SOCAP26

SOCAP26 is a global impact investing and social capital conference taking place from 12 to 14 October 2026 at Convene Willis Tower in Chicago, United States. It is positioned as one of the world’s largest convenings of the impact ecosystem, bringing together funders, founders, philanthropy, government, education, media, finance, science, faith-based organizations, NGOs, creatives, nonprofits, and community leaders. The event is also described as the largest global impact event and marks SOCAP’s flagship conference being hosted in Chicago for the first time.

Purpose and Objectives

The primary purpose of SOCAP26 is to connect people working at the intersection of money and meaning and to help catalyze businesses and industries that can address major social and environmental challenges. The event is designed to strengthen connections between capital and impact, support practical collaboration, and create new opportunities for cross-sector leaders to co-design the future economy.

Key Activities

The event includes 100 sessions, expert-led discussions and presentations, regional and industry-specific workshops, facilitated networking sessions, and an event app that helps attendees schedule on-site meetings. SOCAP also provides dedicated reservable meeting spaces and an on-demand session playlist. The broader programme is organized around curated tracks, a community-led content process, and participation formats such as SOCAP Open and the SOCAP Fellowship. The 2026 edition is expected to bring together around 1,500 attendees and facilitate roughly 3,600 on-site meetings.

Significance

SOCAP26 is significant because it convenes a broad cross-section of the global impact ecosystem in one place, linking investors, entrepreneurs, philanthropies, corporations, and community leaders around practical pathways to scale impact. The conference describes itself as a flagship event that has, over more than 18 years, gathered over 110,000 people with representation from more than 60 countries, reinforcing its long-standing role in the impact economy. Its move to Chicago also expands the event’s connection to Midwest innovation, equitable growth, and place-based impact strategies.

Expected Outcomes

Attendees can expect stronger cross-sector relationships, better access to capital connections, and more direct opportunities to explore partnerships, investable ideas, and collaborative solutions. The event is designed to move beyond conversation toward implementation, helping participants build the relationships and practical momentum needed to advance social and environmental impact after the conference ends.

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