This September, Hollywood’s spotlight shines on Kong as we welcome our global partner ecosystem back for another action-packed [_Kong Partner Summit 2026_](https://konghq.com/events/conferences/api-ai-summit/partner-summit)_Kong Partner Summit 2026_ preceding [_API + AI Summit!_](https://konghq.com/events/conferences/api-ai-summit)_API + AI Summit!_

Together, we'll explore how organizations are moving beyond AI experimentation to production-ready, enterprise-scale agentic AI. Partner Summit is where strategy becomes execution, alliances become growth engines, and bold AI visions become real business outcomes.

Throughout the event, partners will:

• - Gain exclusive insight into Kong's product roadmap and AI platform strategy
• - Learn how to deliver secure, scalable AI connectivity and governance for enterprise customers
• - Align on joint go-to-market strategies, co-sell motions, and strategic account planning that accelerate pipeline and unlock new enterprise opportunities
• - Equip sales and technical teams with differentiated messaging, technical expertise, and practical playbooks to confidently lead AI modernization conversations
• - Build executive relationships that strengthen long-term partnerships

Whether you're expanding your AI practice, building new services offerings, or helping customers modernize at scale, you'll leave ready to win bigger in the AI era.

As our industry rapidly evolves around agentic AI, API security, event streaming, and cloud-native architectures, this is the can't-miss event for organizations determined to stay ahead of what's next.

We're also thrilled to bring back the [Kong Partner Awards](https://konghq.com/events/conferences/api-ai-summit/partner-awards)Kong Partner Awards to celebrate the business impact our partners are creating around the globe.

Here's everything you need to know before joining us in Los Angeles.[](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RdWZxLwvr4)

September 29, 2026

InterContinental Los Angeles

Attendance is complimentary for Kong's active partners.

Your all-access pass includes:

• - **Kong Partner Summit**
• - **Partner Appreciation Reception**
• - **Partner Certification Days at AI + API Summit**

This is an exclusive executive forum designed for global system integrators, leading channel partners, cloud providers, and ISVs building the next generation of enterprise AI infrastructure. 

We’re welcoming executives, sales leaders, alliance managers, and partner team leads who are looking to lead the next wave of enterprise AI transformation.

If you’re looking to accelerate joint business through new co-selling opportunities, strategic account alignment, and go-to-market programs designed to grow pipeline and expand customer relationships, this is the event for you. You’ll connect directly with Kong executives, product leaders, and industry peers to strengthen strategic partnerships, exchange ideas, and collaborate on solving complex AI, API, security, and cloud-native challenges. 

Whether you're modernizing legacy environments, deploying enterprise AI infrastructure, or scaling globally, you'll leave with the relationships, insights, and strategies needed to drive customer success and accelerate business growth.

[_Check out what our partners had to say about last year’s event._](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RdWZxLwvr4)_Check out what our partners had to say about last year’s event._

Absolutely. We’re encouraging our partners to stick around town for the excitement of the [_AI + API Summit._](https://konghq.com/events/conferences/api-ai-summit)_AI + API Summit._

Bringing a customer is one of the most impactful ways to strengthen your relationship while showcasing your strategic value. Together, you'll experience hands-on demonstrations, executive sessions, technical deep dives, and conversations with Kong experts exploring the future of APIs, AI, and cloud-native innovation.

It's an opportunity to co-create solutions, accelerate modernization initiatives, and generate meaningful pipeline momentum together.

Innovation deserves its moment in the spotlight.

We're proud to recognize the partners who are setting the standard for technical excellence, business growth, and customer success across the Kong ecosystem.
Award categories include:

• - **Partner of the Year **- Recognizes the partner that demonstrated exceptional overall performance across the year by driving customer success, accelerating revenue growth, investing in the Kong partnership, and delivering measurable business impact. This award honors the partner that best exemplifies what it means to be a strategic Kong partner.
• - **GSI of the Year** - Awarded to the Global Systems Integrator that took Kong furthest into the enterprise this year such as driving large-scale deployments, migrations, and transformation work that made a real difference for joint customers.
• - **Channel Partner of the Year **- Awarded to the partner who drove the most customer growth through the Kong ecosystem, proof that reselling Kong isn't just a line item, it's a growth engine.
• - **Tech Partner of the Year** - Awarded to the Technology Partner whose integration was built jointly, adopted widely, and made the connectivity layer stronger for everyone on it.

The awards celebration will take place during our Partner Appreciation Reception, where attendees will enjoy cocktails, appetizers, live music, and panoramic views of the dazzling Los Angeles skyline while celebrating this year's winners.

Think your organization belongs on the stage? [Nominate your team](https://konghq.com/events/conferences/api-ai-summit/partner-awards)Nominate your team today.