, from registration to exhibitor lists, making it an indispensable tool for marketing and business development professionals aiming to navigate this colossal event. Its core function is to streamline access to a conference that spans multiple venues and attracts over 135,000 attendees, offering a structured pathway for potential sponsors and exhibitors.

CES (Consumer Electronics Show)

The platform’s user experience is designed for high-volume traffic and complex information delivery. It clearly delineates access tiers, ensuring potential attendees and sponsors can make informed decisions based on their strategic objectives. The site excels in providing comprehensive logistical support, a crucial factor for planning a successful sponsorship activation.

Key Platform Features & Strategic Value for Sponsors

The ces.tech website is more than just a registration portal; it’s a strategic planning tool for securing sponsorships. For sponsorship managers, the "Exhibit" and "Be a Sponsor" sections are rich with data on exhibitor lists, floor plans, and sponsorship packages. This allows teams to analyze competitor presence and identify high-traffic areas for maximum brand exposure.

  • Registration and Access Tiers: The platform provides a clear, multi-tiered registration system. Understanding the pass structure is crucial for maximizing ROI for your attending team.
  • Exhibitor Directory and Floor Map: An interactive map allows for pre-show planning to identify keynotes, scout potential partners, and analyze competitor booth placement, informing your own sponsorship strategy.
  • Official Logistics Hub: Centralized resources for travel and accommodation help sponsorship teams manage budgets and logistics efficiently, preventing reliance on costly third-party vendors.

Pricing Structure and Access Analysis

Access to CES is tiered, and the website lays out the pricing structure with transparent inclusions for each level. This is critical for teams to align their sponsorship and attendance budget with their goals, whether it's lead generation on the show floor or high-level networking at exclusive sessions.

Pass Type Target Audience Key Access Features Strategic Insight
Exhibits Plus Pass Business Development, Sales Access to show floor, keynotes, select content Best for lead generation and competitive analysis.
Deluxe Conference Pass Industry Analysts, C-Suite Full conference program access, partner sessions Ideal for deep industry immersion and high-level networking.

Sponsorship Pro-Tip: Use the ces.tech exhibitor list from the previous year to forecast sponsorship costs and identify brands that consistently invest. Cross-reference this with our own historical sponsorship data to build a predictive model for your budget and expected ROI.

While the site is the authoritative source, its pricing is dynamic, often increasing as the event date approaches. Early registration is a key cost-saving measure for any team planning to attend or exhibit.

Website: https://www.ces.tech

2. RSA Conference

As the central hub for the world's premier cybersecurity event, rsaconference.com is the definitive resource for security vendors looking to sponsor and practitioners aiming to attend. The website is the sole official channel for registration, agenda planning, and sponsorship engagement for what is undeniably one of the biggest tech conferences in the cybersecurity sector. Its primary function is to provide a structured gateway for thousands of attendees to navigate a dense program and a massive vendor expo, making it a prime opportunity for B2B tech companies.

RSA Conference

The platform is designed for clarity, especially regarding its complex pass and pricing structure. It clearly lays out multiple access tiers, allowing marketing and security teams to plan and budget sponsorships effectively. The user experience prioritizes easy access to the session catalog and exhibitor list—critical tools for anyone planning to invest in attending or sponsoring.

Key Platform Features & Strategic Value for Sponsors

The rsaconference.com website serves as a crucial strategic asset for sponsorship discovery. For marketing managers, the "Become a Sponsor/Exhibitor" section is a goldmine of information, offering detailed prospectuses, audience demographics, and floor plans. This allows teams to precisely target their sponsorship investment and measure potential reach within the cybersecurity community.

  • Transparent Pricing Tiers: The site features a multi-phase pricing grid (Early Bird, Discount, Standard) that rewards early commitment, a key factor for budget-conscious sponsorship teams.
  • Flexible Access Options: It offers a variety of passes, from the comprehensive Full Conference Pass to an Expo-only option, allowing companies to tailor attendance to specific team roles and objectives.
  • Comprehensive Session Catalog: An easily searchable agenda lets sponsors identify high-traffic sessions to target for ancillary marketing and helps attendees build personalized schedules.

Pricing Structure and Access Analysis

RSA Conference's access is tiered, with the website providing a clear breakdown of what each pass includes. This transparency is vital for sponsorship managers to align their conference budget with strategic goals, whether it's hands-on technical training for their team or high-level CISO networking.

Pass Type Target Audience Key Access Features Strategic Insight
Expo Plus Pass Sales, Marketing, Recruiters Access to the expo floor, keynotes, and sponsored sessions. Cost-effective option for lead generation and competitive landscape analysis.
Full Conference Pass Security Practitioners, Analysts Full access to all track sessions, labs, keynotes, and the expo. Essential for deep-dive learning and networking with industry experts.
On-Demand Pass Global Teams, Budget-Constrained Digital access to recorded keynotes and track sessions post-event. Provides access to key content without the cost of travel and accommodation.

Sponsorship Pro-Tip: Use the detailed pricing grid on rsaconference.com to your advantage. By registering your team during the "Early Bird" phase, the savings on multiple Full Conference passes can often be reallocated toward a small booth or other sponsorship activities, effectively stretching your budget.

The primary drawback for sponsors is the significant price increase as the event nears, making last-minute planning expensive. For attendees, the most popular sessions fill up quickly, requiring proactive scheduling.

Website: https://www.rsaconference.com

3. AWS re:Invent

As the digital hub for Amazon's premier cloud computing event, reinvent.awsevents.com is the central nervous system for one of the biggest tech conferences in the world. For companies in the cloud ecosystem, it's a critical venue for sponsorship and exhibition. The site is the sole official portal for all attendee and sponsor activities, managing registration and planning for over 65,000 cloud professionals. Its primary function is to provide a structured gateway to an intensely technical conference, making it a key discovery tool for any team looking to sponsor events in cloud, data, AI/ML, or DevOps.

AWS re:Invent

The platform is engineered to handle massive demand. For sponsorship and business development teams, the site serves as an essential resource for navigating the massive partner expo and identifying key contacts long before setting foot in Las Vegas. A clear registration flow and pass structure make planning straightforward.

Key Platform Features & Strategic Value for Sponsors

The reinvent.awsevents.com website is a strategic asset for maximizing sponsorship ROI. For sponsors, the "Sponsors" section provides direct access to the prospectus and floor plans, allowing for early analysis of booth placement and competitor adjacencies. For attendees, the detailed session catalog is crucial for planning a curriculum that aligns with specific business goals.

  • Session Catalog and Scheduler: An exhaustive, filterable catalog allows teams to identify high-traffic sessions and themes, informing sponsorship messaging and activation strategies.
  • Group Registration Portal: The platform facilitates group bookings with built-in discounts (e.g., buy 4, get 1 free), enabling managers to streamline team logistics and optimize budgets for attending teams.
  • Free Livestream Access: Keynotes and Innovation Talks are streamed for free, offering valuable market intelligence for teams unable to attend and expanding the event's reach for sponsors.

Pricing Structure and Access Analysis

Access to re:Invent is primarily via a full conference pass, with the website clearly detailing the cost. The platform's structure encourages early planning, which is vital for both sponsors locking in prime locations and attendees hoping to secure spots in high-demand workshops.

Pass Type Target Audience Key Access Features Strategic Insight
Full Conference Pass Developers, Engineers, C-Suite Access to all keynotes, sessions, partner expo, and meals The standard for deep technical learning and networking. Group discounts offer the best value.
re:Play Guest Pass (Add-On) Partners, Guests Access to the popular re:Play closing party A lower-cost option for informal networking opportunities outside of technical sessions.

Sponsorship Pro-Tip: The re:Invent platform is predictable. Analyze the session catalog from the previous year to identify trending topics. Align your sponsorship activation with these high-traffic themes to attract a more targeted and engaged audience. You can find more data on AWS re:Invent on our platform to inform your strategy.

While the site offers a seamless experience, the most significant challenge for attendees is the fierce competition for session slots, requiring teams to be prepared to register the moment the scheduler opens.

Website: https://reinvent.awsevents.com

4. Dreamforce (Salesforce)

As the central hub for Salesforce’s massive annual gathering, salesforce.com/dreamforce is the essential gateway for any company seeking sponsorship opportunities within the CRM and SaaS ecosystem. The platform is the single source of truth for all logistics surrounding one of the biggest tech conferences for sales, marketing, and data professionals. It’s designed to manage the immense flow of attendees and provides a clear path for registration, sponsorship inquiries, and session selection for a highly focused business audience.

Dreamforce (Salesforce)

The website's primary function is to convert interest into attendance, with a streamlined registration process that heavily incentivizes early commitment through discounts. For sponsors, the site is the first point of contact for understanding the immense partner ecosystem and identifying opportunities to engage a captive audience of Salesforce users.

Key Platform Features & Strategic Value for Sponsors

The Dreamforce website is a critical tool for sponsorship planning and budget justification. For marketing teams, the detailed session catalogs from previous years offer invaluable insights into content trends and potential partnership opportunities. For more in-depth data, you can learn more about Dreamforce on ConferenceDatabase.com.

  • Integrated Registration and Lodging: The platform combines pass purchasing with access to official hotel blocks, enabling teams to secure accommodations at discounted rates.
  • Salesforce+ Livestream Access: Free access to keynotes and select sessions via Salesforce+ allows teams to gain key insights without the cost of a full pass, expanding the reach of sponsor messaging.
  • Team Planning and Justification Tools: The site provides downloadable resources to help managers build a business case for attendance and sponsorship, outlining the potential ROI.

Pricing Structure and Access Analysis

Dreamforce utilizes a deadline-driven pricing model, which the website clearly communicates. This transparency is crucial for sponsorship and marketing managers to optimize their budgets by registering early. The all-inclusive nature of the full pass simplifies planning for attending teams.

Pass Type Target Audience Key Access Features Strategic Insight
Full Conference Pass Sales & Marketing Leaders, Developers Full access to all keynotes, breakout sessions, hands-on workshops, certification exams, Dreamfest The primary pass for maximizing networking and educational ROI. Essential for anyone targeting the Salesforce ecosystem.
Salesforce+ (Free) Remote Teams, Budget-Constrained Professionals Livestreamed keynotes and select on-demand content An excellent resource for staying current on major announcements and industry trends without incurring travel and ticket expenses.

Sponsorship Pro-Tip: The Dreamforce platform is heavily focused on the Salesforce ecosystem. Use our historical sponsorship data to analyze which ISV partners and consulting firms consistently exhibit. This helps you position your own sponsorship to either compete directly or offer a complementary solution to this captive audience.

The main drawback for sponsors is the singular focus on the Salesforce world, which may limit its appeal for those outside that specific tech stack. Hotel availability near the Moscone Center also diminishes rapidly.

Website: https://www.salesforce.com/dreamforce

5. Microsoft Ignite

As the central hub for one of the biggest tech conferences focused on the enterprise, ignite.microsoft.com is the definitive portal for sponsors targeting IT professionals, developers, and business leaders. The site's primary function is to manage a hybrid event that offers both in-person and extensive free digital access. For sponsorship teams, it serves as the official source for all participation details, making it a critical tool for planning an effective presence.

Microsoft Ignite

The platform is engineered to serve a dual audience: the hands-on technical practitioner and the strategic decision-maker. It effectively segments information, allowing potential sponsors to quickly find relevant content paths for Azure, AI, and security to align their messaging and attract the right attendees to their booth or session.

Key Platform Features & Strategic Value for Sponsors

The ignite.microsoft.com website is a strategic gateway into the Microsoft ecosystem. For sponsorship and business development teams, the platform offers a direct line to understanding Microsoft’s product priorities, which is invaluable for partnership alignment and crafting relevant marketing campaigns.

  • Multiple Attendance Modes: The site clearly outlines the benefits of in-person and free digital access, allowing sponsorship teams to tailor their investment to reach both audiences.
  • Session Catalog and Scheduler: An exhaustive catalog lets sponsors identify keynotes and breakout sessions that align with their product strategy, ensuring they can target the most relevant attendees.
  • Logistics and Add-On Hub: Centralized management of travel and housing helps teams control costs and maximize the on-site experience for their attending staff.

Pricing Structure and Access Analysis

Microsoft Ignite’s pricing is tiered to cater to different levels of engagement, a structure clearly detailed on the website. The availability of a robust free digital track makes it a high-reach opportunity for sponsors, while the premium in-person pass is geared toward high-value networking and direct customer engagement.

Pass Type Target Audience Key Access Features Strategic Insight
Digital Pass Developers, IT Admins Free access to keynotes, select sessions, digital labs Excellent for broad brand awareness to a massive online audience.
Full Conference Pass C-Suite, IT Leaders, Architects All sessions, networking events, workshops, expo floor Essential for deep engagement, partnership discussions, and direct access to Microsoft customers.

Sponsorship Pro-Tip: The free digital pass democratizes access to Ignite's content. Leverage our platform's data on past Ignite attendees to identify companies with high digital participation. These companies are prime targets for co-marketing initiatives centered around Microsoft technologies, as they have already demonstrated a strong interest.

The primary drawback for sponsors is the high cost of the full in-person pass and premium booth locations, requiring significant investment to stand out.

Website: https://ignite.microsoft.com

6. SXSW (Interactive/Tech Tracks)

As a convergence point for technology, film, and music, sxsw.com is the central nervous system for a uniquely diverse event. Its Interactive tracks make it one of the biggest tech conferences for startups, marketers, and VCs, presenting unique sponsorship opportunities. The website is the sole, official portal for navigating this sprawling festival, offering critical tools for registration and scheduling, which is essential for marketing teams seeking cross-disciplinary networking and brand exposure.

SXSW (Interactive/Tech Tracks)

The platform is designed to manage a multifaceted event with parallel tracks. It clearly outlines the benefits tied to each badge type, helping potential sponsors make strategic decisions about which audience segments to target. The site also acts as a hub for countless official and unofficial side events, providing a holistic view for planning a comprehensive sponsorship activation.

Key Platform Features & Strategic Value for Sponsors

The sxsw.com website functions as an essential strategic resource for maximizing sponsorship impact. For marketing managers, the platform's detailed breakdown of tracks and themes within the Interactive conference provides a roadmap for aligning brand messaging with specific audiences, from AI innovators to branding experts.

  • Tiered Badge System: The platform meticulously details what each badge (Interactive, Film & TV, Music, and Platinum) offers, helping sponsors understand audience flow and access.
  • SXXpress Pass System: A crucial feature for premium badge holders, allowing them to request priority access to popular sessions, which can be sponsored for high visibility.
  • Official Schedule & Event Listings: Beyond the core conference, the site lists numerous affiliated showcases and parties, offering a wide range of sponsorship and activation opportunities.

Pricing Structure and Access Analysis

Access to SXSW is segmented by badge type, and sxsw.com provides a transparent, tiered pricing model that rewards early commitment. The Platinum badge, while the most expensive, offers the best access across all tracks, making it a valuable investment for brands operating at the intersection of tech and media who want to reach a diverse, influential audience.

Badge Type Target Audience Key Access Features Strategic Insight
Interactive Badge Tech Startups, Marketers, Product Primary access to Interactive Track sessions, keynotes, trade show Best for focused tech industry networking and lead generation.
Platinum Badge C-Suite, VCs, Media Executives Primary access to all official events across Interactive, Film, and Music Ideal for high-level, cross-industry brand visibility and networking.

Sponsorship Pro-Tip: Use the official SXSW schedule from the previous year, archived on the site, to identify the most popular sessions and speakers within the Interactive track. Cross-referencing this with our sponsorship data can help predict which sessions will have the highest concentration of your target audience, informing your sponsorship strategy.

The main drawback for attendees is that popular sessions fill up quickly, making the SXXpress pass system a near-necessity. For sponsors, the "noise" of the festival requires a creative and well-funded activation to stand out.

Website: https://www.sxsw.com

7. MWC Barcelona

As the central hub for one of the biggest tech conferences dedicated to the connectivity ecosystem, mwcbarcelona.com is the essential platform for sponsors targeting the mobile industry's most influential players. The website serves as the sole official channel for registration, sponsorship inquiries, and exhibitor engagement. Its primary function is to organize a massive international event, providing a clear and structured experience for over 101,000 attendees and exhibitors from across the globe.

MWC Barcelona

The platform is designed to handle a global audience, simplifying complex logistics. It clearly outlines different pass types and their benefits, from basic exhibition access to exclusive VIP programs. This transparency is key for sponsorship managers to plan their team's presence and budget effectively.

Key Platform Features & Strategic Value for Sponsors

The mwcbarcelona.com website is a strategic asset for pre-event sponsorship planning. For marketing managers, the "Exhibit & Partner" section provides vital data, including floor plans and access to the 4YFN (Four Years From Now) startup event, which is crucial for identifying emerging technologies and partnership opportunities within the mobile space.

  • Integrated Logistics and Travel: The platform offers exclusive airline and train discounts, helping sponsorship teams reduce ancillary costs for their on-site staff.
  • Tiered Pass and Digital Access: A multi-level pass system allows teams to customize their access. The app-based Digital Access Pass provides a valuable option for virtual brand presence.
  • 4YFN Startup Hub: The website provides detailed information on the co-located startup event, 4YFN, allowing sponsors to scout innovative companies and target the startup ecosystem.

Pricing Structure and Access Analysis

Access to MWC Barcelona is tiered, with all pricing listed in Euros. The website provides a transparent breakdown of what each pass includes, enabling managers to align sponsorship spending with specific strategic goals, whether it’s networking with C-level executives or generating leads on the exhibition floor.

Pass Type Target Audience Key Access Features Strategic Insight
Discovery Pass Sales, Business Development Full exhibition access, 4YFN, select keynotes Best for on-the-ground lead generation and market analysis.
Leader's Pass C-Suite, Senior Management Full conference agenda, exclusive networking events Ideal for high-level strategy sessions and building executive relationships.
VIP Pass Executives, Investors Priority access, VIP lounge, exclusive concierge services Maximizes efficiency for top-tier executives with limited time.

Sponsorship Pro-Tip: Use the mwcbarcelona.com exhibitor directory to analyze the density of telecommunication and mobile hardware companies. Cross-referencing this with our own sponsorship data reveals that brands with connectivity-dependent technologies achieve a higher ROI here than at broader tech events.

The primary drawback for sponsors is the combination of Euro-based pricing and international travel costs, requiring a significant budget for a major presence.

Website: https://www.mwcbarcelona.com

Top 7 Tech Conferences Comparison

Conference Implementation Complexity 🔄 Resource Requirements ⚡ Expected Outcomes 📊 Ideal Use Cases 💡 Key Advantages ⭐
CES (Consumer Electronics Show) High – multiple pass tiers and logistics High – travel, accommodation, premium passes Broad industry exposure, innovation insights Broad tech industry networking and discovery Global reach, comprehensive sessions
RSA Conference Medium – phased pricing and multiple access options Medium – varying pass prices, team discounts Deep cybersecurity knowledge and vendor engagement Security professionals seeking training and expo Transparent pricing, strong vendor focus
AWS re:Invent High – complex session planning and certifications High – travel, competitive sessions Hands-on cloud skills, certifications, network growth Cloud practitioners, DevOps, AI/ML specialists Hands-on labs, free livestream keynotes
Dreamforce (Salesforce) Medium – tiered pricing, hotel blocks Medium – registration and lodging costs Salesforce ecosystem expertise and networking Salesforce users, CRM and marketing professionals Clear benefits, team planning tools
Microsoft Ignite Medium – multi-mode attendance and add-ons Medium – optional paid extras, travel costs Broad technical knowledge and product roadmaps IT pros and developers across Microsoft stack Free digital attendance, extensive content
SXSW (Interactive/Tech Tracks) Medium – badge variety and numerous side events Medium to High – multiple event types and pass tiers Cross-disciplinary networking and exposure Startups, creatives, marketers Diverse networking, multiple badge options
MWC Barcelona Medium – multiple pass types and virtual options High – international travel, currency exchange Mobile/connectivity industry insights and partnerships Mobile industry professionals, global attendees Travel discounts, large global presence

From Data to Decision: Your Next Conference Sponsorship

Navigating the landscape of the biggest tech conferences is a high-stakes endeavor for any sponsor. The seven titans we have analyzed, from the sprawling innovation hub of CES to the focused cloud ecosystem of AWS re:Invent, represent strategic assets capable of delivering immense ROI when approached with data-driven insight. Making the wrong choice means a wasted budget and missed opportunities; the right sponsorship can define your fiscal year.

Our deep dive into attendance figures and historical sponsorship data reveals a critical truth: scale does not always equal suitability. A massive event like MWC Barcelona is perfect for a global telecom giant, but a B2B SaaS company might find a more qualified and engaged audience at Dreamforce. The key for sponsors is to move beyond surface-level metrics and align your objectives with the specific attendee DNA of each event.

Synthesizing the Data for Strategic Action

Recapping our findings, the path to a successful sponsorship strategy involves a multi-faceted evaluation. You must weigh the sheer volume of attendees against their specific roles and purchasing power. You must balance the high cost of sponsoring a top-tier event like RSA Conference against the unparalleled access it provides to cybersecurity decision-makers.

Consider these core takeaways as you build your 2025/2026 conference sponsorship roadmap:

  • Audience Alignment is Paramount: Microsoft Ignite attracts a deeply technical, IT-focused crowd, while SXSW's tech tracks draw a more eclectic mix of creatives, marketers, and venture capitalists. Your primary goal is not just to be seen, but to be seen by the right people.
  • Budget as a Strategic Tool: The cost to sponsor one of the biggest tech conferences can be substantial. Use our sponsorship data as a benchmark. If an event's top-tier packages are out of reach, consider a smaller event where your investment can command a larger share of voice.
  • Data as a Tiebreaker: When two conferences seem equally viable on paper, our detailed historical data provides a crucial layer of analysis. This data, which tracks past sponsors and attendee profiles, helps you identify the events that consistently attract your ideal customers.

Implementing a Data-First Sponsorship Strategy

Transitioning from analysis to action requires a systematic approach. The data presented in this article is a powerful starting point, but the conference landscape is dynamic. Sponsorship opportunities change year-over-year.

To maintain a competitive edge, integrate the following steps into your sponsorship planning process:

  1. Define Your KPIs: Before you even look at a conference list, define what success looks like. Is it lead generation, brand awareness, or partnership development? Your KPIs will act as your filter.
  2. Build a Comparative Framework: Use our platform to track your top conference prospects. Log key data points: attendance, sponsorship tiers, target audience demographics, and past sponsor lists. This allows for an objective, side-by-side comparison.
  3. Conduct Pre-Event Reconnaissance: For your shortlisted events, analyze the previous year's sponsor list. Who were the major players? Which of your direct competitors were present? This intelligence helps you understand the competitive environment.
  4. Plan Beyond the Booth: The most successful sponsorships integrate multiple touchpoints. Your strategy should include pre-event marketing, a plan for at-event meetings, and a structured post-event follow-up process to nurture leads.

Ultimately, mastering high-impact event sponsorship is a continuous cycle of research, execution, and analysis. The biggest tech conferences offer the largest stages, but success is found in the strategic, data-informed decisions you make long before the exhibit hall doors open.


Transform your conference planning from guesswork to a guaranteed win. ConferenceDatabase is the industry's most comprehensive data platform, providing unparalleled access to detailed sponsor lists, revenue data, and quality benchmarks for thousands of events. Sign up for ConferenceDatabase today to build your perfect conference roadmap and secure your next high-ROI sponsorship.

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ConferenceDatabase Team

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