Trade shows are big business and we have plenty of big trade shows in North America to cover!
In 2023, the U.S. exhibition industry generated $15.6 billion in revenue with over 13,000 trade shows in the United States alone, Most cities have convention or exhibition centers. These facilities host shows like the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) with an attendance of 160,000 to local garden, RV, bridal, and crafts shows with attendance in hundreds or thousands.
People Love to Attend Trade Shows
No other event offers buyers and sellers the convenience of one, two, or three days to explore their professional passions and connect with others in their industry or share information about their interests. If you are interested in searching for trade show for your industry or hobby, then explore these comprehensive search tools:
For many BIG trade shows by region, see the list below.
Las Vegas Trade Shows 2024
For most Americans, when we think of trade shows, Las Vegas immediately comes to mind. The exact number of trade shows in Las Vegas each year varies depending on how you define a “trade show” and which sources you consult. However, here are some estimates:
- 75 major trade shows
- Thousands of conferences and trade shows: This broader estimate includes smaller events and industry-specific gatherings.
- 24,000 conventions and meetings of all sizes: This encompasses all types of gatherings, including trade shows, conferences, and meetings.
So, why Las Vegas?
Extensive Infrastructure:
- World-class convention centers: Las Vegas boasts the largest contiguous convention center space in the world, with over 5 million square feet of exhibit space. This allows for hosting multiple large-scale events simultaneously.
- Abundant hotel rooms: With over 150,000 hotel rooms available, Las Vegas can comfortably accommodate large influxes of attendees, offering diverse options to suit different budgets and preferences.
Accessibility and Convenience:
- Direct transportation: Las Vegas is easily accessible by air, with McCarran International Airport offering direct flights from major cities around the world. Simplified logistics: Many hotels and convention centers are connected, offering centralized access to event spaces, accommodation, and dining, minimizing logistical challenges.
Vibrant Atmosphere and Entertainment:
- Diverse attractions: Las Vegas offers a plethora of world-renowned attractions, including casinos, shows, restaurants, shopping centers, and outdoor activities, providing attendees with diverse entertainment options after business hours.
- Memorable experience: The overall excitement and energy of Las Vegas create a memorable experience for attendees, enhancing the overall impact of the trade show.
Additional Factors:
- Favorable weather: Las Vegas enjoys mostly sunny and warm weather throughout the year, making it a pleasant destination for attendees.
- Experienced workforce: The city boasts a vast pool of experienced professionals in event management, catering, transportation, and other sectors, ensuring smooth and efficient execution of trade shows.
#1. CES Trade Show | Las Vegas
January 9-12, 2024, Las Vegas Convention Center
The CES (Consumer Electronics Show) is one of the largest and most influential technology events in the world. It takes place annually in Las Vegas, Nevada, and typically attracts over 170,000 attendees from more than 160 countries.
#2. SEMA and AAPEX | Las Vegas
November 2-5, 2024, Las Vegas Convention Center
November 5-7, 2024, Venetian Expo and Caesar’s Forum
AAPEX and the SEMA Show are both part of Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW) which happens each November in Las Vegas.
The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world. Attracting more than 170,000 industry professionals from more than 100 countries, it draws the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center.
AAPEX has been the premier global event representing the global aftermarket auto parts industry. Located at the Sands Expo, AAPEX features over 2,200 automotive aftermarket manufacturers and suppliers showcasing innovative products, services, and technologies to 44,000+ targeted buyers.
#3. JCK | Las Vegas
May 31-June 3, 2024, The Venetian Expo
JCK Las Vegas is a major trade show and conference dedicated to the jewelry industry. It takes place annually in Las Vegas, Nevada, and provides a platform for businesses to showcase their latest products, connect with industry professionals, and learn about the latest trends.
#4. ASD Market Week | Las Vegas
March 10-13, 2024, Las Vegas Convention Center
ASD Market Week is the largest wholesale trade show for consumer merchandise in the United States. It is held twice a year at the Las Vegas Convention Center, and brings together over 2,000 exhibitors and 30,000 retailers from around the world. It features a vast array of products across categories such as apparel, fashion accessories, home goods, gifts, and much more.
#5. National Hardware Show | Las Vegas
March 26-28, Las Vegas Convention Center
The National Hardware Show (NHS) is a massive trade show dedicated to the home improvement and DIY industry. It takes place annually at the Las Vegas Convention Center, attracting thousands of exhibitors and attendees from around the world.
#6. NBAA – BACE Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition | Las Vegas
October 15-17, 2024, Las Vegas Convention Center
The NBAA – BACE Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition is the premier event for the business aviation industry, bringing together executives, manufacturers, suppliers, and other professionals from around the world. It is considered the “crown jewel” of the business aviation industry, showcasing the latest aircraft, technologies, and innovations.
Trade Shows in the Western United States
Las Vegas isn’t for everyone… for lots of obvious reasons. The Western US boasts a wide range of industries and businesses, attracting attendees from across various sectors. This provides ample opportunity to network with potential customers, partners, and industry professionals.
The following are large trade shows held in other Western U.S. cities.
#7. Natural Products Expo West | Anaheim, CA
March 12-16, 2024, Anaheim Convention Center
Natural Products Expo West is the leading trade show in the natural, organic, and healthy products industry where you can unearth your next big seller among the largest collection of emerging and pioneering brands.
Explore the vast array of natural, organic, and healthy products across various categories, including food, beverages, supplements, personal care, home care, and more. Be among the first to see the latest innovations and trends in the industry.
#8. Pacific Marine Expo | Seattle, WA
November 5-7, 2024 Lumen Field
Pacific Marine Expo is the largest commercial marine trade show on the West Coast, serving commercial mariners from Alaska to California. It provides industry education on safety, management, regulatory matters, and technological advancements. Buyers from Alaska to California visit PME looking for everything they need from bow to stern. Making this the best opportunity for exhibitors to reach the maritime industry and grow their business.
#9. ViVE | Los Angeles, CA
February 25-28, 2024, Los Angeles Convention Center
ViVE is a premier digital health conference focused on healthcare IT innovation and business transformation. It’s a great opportunity for senior digital health leaders to connect, learn, and collaborate.
ViVE opens on Sunday with Partner sessions and the Insights Programs, followed by the CHIME Welcome Reception and Good Night @ ViVE – the welcome party with a purpose.
#10. Outdoor Retailer | Salt Lake City, UT
June 17-19, 2024 and November 6-8, 2024, Salt Palace Convention Center
Outdoor Retailer is a resource for the outdoor and winter sports industry, serving the intersection of commerce and connection, content and culture, community and conversation.
Summer and Winter shows provide critical platforms for face-to-face commerce, product launches, networking, and industry education to enhance business and support the outdoor recreation economy. As North America’s leading business-to-business event for the outdoor community, Outdoor Retailer is your path to discovery.
#11. EDspaces | Anaheim, CA
October 15-17, 2024, Anaheim Convention Center
The Conference & Expo on Learning Environments is the gathering place for architects, dealers, Pre-K through 12, colleges and universities, independent manufacturers’ representatives, exhibitors, and corporations to learn about trends and experience the latest products and services to enhance student learning.
Trade Shows in the Southern United States
The southern United States is growing rapidly with a diverse and expanding population. Holding a trade show in the south allows businesses to tap into this large market, reaching new customers and potential business partners.
For a variety of reasons, the cost of holding a trade show can be significantly lower in the South compared to other regions, such as the Northeast or West Coast. This is due to factors such as lower venue costs, travel expenses, and labor costs.
#12. Supercomputing, SC24 | Atlanta, GA
November 17-22, 2024 Georgia World Congress Center
SC24 is the international conference for High-Performance Computing, networking, storage, and analysis. SC attracts an exclusive group of scientists, researchers, department managers, lab directors, and decision-makers from all corners of the HPC and networking industry.
No other event provides such extensive, targeted opportunities for exposure and in-depth interaction with key customer audiences. Supported by a powerful live network infrastructure called SCinet, SC uniquely provides exhibitors the ability to showcase the full capabilities of their products and services.
#13. FABTECH | Orlando, FL
October 15-17, 2024, Orange County Convention Center
FABTECH is North America’s Largest Metal Forming, Fabricating, Welding and Finishing Event. It provides a convenient venue where attendees can meet with world-class suppliers, see the latest industry products and developments, and find the tools to improve productivity, increase profits, and discover new solutions to all of their metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing needs. The annual event will offer more than 1,300 exhibitors and 28,000 attendees full access to over 550,000 net square feet of floor space.
#14. Medtrade | Dallas, TX
March 26-28, 2024, Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center
Medtrade is the largest Home Medical Equipment Expo and Conference in the US. Connecting the HME industry for over 36 years, Medtrade features a large expo floor filled with the leading home medical equipment manufacturers and their DME products. Thousands of durable medical equipment companies (providers) come to Medtrade to find everything from the basics to the latest innovations in mobility, respiratory, sleep, rehab, and aids to daily living.
#15. Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) | Houston. TX
May 6-9, 2024, NRG Park
The Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) is the world’s largest offshore energy event. It takes place annually in Houston, Texas, and brings together more than 60,000 professionals from over 100 countries. OTC’s goals are to advance scientific and technical knowledge for offshore resources and environmental matters.
OTC ranks among the largest 100 trade shows held annually in the United States and is among the 50 largest meetings.
#16. IWCE 2024 | Orlando, FL
March 25-28, 2024, Orange County Convention Center
The International Wireless Communication Expo (IWCE) is the largest event for critical communications professionals in the United States. It is held annually in Orlando, Florida, and attracts thousands of attendees from around the world.
Attendees can explore the latest technologies and advancements in critical communications, including Land Mobile Radio (LMR), Public Safety LTE (PS-LTE), FirstNet, Interoperability solutions, and Emergency response technologies.
#17. MODEX 2024 | Atlanta, GA
March 11-14, 2024, Georgia World Congress Center
MODEX is the largest manufacturing and supply chain trade show in North America. Attendees and exhibitors will see the latest technologies and advancements in manufacturing and supply chain solutions across various disciplines, including robotics and automation, material handling and logistics, warehouse management systems (WMS), transportation and distribution, and supply chain software and analytics
Trade Shows in the Midwest 2024
Trade shows in Chicago, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, and Louisville are convenient travel destinations for most US attendees. This can be beneficial for startups, small businesses, and individuals on a budget. Lower costs for booth rentals, travel, and accommodation make it easier to participate and maximize your return on investment.
In addition, The Midwest is home to several major industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation. Trade shows catering to these specific sectors provide an excellent platform to connect with industry professionals, showcase your products or services, and learn about the latest trends and innovations.
#18. PACK EXPO International | Chicago, IL
November 3-6, 2024, McCormick Place
PACK EXPO International is where companies come to introduce the industry’s latest processing and packaging advances. Having more than twenty vertical markets represented allows for an unsurpassed showcase of production solutions, unavailable in any other setting.
The four-day event will feature over 2,300 exhibiting companies and span more than 1.2 million net square feet of exhibit space at McCormick Place. PMMI expects to welcome 50,000 attendees.
#19. GEN CON | Indianapolis, IN
August 1-4, 2024, Indiana Convention Center
For over 55 years Gen Con has been the largest and longest-running gaming convention in North America. Founded in 1967 by Dungeons and Dragons co-creator Gary Gygax, Gen Con now attracts tens of thousands of attendees from around the world to Indianapolis for The Best Four Days in Gaming.
#20. CLEANPOWER 2024 | Minneapolis, MN
May 6-9, 2024, Minneapolis Convention Center
CLEANPOWER 2024 grows businesses by gathering key decision-makers and stakeholders across the wind, solar, storage, hydrogen, and transmission industries for discussion, deal-making, networking, and a whole lot of fun. It is designed for the diverse industry and supply chain professionals who are powering America’s future.
Trade Shows in the Eastern United States 2024
Participating in trade shows in the Eastern US is almost always a win-win. As the epicenter of commerce, it boasts more Fortune 500 and 1000 companies than any other region in the United States. The East Coast is a large and diverse market with a wide variety of industries and businesses. It’s a tremendous opportunity to reach a large audience and connect with potential customers.
#21 Pharma USA 2024 | Philadelphia
March 26-27, 2024, Pennsylvania Convention Center
Pharma USA 2024 presents a valuable opportunity for pharmaceutical industry professionals to connect, learn, and collaborate to shape the future of the industry and address crucial challenges. By attending this event, attendees can gain valuable insights, explore innovative solutions, and network with key stakeholders to advance their careers and contribute to the success of the industry.
#22. Summer Fancy Food Show | New York City
June 23-25, 2024, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
The Summer Fancy Food Show is the largest trade-only specialty food event in the United States. Serving up the newest and best in specialty food and beverage, the Summer Fancy Food Show attracts thousands of makers, buyers, brokers, distributors, and other industry professionals for three days of product discovery, networking, and business opportunities.
#23. Seafood Expo North America | Boston, MA
March 10-12, Boston Convention and Exhibition Center
The Seafood Expo North America (SENA) is a conference focused on the seafood industry. It brings together thousands of industry professionals from all over the world, including seafood producers and suppliers, buyers and retailers, industry experts, and technology and service providers.
#24. DDW 2024 | Washington DC
May 18-24, 2024, Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Digestive Disease Week (DDW) is the premier annual gathering for gastrointestinal (GI) professionals, offering an unmatched opportunity to explore the latest advancements in digestive health.
Get Ready for Your Next Big Trade Show in North America with Classic Exhibits!
Successful trade show marketing doesn’t happen by accident. There’s always a strategy and a plan. The key is identifying the right strategy and executing the right plan. For over 30 years, Classic Exhibits has been a reliable source of expertise for new and seasoned trade show marketers.
The Classic Exhibits Distributor Network includes over 200 exhibit houses and display professionals in North America. Find success on the trade show floor with an exhibit that reflects your marketing message. For more information, see www.classicexhibits.com and explore Exhibit Design Search or request a meeting with a Classic Distributor Partner
