Quick Brief
- The Events: Google Search Central Live arrives in São Paulo (Feb 24) and Buenos Aires (Feb 26) with no livestream attendance required.
- The Audience: SEO professionals, developers, content creators, and local news publishers across Brazil and Argentina.
- The Context: Google expands AI-first search strategy in LATAM markets following successful 2023-2025 regional events.
- The Deadline: Registration closes February 5; confirmations sent February 10.
Google announced on January 26, 2026, that Search Central Live will return to South America with two flagship events: São Paulo on February 24 and Buenos Aires on February 26. The in-person developer conferences target SEOs, content creators, developers, and journalists seeking direct insights into Google Search, AI integration, and Search Console updates.
Event Structure & Technical Focus
Google confirmed the events will feature engineering and partnership teams covering five core domains. Sessions address Search algorithm mechanics, AI integration pathways, Search Console tooling updates, Google Trends analytics, and Chrome web optimization strategies. Speakers will deliver content in English with live translation into Portuguese for São Paulo attendees and Spanish for Buenos Aires participants.
The agenda includes Google’s approach to core algorithm updates, AI-powered search features deployment, and partnerships with local news organizations. Google emphasized that no recordings or livestreams will be available, requiring physical attendance for access.
Registration remains open until February 5, with Google sending confirmation emails to accepted attendees on February 10. The invite-only format mirrors Google’s previous Search Central Live strategy, where the company has hosted multiple global events across various languages and regions.
AdwaitX Analysis: Strategic Expansion in LATAM Search Markets
Google’s return to South America signals continued investment in regional SEO ecosystems amid significant AI-driven traffic disruption. Industry data shows Google Search referral traffic to news sites declined from 51% to 27% between 2023 and Q4 2025, while overall Google search traffic to news sites has plunged 33% globally in a single year. Media executives now expect an additional 43% decline in search traffic over the next three years as AI reshapes digital publishing.
Brazil and Argentina represent critical growth markets for Google Search. The company previously hosted successful events in São Paulo (2022-2023), Brasília (2023), Belo Horizonte (2023), and Recife (2025). Google launched Search Central Live Argentina in 2024, marking Buenos Aires as a recurring venue.
The non-recorded format suggests a strategy to deepen local partnerships with publishers and developers ahead of expanded AI feature rollouts. Google now counts AI Mode traffic toward Search Console totals as of 2026. Research indicates AI Overviews reduce click-through rates by 34.5% to 54.6% depending on query type, according to Ahrefs analysis.
Registration & Attendance Framework
| Parameter | São Paulo | Buenos Aires |
|---|---|---|
| Event Date | February 24, 2026 | February 26, 2026 |
| Registration Deadline | February 5, 2026 | February 5, 2026 |
| Confirmation Date | February 10, 2026 | February 10, 2026 |
| Language | Portuguese (live translation from English) | Spanish (live translation from English) |
| Format | In-person only (no livestream) | In-person only (no livestream) |
| Cost | Free (invite-required) | Free (invite-required) |
2026 Search Central Roadmap & Industry Implications
Google has not disclosed additional 2026 Search Central Live locations beyond Mexico City (September 2025 event) and the February South America dates. The company previously hosted Search Central Live Deep Dive Asia Pacific as a three-day intensive format in 2025, suggesting potential expansion of extended sessions for advanced technical audiences.
Google’s emphasis on local news partnerships may address ongoing publisher concerns about AI-driven traffic losses. Google Discover now accounts for 13% of total referral traffic to publishers, partially offsetting traditional search declines. The 2026 events will likely provide insights on Google’s ranking factor adjustments, particularly around AI-generated content detection and Core Web Vitals evolution.
Developers attending prior Search Central Live events reported improved understanding of indexing mechanics, link valuation, and algorithm update preparation. The February sessions will deliver critical guidance as the search industry navigates its largest structural transformation since mobile-first indexing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is Google Search Central Live 2026 in South America?
São Paulo hosted on February 24, 2026; Buenos Aires on February 26, 2026. Both require advance registration by February 5.
Can I watch Google Search Central Live online?
No. Google confirmed no livestream or recording will be available. Physical attendance is required for access.
Who should attend Search Central Live Brazil and Argentina?
SEO professionals, web developers, content creators, journalists, and website owners seeking Google Search optimization insights.
What will Google announce at Search Central Live 2026?
Topics include AI integration in Search, algorithm update mechanics, Search Console updates, Google Trends analytics, and Chrome optimization.
How much does Search Central Live cost?
Attendance is free, but requires an accepted application. Google sends confirmations on February 10 to approved registrants.
