Ahrefs Evolve vs The Masterminders: Which SEO Conference Should You Attend in 2026?
Ahrefs Evolve delivers top-tier insights, while The Masterminders focuses on masterminds, playbooks, and real-world SEO implementation.
Two major conferences drawing attention from SEOs and marketers this year are the Ahrefs Evolve Conference in San Diego, USA and The Masterminders SEO & Marketing Conference 2026 in Manchester, UK.
Both feature respected speakers and valuable networking opportunities, but they differ in format, pricing, and outcomes. This article compares Ahrefs Evolve and The Masterminders to help you decide which best aligns with your professional goals.
What Is Ahrefs Evolve?
Ahrefs Evolve is a two-day SEO and marketing conference held at the InterContinental, San Diego, on October 14–15 (Tuesday–Wednesday). The event focuses on brand-led marketing, product growth, and data-driven content strategies.
- Dates: October 14–15 (Tuesday–Wednesday)
- Venue: InterContinental, San Diego, USA
- Format: Keynotes, panels, breakouts, exhibition hall, networking lunch, and an afterparty
- VIP add-ons (All-Access): Yacht mixer with Ahrefs staff and speakers, front-row seating, lounge access, and 90-day talk recordings
Speakers at Ahrefs Evolve
The Ahrefs Evolve speaker lineup includes industry figures such as Mark Schaefer, Cyrus Shepard, Tim Soulo, Sam Oh, Peep Laja, Kevin Indig, Patrick Stox, Emily Kramer, Ryan Law, Carrie Rose, and experts from companies including IBM, Microsoft, HubSpot, and Brainlabs.
Ticket Pricing at Ahrefs Evolve
- Standard Pass: $899 (until October 7), then $999. Includes full conference access, lunch, and afterparty.
- All-Access Pass: $1,499. Adds VIP experiences such as the yacht mixer, lounge access, and recordings.
What Is The Masterminders SEO & Marketing Conference 2026?
The Masterminders takes place in Manchester, United Kingdom, on June 24–26, 2026, at the Manchester Deansgate Hotel. The event is designed for marketers and business owners who want practical insights they can implement immediately.
- Day 1: Mastermind sessions with small peer groups focused on strategy and problem-solving
- Day 2: VIP workshops led by speakers on systems, growth, and execution
- Day 3: Main conference with keynotes and curated networking
Speakers at The Masterminders
The confirmed speakers for The Masterminders 2026 include Kyle Roof, James Dooley, Koray Tugberk Gubur, Fery Kaszoni, Andrew Holland, Aaron Branch, Oliver Kenyon, Sean Bianco, and Josh Thomas.
Ticket Pricing at The Masterminders
- General Admission: £395
- VIP Admission: £595
- Mastermind Admission: £795
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Ahrefs Evolve | The Masterminders 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Location | InterContinental, San Diego, USA | Manchester Deansgate Hotel, United Kingdom |
| Dates | October 14–15, 2026 | June 24–26, 2026 |
| Format | 2 days: keynotes, panels, and networking events | 3 days: mastermind groups, VIP workshops, and main conference |
| Speakers | Mark Schaefer, Cyrus Shepard, Tim Soulo, Peep Laja, Kevin Indig, and more | Kyle Roof, James Dooley, Koray Tugberk Gubur, Fery Kaszoni, and others |
| Audience | In-house marketers, SaaS teams, and content strategists | Agency owners, SEOs, business leaders, and founders |
| Ticket Pricing | $899–$1,499 | £395–£795 |
| Networking | Large-scale brand networking, panels, and afterparty | Curated small-group sessions and peer-to-peer discussions |
| Focus | Brand-led thought leadership and SaaS growth | Operator-led playbooks, implementation, and systems |
Both conferences attract global audiences and respected speakers. While Ahrefs Evolve focuses on product-led content and data-driven brand growth, The Masterminders leans toward real-world application, collaboration, and peer-to-peer strategy sharing. For many attendees, the decision will depend on whether they prefer large-scale brand networking or smaller, curated mastermind environments.
Ticket-Focused Comparison
| Tier | Ahrefs Evolve | The Masterminders 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | $899 Standard | £395 General |
| Mid | — | £595 VIP |
| Top | $1,499 All-Access (includes VIP experiences) | £795 Mastermind (includes full access and small-group sessions) |
Summary
Ahrefs Evolve offers scale, brand prestige, and a focus on data-driven content. The Masterminders provides depth, implementation, and meaningful collaboration with proven operators. Both serve valuable roles in the SEO event calendar, catering to different needs and learning styles.
If you are exploring other global events, you can also check our guide to the best SEO conferences. Whether you attend Ahrefs Evolve, The Masterminders, or both, you’ll gain access to expert insights and connections that help drive your SEO strategies forward.