What makes State of Social different (and better)?

State of Social ’26 is coming to Optus Stadium on 25 & 26 August. And as the ninth State of Social – the culmination of everything we’ve learned about creating Australia’s best digital and social event – we’ll once again set the benchmark all those other conferences will, inevitably, fail to reach.

But why is State of Social the marketing conference to beat?

The truth is, there isn’t one thing. It’s everything! It’s because, more than just another marketing conference, it’s an empowering event and an invigorating experience. It’s because we’ve listened to our attendees and built the most unconventional convention around.

It’s because of our world-class line-up of speakers.

International icons and local legends. Creative groundbreakers and technical thought leaders. Everyone on our exclusive program is cherry-picked because they’re not just big thinkers, but prodigious doers who are all over the detail and out there, in the real world, doing the work.

“Every session I attended came with its own ‘aha’ moment that has stuck with me.”

“The range of speakers…offered so much choice that it was hard to pick one (favourite).”

“I enjoyed the mix of speakers: Perth-based, national, international, and speakers on iconic brands.”

It’s because of Optus Stadium, Australia’s best stadium.

With Perth city and Swan River views to rival the insights of our speakers, Optus Stadium is the perfect place for 1,000+ of our industry’s smartest cookies to get together, share ideas, swap notes and occasionally butt heads. The best tech. The best team. The best hospitality. 

“Amazing venue! Great layouts!”

“Love the location and that we have something so awesome in Perth.”

“Great speakers, great venue, great experience. Well done, SOS team.”

It’s because of the food. Oh my, the gourmet eats and treats!

For most marketing conferences, food is just fuel. Limp, stale, bland fuel. At State of Social, the five-star buffet lunch and all-day treats are a highlight. Fresh. Varied. Spicy. Just like our keynotes, breakout sessions and deep-dive lessons.

“10/10! All the food was delicious, loved it.”

“Great variety and amazing Portuguese tarts.”

“The rumours were true, best food ever.”

It’s because of the bottomless barista-brewed coffee and sundowners.

From your first Hunt and Brew coffee of the day (the first of many – it’s bottomless, after all) to a sundowner drink or five by the river, your State of Social experience and networking will be lubricated to perfection. Grab a drink. Shoot the breeze. Meet that next game-changing contact.

“Loved that there was…coffee throughout the event.

Shout out to the macarons after lunch.”

“Choc muffin with a view to die for was the absolute best, and my chai latte.”

It’s because of all those oh-so-special conference extras.

Surprises. Prizes. Goodies. Merch. Every year, we step up our experiential game, leaving you with gifts, extras and a smile you can take with you at the end of the day, rather than the usual conference not-so-goodie bag.

“It’s not just a ‘work conference’. It’s a treat/me-time spending a couple of days with a community of marketers whilst enjoying all the extras.”

“The supporting elements – food, merch, etc – added to the experience.”

It’s because it feels so easy. Even the dreaded networking bit.

There’s a chillout zone where you and your phone and laptop can recharge. There are the State of Social and Optus Stadium teams, ready to help. There’s the sense that someone has thought of everything, because we have. Did we mention we’ve been doing this for nine years now?

“What a fabulous, well-run event. I am stoked I finally got to go this year.”

“The conference ran extremely smoothly, and it was lovely to meet lots of new people.”

“I was easily able to meet new people without it feeling awkward!”

More than a conference. More than a couple of days out of the office. State of Social is the best-value digital and social marketing education and inspiration around. The bad news: the next price rise is just around the corner. So, don’t miss out, and don’t pay more than you have to.