Why Industry Events Still Matter in a Remote-First World
Virtual assistant work is inherently distributed, which makes in-person and virtual gatherings more valuable, not less. Events are where trends crystallize, tools are evaluated side-by-side, and professional relationships form that translate directly into client referrals, subcontractor networks, and career advancement.
The 2026 VA events calendar reflects the industry's maturation: fewer hobbyist webinars and more structured professional development programs with measurable skill outputs.
Premier VA Industry Conferences
IVAA Annual Conference The International Virtual Assistants Association's annual conference is the flagship event for the VA profession in North America. The 2026 edition is expected to cover AI integration, advanced specialization tracks, and client relationship management. Past conferences have drawn 400–600 attendees from across North America and internationally via a hybrid attendance option.
- Format: Hybrid (in-person + virtual)
- Audience: Professional and senior VAs, VA agency owners, buyers seeking to understand the professional landscape
- Key programming: Keynotes, skill-building workshops, IVAA credential exam sittings
- Website: ivaa.org/conference
VA Conference (UK) Organized by The VA Handbook, this annual UK event is the most prominent gathering for British VAs. The 2026 conference is expected to focus on AI tools, specialist niches in the UK market (legal, financial services), and business development for independent VA practices.
- Format: In-person, London
- Audience: UK-based VAs and agency operators
- Key programming: Panel discussions, tool demonstrations, 1:1 speed networking
Remote Work and Outsourcing Summits
Remote Work Summit (Running Remote) Running Remote bills itself as the world's largest conference for remote and distributed teams. It attracts both operators of remote teams and service providers—making it a key venue for VA agencies seeking enterprise clients and for SMB owners evaluating outsourcing strategies.
- Format: In-person (location rotates annually; 2025 was Amsterdam)
- Audience: Remote work leaders, SMB founders, VA agencies, HR technology vendors
- Attendee count: 1,200+ in recent years
- Website: runningremote.com
Outsource Accelerator Summit Focused primarily on the business process outsourcing (BPO) market, the Outsource Accelerator Summit includes dedicated VA services content and is heavily attended by Philippine-based VA agencies and their international clients.
- Format: Hybrid
- Audience: BPO operators, offshore VA agencies, SMB buyers exploring offshore support
- Website: outsourceaccelerator.com
Online VA Summits and Virtual Events
VA Rockstar Summit An annual online event specifically for VA professionals seeking to grow their businesses. Features speakers from across the VA industry including agency founders, successful independent VAs, and tool vendors. Free to attend with premium recording access available.
- Format: Fully virtual
- Timing: Typically Q2
- Audience: New and growing VAs, VA business coaches
Virtually Possible Summit A virtual event focused on the intersection of VA work and AI tool adoption. Launched in 2024, it has quickly become one of the most-attended events for VAs seeking practical guidance on integrating ChatGPT, Claude, and automation tools into their service offerings.
- Format: Fully virtual
- Timing: Q3 annually
- Audience: Tech-forward VAs and their clients
Tool-Specific Events Relevant to VAs
Several major software platforms run annual events with direct relevance to VA skill development:
- HubSpot INBOUND: The largest inbound marketing conference in the world. Relevant for marketing VAs. Free virtual access available.
- QuickBooks Connect: Intuit's annual event for accountants and bookkeepers. Key event for VAs offering financial support.
- Zapier's Virtual Summit: Focused on automation workflows. Highly practical for VAs building process automation expertise.
Making the Most of VA Event Attendance
Whether attending in person or virtually, event ROI depends on intentional preparation. Before any event:
- Define the one specific skill, connection, or problem you want to resolve
- Research the speaker lineup and prioritize sessions aligned with your current client needs
- Set a follow-up quota—reach out to at least five people within 48 hours of the event closing
Post-event follow-through is where most event investment is recovered or lost. The professionals who build durable event relationships are those who follow up quickly and specifically.
For VA professionals and the agencies that support them, Stealth Agents offers ongoing professional development resources and access to a global network of specialized VA talent.
Sources
- IVAA, Annual Conference Program, 2026
- Running Remote, Event Overview, 2025
- Outsource Accelerator, Summit Proceedings, 2025
- The VA Handbook, UK VA Conference, 2025
- HubSpot, INBOUND Event Archive, 2025