For nearly two decades, ACT’s Global App Economy Conferences (GAEC) bring our small tech members together for three days of founder-to-founder networking and direct engagement with policymakers on the rules shaping the digital economy.
ACT’s mission is to bridge the gap between small tech innovators and regulators. By giving startups, scaleups, and tech-driven small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) the access and resources to share their stories directly with policymakers, our members can advocate for clear, streamlined rules that allow innovative companies to build and scale across borders.
This year, we’ll be hosting Global App Economy Conferences in Brussels, London, and Washington, D.C. Learn more about each event below!
European Union
ACT’s Global App Economy Conference: EU 2026
From 22-25 February 2026, our members will take over Brussels, home to the European Commission, European Parliament, and European Council for four days of policy and advocacy.
In line with EU’s regulatory priorities for 2026, we will cover crucial topics ranging from simplification and the Digital Omnibus to the 28th regime, as well as competition issues spanning the Innovation Act, the Digital Markets Act (DMA) review, and AI policy. Additionally, we will discuss the ongoing court case regarding the withdrawal of the standard-essential patent (SEP) regulation and the Digital Fairness Act (DFA).
On Monday, 23 February, we will host a reception in Parliament. MEPs and staff will have the opportunity to learn more about our members’ businesses and the tech ecosystem throughout the EU.
United Kingdom
ACT’s Global App Economy Conference: UK 2026
From 12-15 April 2026, our members will take over London, home to Parliament, for four days of policy and advocacy.
In line with UK’s regulatory priorities for 2026, we will cover crucial topics ranging from competition policy, including interoperability and third-party app stores, to standard-essential patent (SEP) licensing and AI growth zones, to online safety and investment in the UK.
On Monday, 13 April, we will host a reception at Parliament. MPs, Lords, Civil Service officials, and staff will drop in throughout the evening to learn more about our members’ businesses and the UK tech ecosystem.
More information on our 2026 policy issues will be coming soon!
United States
ACT’s Global App Economy Conference: U.S. 2026
From May 3-6, 2026, our members will head to Washington D.C., home to the U.S. House, U.S. Senate, and the White House and Administration, for four days of policy and advocacy.
In line with U.S. regulatory priorities for 2026, we will cover crucial topics ranging from competition policy, including curated online marketplace regulation, to age verification and privacy, to standard-essential patent (SEP) licensing and artificial intelligence.
On Tuesday, May 5, we will host a reception on Capitol Hill. Members of Congress, the Administration, and their staff will join us for light snacks and refreshments and a chance to chat with our members about their businesses and their time on the Hill.
More information on our 2026 policy issues will be coming soon!
