Ahrefs Evolve 2026
Ahrefs Evolve 2026 is a two day conference for search and marketing professionals focused on AI search, AEO, SEO and modern marketing workflows. The event brings together marketing leaders and search professionals in San Diego for practical sessions on how teams are adapting to changes in search and AI.
October 12 to 13, 2026
The conference takes place at the InterContinental San Diego and brings together more than 600 marketers and SEOs from more than 35 countries. With 20+ speakers, the event focuses on real workflows, research and practical tactics that attendees can apply to their work.
AI Search and AEO
A major focus of Evolve is Answer Engine Optimization and the changing way people discover information through AI powered search. Sessions explore AI visibility, citation engineering, brand mentions and how companies can adapt their search strategies for AI driven discovery.
SEO and Modern Search
The program examines how SEO is changing alongside AI search. Topics include international SEO, off page SEO, backlinks, Reddit, search results and research backed approaches to improving visibility across both traditional search and AI systems.
AI Powered Marketing
Evolve also explores practical applications of AI within marketing teams. Sessions cover AI adoption, automation, AI agents and organizational design, with an emphasis on using AI to improve efficiency, decision making and marketing output.
Content, Distribution and Brand Growth
Attendees can explore content distribution, copywriting, brand building and creator marketing. The program includes discussions on reaching audiences through platforms such as Reddit and YouTube as well as developing memorable brands and influencer programmes.
Practical Learning and Networking
The conference is built around practical sessions, workshops and smaller mastermind discussions. Attendees can participate in networking breaks, workshops and audience led talks while connecting with marketers, founders and operators from across the industry.
Speakers Include:
- Ann Handley, Wall Street Journal Best-Selling Author, Speaker, Partner, MarketingProfs
- Ross Simmonds, Founder & CEO, Foundation Marketing, Distribution.ai
- Tim Soulo, Chief Marketing Officer, Ahrefs
- Rand Fishkin, CEO, Co-Founder, SparkToro, Alertmouse, & Snackbar Studio
- Aleyda Solis, International SEO Consultant & Founder, Orainti
- Austin Lau, Growth Marketing, Anthropic
- Tara Robertson, CMO, Bitly
- Brianna Doe, Founder & CEO, Creator, Verbatim, Stop the Scroll
- Ethan Smith, CEO, Graphite
- Alina Vandenberghe, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Chili Piper
- Harry Dry, Founder, Copy // Marketing Examples
- James Brockbank, Founder & Managing Director, Digitaloft
- Dawood Bukhari, CEO, Digital Web Solutions
- Chris Porteous, Startup Founder and CEO, SearchEye
- Farzad Rashidi, Founder, Respona
- Noah Greenberg, CEO, Stacker
Ahrefs Evolve 2026 is designed for marketers and SEO professionals who want to understand how AI is changing search, content and marketing workflows. Its focus on real examples, research and practical implementation makes it relevant to teams adapting their strategies for modern search.