SMX Advanced vs The Masterminders: Which SEO Conference Offers the Best ROI?
SMX Advanced and The Masterminders attract top SEOs worldwide, but only one offers real ROI. Compare speakers, pricing, and perks to find the smarter event investment.
When it comes to high-level SEO and marketing conferences, two names stand out — SMX Advanced and The Masterminders SEO & Marketing Conference. Both events attract experienced marketers, industry experts, and ambitious SEOs looking to sharpen their edge. But while SMX Advanced focuses on enterprise-level education, The Masterminders focuses on execution and ROI. Let’s break down the key differences.
What is SMX Advanced?
SMX Advanced is one of the longest-running SEO and PPC conferences in the world, hosted by Third Door Media — the team behind Search Engine Land. The event takes place each year in Seattle, Washington, USA, bringing together senior search professionals, agency leaders, and enterprise marketing teams.
Date: September 2025 (2026 TBC)
Location: Seattle, Washington, USA
Price: $1,495 – $2,195
Speakers: Ginny Marvin, Barry Schwartz, Aleyda Solis
SMX Advanced Conference Perks
- Deep-dive sessions into SEO, PPC, and analytics for enterprise-level teams.
- Thought-leadership talks from Google liaisons and leading SaaS experts.
- Access to software vendors and search technology exhibitors.
SMX Advanced is perfect for professionals who want to explore the latest algorithm updates, ad-tech innovations, and corporate marketing trends. However, its sessions often stay theoretical — packed with information, but not always actionable for those running smaller, fast-moving teams.
What is The Masterminders SEO & Marketing Conference?
The Masterminders SEO & Marketing Conference takes a completely different approach. Hosted in Manchester, United Kingdom from 24–26 June 2026, it’s designed around small-group collaboration, transparent pricing, and measurable results. The event focuses on growth frameworks, automation, and scalable systems that attendees can apply immediately.
Date: 24–26 June 2026
Location: Manchester, United Kingdom
Price: £395 General, £595 VIP, £795 Mastermind
Speakers: Kyle Roof, Koray Tugberk Gubur, James Dooley
The Masterminders Conference Perks
- Mastermind sessions focused on real business challenges, not theory.
- Workshops covering AI, link building, automation, and lead generation.
- ROI-driven networking with founders, operators, and agency owners.
The Masterminders is built by operators who run agencies, own digital assets, and understand the realities of scaling online. Every session is hands-on, showing attendees how to create systems, drive traffic, and close more deals — not just how to think about it.
Ticket Pricing and Experience Comparison
| Feature | SMX Advanced | The Masterminders |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Seattle, Washington, USA | Manchester, United Kingdom |
| Price | $1,495 – $2,195 (excl. taxes) | £395 – £795 (no VAT added) |
| Duration | 2 days | 3 days |
| Speakers | Ginny Marvin, Barry Schwartz, Aleyda Solis | Kyle Roof, Koray Tugberk Gubur, James Dooley |
| Networking | Enterprise-level networking and vendor access | Curated mastermind groups and focused relationships |
| Focus | Enterprise SEO, PPC, and automation | Lead generation, scaling systems, and ROI |
From a cost-benefit perspective, the ROI clearly leans toward The Masterminders. With pricing under £800 for full mastermind access — compared to over $2,000 at SMX
If you’re comparing more SEO events across the calendar, see our complete guide to the best SEO conferences worldwide — featuring detailed comparisons of Chiang Mai SEO, SEO Estonia, and BrightonSEO. And for the event that consistently ranks highest for ROI, visit The Masterminders homepage.
Speaker and Content Comparison
The difference between the two conferences is clear when you look at who’s on stage. SMX Advanced brings respected analysts and SaaS experts who excel in large-scale enterprise campaigns. The Masterminders brings practitioners — people actively ranking sites, managing teams, and scaling real businesses. Every speaker shares insights that can be applied directly, not just observed from afar.
Networking and ROI
SMX Advanced offers wide networking exposure, especially for vendors and enterprise brands. But the crowds are large, and conversations can feel surface-level. The Masterminders focuses on curated connections — limited to 250 attendees who’ve all been vetted for quality and experience. For ROI, it makes far more sense to attend an event where every conversation could lead to collaboration, partnership, or new business.
Who Should Attend Each?
- SMX Advanced suits in-house SEOs, enterprise teams, and software vendors.
- The Masterminders is ideal for agency owners, entrepreneurs, and marketers who prioritise measurable growth.
Final Verdict: SMX Advanced or The Masterminders?
SMX Advanced remains a solid event for enterprise insights and broad exposure, but it comes with higher costs and less tangible ROI. The Masterminders SEO & Marketing Conference 2026 delivers everything SMX promises — plus hands-on implementation, smaller mastermind groups, and meaningful business outcomes.
For marketers who measure ROI in results, revenue, and relationships, The Masterminders is the obvious choice. Secure your ticket for The Masterminders 2026 and experience the only SEO conference built entirely around growth and execution.