The 15 Best QA Conferences to Attend in 2026
QA conferences are your gateway to staying relevant in a fast-changing industry. They’re where you learn from peers, address challenges in quality assurance, and connect with others tackling the same issues. Whether it’s sharpening your skills, finding new tools, or hearing about emerging trends, these events offer a lot for professional development.
This article covers the top QA conferences in 2026, focusing on the needs of tech experts. You’ll find options to match your goals, including knowledge sharing, problem-solving, and expanding your network. Let’s get started!
Best QA Conferences in 2026 Shortlist
Here's my shortlist of the best QA conferences in 2026:
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- Test Automation Days - Hilversum, Netherlands (March 4-5, 2026)
- Testing Peers Conference - Nottingham, UK (March 12, 2026)
- The QA Financial Forum - Toronto, Canada (April 23, 2026)
- STAR Software Testing Conference - Multiple locations and dates
- International Software Quality Days - Vienna, Austria (May 19-21, 2026)
- Test Coast 2026 - Gothenburg, Sweden (May 21, 2026)
- Nordic Testing Days - Tallinn, Estonia (June 3-5, 2026)
- EuroSTAR Conference- Oslo, Norway (June 15-18, 2026)
- Testing Talks - Multiple locations and dates
- Testμ Conference - Virtual (August 19-21, 2026)
- MoTaCon - Brighton, UK (October 1, 2026)
- ICSTM - New York, NY (October 5-6, 2026)
- HUSTEF - Budapest, Hungary (October 6-8, 2026)
- TestCon Europe - Vilnius, Lithuania (October 21-23, 2026
- AutomationSTAR - Antwerp, Belgium (November 4-5, 2026)
Find more details about each conference below.
Best QA Conferences of 2026
Below are my summaries of the best QA conferences that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a look at each event’s dates, location, pricing, and unique offerings.
1. Test Automation Days - Hilversum, Netherlands (March 4-5, 2026)
Test Automation Days is a two-day QA conference tailored for automation engineers, software testers, Project managers, and CTOs. It has become a consistent meeting point for thought leaders in European test automation. The conference focuses on the latest trends, frameworks, and real-world testing experiences.
"It was very nice to see working examples of strategies and techniques. I gained my knowledge about test automation by talking to people from different work fields and companies."
- Quality manager
Why attend? Test Automation Days offers a focused environment to learn about the latest in test automation. You’ll engage with expert speakers, attend masterclasses, and participate in discussions that can enhance your team's skills.
The event is perfect for those looking to deepen their understanding and network with peers in the industry.
2. Testing Peers Conference - Nottingham, UK (March 12, 2026)
- Dates: March 12, 2026
- Location: Trent Conference Centre
- Pricing: From £30
- Social Media: LinkedIn
The Testing Peers Conference is an independently run QA event curated by the creators of the Testing Peers podcast. Focused on leadership, collaboration, and mental well-being in software testing, this one-day conference brings together professionals in quality assurance, test engineering, and software development.
Why attend? Attend Testing Peers Conference to connect with a vibrant community passionate about quality and leadership in testing. The event offers a unique, low-budget, and slightly punk atmosphere, aiming to foster open discussions and networking.
With tracks suitable for everyone, from beginners to CEOs, it’s a chance to gain insights and share experiences in a friendly setting.
3. The QA Financial Forum - Toronto, Canada (April 23, 2026)
- Dates: April 23, 2026
- Location: The Westin Harbour Castle Conference Centre
- Pricing: Free
- Social Media: LinkedIn
The QA Financial Forum is a premier event for professionals in the financial sector, focusing on quality assurance and DevOps transformations. Organized by QA Media, it brings together industry leaders and experts to discuss the latest challenges and innovations.
The forum is known for featuring influential speakers such as Braulio Lam, Senior Director of Engineering at EQ Bank; Chandni Tibrewal, Senior Manager, Quality Assurance at Moneris; and Diederik van Liere, Chief Technology Officer at Wealthsimple, who offer valuable insights into industry trends.
Why attend? Attending this forum connects you with top minds in financial technology. You'll gain insights into AI, automation, and test management from leading vendors.
This event offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of finance and technology, enhancing your team's capabilities in QA and DevOps.
4. STAR Software Testing Conference - Multiple locations and dates
- Dates: Multiple dates (see table below)
- Location: Multiple locations (see table below)
- Pricing: Varied (see table below)
- Social Media: LinkedIn
STAR Software Testing Conference: Locations, Dates, & Pricing
| Location | Date | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Orlando, FL (& Virtual) | April 26-May 1, 2026 | From $1,995 (in-person), Free (virtual) |
| Anaheim, CA (& Virtual) | September 20-25, 2026 | TBA |
The STAR Software Testing Conference is a long-running QA conference series organized by TechWell, covering both STAREast and STARWest editions. Designed for test engineers, QA managers, and software developers, these events explore testing strategies, tools, leadership, automation, and agile practices.
Why attend? You’ll get access to structured learning through keynotes, in-depth tutorials, and hands-on sessions. The conferences balance traditional talks with training and networking opportunities in testing leadership, test automation, and agile quality.
Each formats offer clear tracks so your team can focus on the areas most relevant to your work. Live demos, peer discussions, and tech-focused sessions make it a strong pick for QA professionals seeking actionable takeaways.
5. International Software Quality Days - Vienna, Austria (May 19-21, 2026)
- Dates: May 19-21, 2026
- Location: Austria Center Vienna
- Pricing: €1,390 (single-day passes also available)
- Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook
International Software Quality Days is a prominent conference for professionals focused on software quality and testing. It attracts experts and practitioners from around the world.
The event features renowned keynote speakers such as Nora Mack, Creator, Coach, and Consultant, and Henry Muccini, Professor of Software Engineering at the University of L’Aquila, Italy, who cover a wide range of topics in software quality assurance.
Why attend? This conference offers a deep dive into the latest trends and technologies in software quality. It's an excellent opportunity for your team to learn from experts and network with peers.
The event includes workshops, case studies, and talks that cater to both beginners and seasoned professionals, making it a versatile choice for anyone in the field.
6. Test Coast 2026 - Gothenburg, Sweden (May 21, 2026)
- Dates: May 21, 2026
- Location: Gothenburg, Sweden (venue TBA)
- Pricing: TBA
- Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook
Test Coast is a one-day QA conference organized by a local team of software testers (Test Scouts) passionate about building community in Sweden’s west coast tech scene. It’s designed for testers, developers, and quality-focused professionals working in agile environments.
The 2026 event will take place in mid-May, featuring sessions, breakout discussions, and informal mingling.
”Still in awe! What a well-organized, informative and entertaining event #TestCoast was! Great speakers, workshoppers and guests! Was a pleasure to meet and talk to you all! Looking forward to seeing you again, maybe at #TestCoast2025!”
- Markus Strolz, Test Lead SAP at Vattenfall
Why attend? You’ll spend the day with others who care about modern testing, agile quality practices, and building better software. The event creates space for real conversations about challenges in QA, not just tools or techniques.
You and your team can explore emerging topics, hear peer stories, and take part in small-group conversations designed to be engaging without feeling too formal or commercial. It’s a relaxed, high-value gathering for anyone focused on testing.
7. Nordic Testing Days - Tallinn, Estonia (June 3-5, 2026)
- Dates: June 3-5, 2026
- Location: Tallinn Creative Hub
- Pricing: Starts at €549
- Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook
Nordic Testing Days is a prominent annual conference catering to software testers and tech professionals. It has grown to become a must-attend event for those in the testing community.
The event features a diverse range of speakers, including Indrani Banerjee, Senior QA Automation Engineer at Accenture, David Burns, Head of Developer Advocacy and Open Source at BrowserStack, and Landseer Enga, Co-founder of Revyl.ai.
Why attend? Attending Nordic Testing Days offers you and your team a chance to explore the latest in software testing. The event provides a mix of talks, workshops, and networking opportunities, all set in a vibrant atmosphere.
You'll encounter innovative ideas and practical solutions that can enhance your testing practices and broaden your professional network.
8. EuroSTAR Conference - Oslo, Norway (June 15-18, 2026)
- Dates: June 15-18, 2026
- Location: Nova Spektrum
- Pricing: From €1,840
- Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook
EuroSTAR Conference is one of the longest-running QA conferences in Europe. It brings together hundreds of software testing professionals from across the continent for four days of sessions, training, and networking. In 2026, the event will include 60+ sessions with contributions from over 350 companies.
Why attend? You and your team can access tutorials, hands-on workshops, and track sessions that span leadership, automation, and test strategies. The conference hosts the software testing forum, an open space for peer learning and problem solving.
With a full-day expo and evening activities, it’s designed to encourage knowledge exchange both formally and informally. Whether you're in a management or engineering role, the learning tracks offer something relevant to your challenges.
9. Testing Talks - Multiple locations and dates
- Dates: Multiple dates (see table below)
- Location: Multiple locations (see table below)
- Pricing: AU$400
- Social Media: LinkedIn, Facebook
Testing Talks: Locations & Dates
| Location | Date |
|---|---|
| Sydney, Australia | August 6, 2026 |
| Melbourne, Australia | October 8, 2026 |
Testing Talks is an engaging conference aimed at software testers and QA professionals. It has grown into a regular fixture in Australia’s testing scene since its first event in 2015. Each edition features practical talks, panel discussions, and vendor showcases tailored to testing and delivery teams.
"An amazing day at #TestingTalksConference! A huge thank you to Cameron Bradley for organising such a thoughtful and engaging event. I really enjoyed connecting with so many practice leaders; hearing how each is shaping their testing strategy, both with and without AI, was incredibly insightful."
- Vanaj Vidhya Renuha - Test Manager
Why attend? You’ll get targeted talks from professionals solving real-world testing challenges in startups, scale-ups, and enterprises. The conference keeps things fast-paced and accessible, with plenty of networking built in between sessions.
You and your team can meet local practitioners, share strategies, and catch up on the latest tools and techniques—all in a single day. It’s a focused, local alternative to larger, more general tech conferences.
10. Testμ Conference - Virtual (August 19-21, 2026)
- Dates: August 19-21, 2026
- Location: Virtual
- Pricing: Free
Testμ Conference is a virtual event aimed at software testers, developers, and QA professionals. Organized by LambdaTest, it has quickly gained popularity for its focus on emerging trends and technologies in testing.
Why attend? The conference offers you and your team a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge software testing topics without leaving your desk. It includes interactive sessions, expert-led discussions, and networking opportunities, all designed to enhance your testing skills and knowledge.
This gathering is a chance to explore the future of testing and connect with a global community of professionals.
11. MoTaCon - Brighton, UK (October 1, 2026)
- Dates: October 1, 2026
- Location: Brighton Dome
- Pricing: Register to see current pricing
- Social Media: LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok
MoTaCon, previously known as TestBash Brighton, is a premier conference for software testing professionals. Put on by Ministry of Testing, it serves as a gathering for quality-focused individuals seeking to enhance their skills and network with peers.
The event is a staple for testers, offering a rich agenda filled with insightful talks and workshops.
Why attend? You and your team can explore the latest testing trends and innovations at MoTaCon. The conference provides a collaborative environment where you can engage with experts and like-minded professionals.
Whether you're looking to learn new skills or connect with the community, it offers a comprehensive experience that caters to all levels of software testing expertise.
12. ICSTM 2026 - New York, NY (October 5-6, 2026)
- Dates: October 5-6, 2026
- Location: New York, NY, USA
- Pricing: Register to see current pricing
- Social Media: LinkedIn
The International Conference on Software Testing and Methods (ICSTM) 2026 is an esteemed conference for researchers, academics, and practitioners in software testing and methodologies. Put on by the World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology, it provides a platform for presenting new research and developments. Notable for its academic focus, the conference draws speakers from leading universities and research institutions.
Why attend? Attending ICSTM offers your team exposure to cutting-edge research and methodologies in software testing. It's an opportunity to engage with academics and industry experts, fostering collaboration and innovation.
The conference's focus on research makes it ideal for those interested in the theoretical aspects of software testing and its practical applications.
13. HUSTEF - Budapest, Hungary (October 6-8, 2026)
- Dates: October 6-8, 2026
- Location: Budapest, Hungary (venue TBA)
- Pricing: Starts at €970
- Social Media: LinkedIn
HUSTEF is one of Central Europe's largest software testing events that brings together QA engineers, developers, and test managers from across the region for three days of sessions, panels, and community interaction. It focuses on sharing advancements in software quality and promoting the professional testing community.
Why attend? At HUSTEF, you’ll join over 750 attendees worldwide in exploring testing techniques, tools, and industry case studies. Sessions focus on both foundational methods and modern approaches tied to digital products. The event creates space for idea-sharing across industries, with opportunities to learn from practical experience in a focused format.
14. TestCon Europe - Vilnius, Lithuania (October 21-23, 2026)
- Dates: October 21-23, 2026
- Location: Multikino & Virtual
- Pricing: From €1350 (various discounts available)
- Social Media: Facebook, LinkedIn
TestCon Europe is a prominent software testing and QA conference in Europe, designed for industry professionals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge. Since its inception, it has provided a platform for sharing insights and innovations in testing.
The event features a lineup of expert speakers, including Adam Sandman, CEO and Founder at Inflectra, USA; Ana Palchevska, Senior QA Engineer and Team Lead at VASS, North Macedonia; and Benjamin Bischoff, Test Automation Engineer and API Testing Specialist at trivago N.V., Germany.
Why attend? Attending TestCon Europe allows you and your team to dive into the latest trends in test automation, AI-driven testing, and more. It offers a rich program with sessions and workshops tailored to various skill levels.
The conference is an excellent opportunity to network with peers and learn from industry experts in a dynamic environment.
15. AutomationSTAR - Antwerp, Belgium (November 4-5, 2026)
- Dates: November 4-5, 2026
- Location: Flanders Meeting & Convention Center
- Pricing: From €995
- Social Media: LinkedIn
AutomationSTAR is a specialized conference for professionals in test automation. It’s designed for those looking to deepen their understanding of software testing automation. The event features a lineup of expert speakers who provide valuable insights and hands-on experience.
Why attend? This gathering offers your team a chance to explore the latest in test automation technologies and methodologies. It includes interactive workshops, keynote sessions, and networking opportunities, making it a must-attend for anyone involved in automation.
Gain practical knowledge and connect with fellow professionals to enhance your automation skills.
How to Get Buy-In to Attend a QA Conference
Convincing your boss or other decision-makers to approve your attendance at a QA conference can feel like a challenge. They might see it as an unnecessary expense or question the value it brings to the team.
However, with the right approach, you can show how attending a QA conference will benefit your work, your team, and the company. Here are some tips to help you make your case:
- Focus on company benefits: Highlight how the conference will help you find solutions to current challenges your team is facing. For example, mention specific sessions on automation tools or methodologies that align with your team’s goals.
- Create a learning plan: Share how you’ll bring back what you learn. Offer to present a summary or host a training session for your team after the event. This shows that the knowledge won’t stop with you.
- Connect it to company goals: Tie the conference agenda to broader company objectives, like improving software quality or reducing testing cycle times. Explain how attending can help you meet those goals faster.
- Show cost-effectiveness: Break down the costs and compare them to the potential value, such as avoiding delays or improving processes. Include early-bird discounts or bundled deals if you can find early-bird discounts or bundled deals.
- Use real examples. Point out success stories from peers or companies in your industry that have benefited from attending similar conferences. This helps justify the investment with proven results.
- Highlight networking opportunities: Explain how meeting industry leaders and peers at the conference could lead to new tools, ideas, or partnerships. Networking can benefit the company in ways that aren’t immediately obvious.
- Offer to track ROI: Commit to documenting takeaways and how you apply them to your work. Share examples like adopting a new tool you learn about or improving a workflow after attending a session.
- Be flexible with scheduling: If necessary, suggest taking care of high-priority tasks before you leave or attending only key days of the conference. This shows you’re being mindful of the team’s needs.
By framing your request in terms of tangible value, you’ll make a strong case for why attending a QA conference is worth the investment.
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