Photo: Marina Fragoso Senra
1. New York International Auto Show
Industry insiders and auto-holics will get a sneak peek at the upcoming ’08 and ’09 models at New York’s largest trade show, which runs from March 21 to 30 at the Javits Center. This year’s show will feature more than 1,000 vehicles and a multitude of exhibits from virtually every global auto manufacturer. The event, produced by Candida Romanelli, draws more than a million attendees every year.2. New York National Boat Show
The 103rd New York National Boat show ran from December 29, 2007, to January 6, 2008, drawing about 80,000 attendees to the Javits Center. Produced by 16-year veteran Michael Duffy, the event featured a completely revamped show floor along with educational seminars, contests, and exhibits such as the 40-foot-long, 4,000-gallon Fetch-N-Fish tank, where fishing pros showed off tricks of the trade.
3. New York International Gift Fair
As the largest gift show in the country, the 2008 New York International Gift Fair brought more than 40,000 attendees and 2,700 exhibiting companies to the Javits Center from February 1 to 6. The trade show is held twice a year, with the second event running from August 16 to 21. Dorothy Belshaw and Deborah Hilfman manage both shows.
4. The Greater New York Dental Meeting
The largest gathering of dentists in the U.S. comes to the Javits Center from November 21 to 26. The 84th annual meeting is expected to draw about 56,000 attendees and 1,500 booths displaying new products and information. The 2007 event featured guest speakers Meredith Vieira, Joy Behar, and Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
5. Digital Life Show
Gamers and gadget-heads flock to the Javits Center for Ziff Davis Media’s rapidly growing consumer technology and entertainment showcase, known to devotees as “Fashion Week for geeks.” More than 54,000 people attended the event in 2007, as 175 computer, video game, and electronics exhibitors took over 250,000 square feet of exhibit space. The show also included product launches from Gateway, Dell, Palm, and Friendster. The 2008 show is scheduled for September 25 to 28.
6. American International Toy Fair
More than 1,500 manufacturers, distributors, and sales agents from 30 countries were at the Javits Center from February 17 to 20 for the toy industry’s largest show. The Toy Industry Association produced the event, led by Marian Bossard, the association’s vice president of meetings and events. This year's fair drew more than 20,000 attendees.
7. National Retail Federation Annual Convention and Expo
The 97th annual convention brought more than 17,000 people to the Javits Center from January 13 to 16. The flagship event of the world’s largest retail trade association, this year’s expo spanned 175,000 square feet of display space. An opening-night reception was held at Gotham Hall, and speakers for the convention included Matthew McCauley, the C.E.O. of Gymboree, and Project Runway’s Tim Gunn.
8. International Vision Expo East
Thousands of eye-care professionals gather every year for the industry’s largest meeting. This year’s expo runs from April 10 to 13 at the Javits Center. Co-owners Reed Exhibitions and the Vision Council of America expect more than 16,000 attendees and almost 250,000 square feet of exhibit space.
9. National Stationery Show
Books, crafts, giftware, invitations, and more will be on display at the Javits Center from May 18 to 21 for the 62nd annual stationery show. George Little Management produces the event, where 1,350 exhibitors will present their latest products to 14,000 of the industry’s key retailers, buyers, and merchandisers.
10. Medical Design and Manufacturing East Expo and Conference
Last year’s event drew 25,000 product-development professionals and 1,550 participating companies to the Javits Center. L.A.-based Canon Communications produces the show, and the company expects similar numbers for the 2008 incarnation, which runs from June 2 to 5.
Industry insiders and auto-holics will get a sneak peek at the upcoming ’08 and ’09 models at New York’s largest trade show, which runs from March 21 to 30 at the Javits Center. This year’s show will feature more than 1,000 vehicles and a multitude of exhibits from virtually every global auto manufacturer. The event, produced by Candida Romanelli, draws more than a million attendees every year.2. New York National Boat Show
The 103rd New York National Boat show ran from December 29, 2007, to January 6, 2008, drawing about 80,000 attendees to the Javits Center. Produced by 16-year veteran Michael Duffy, the event featured a completely revamped show floor along with educational seminars, contests, and exhibits such as the 40-foot-long, 4,000-gallon Fetch-N-Fish tank, where fishing pros showed off tricks of the trade.
3. New York International Gift Fair
As the largest gift show in the country, the 2008 New York International Gift Fair brought more than 40,000 attendees and 2,700 exhibiting companies to the Javits Center from February 1 to 6. The trade show is held twice a year, with the second event running from August 16 to 21. Dorothy Belshaw and Deborah Hilfman manage both shows.
4. The Greater New York Dental Meeting
The largest gathering of dentists in the U.S. comes to the Javits Center from November 21 to 26. The 84th annual meeting is expected to draw about 56,000 attendees and 1,500 booths displaying new products and information. The 2007 event featured guest speakers Meredith Vieira, Joy Behar, and Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
5. Digital Life Show
Gamers and gadget-heads flock to the Javits Center for Ziff Davis Media’s rapidly growing consumer technology and entertainment showcase, known to devotees as “Fashion Week for geeks.” More than 54,000 people attended the event in 2007, as 175 computer, video game, and electronics exhibitors took over 250,000 square feet of exhibit space. The show also included product launches from Gateway, Dell, Palm, and Friendster. The 2008 show is scheduled for September 25 to 28.
6. American International Toy Fair
More than 1,500 manufacturers, distributors, and sales agents from 30 countries were at the Javits Center from February 17 to 20 for the toy industry’s largest show. The Toy Industry Association produced the event, led by Marian Bossard, the association’s vice president of meetings and events. This year's fair drew more than 20,000 attendees.
7. National Retail Federation Annual Convention and Expo
The 97th annual convention brought more than 17,000 people to the Javits Center from January 13 to 16. The flagship event of the world’s largest retail trade association, this year’s expo spanned 175,000 square feet of display space. An opening-night reception was held at Gotham Hall, and speakers for the convention included Matthew McCauley, the C.E.O. of Gymboree, and Project Runway’s Tim Gunn.
8. International Vision Expo East
Thousands of eye-care professionals gather every year for the industry’s largest meeting. This year’s expo runs from April 10 to 13 at the Javits Center. Co-owners Reed Exhibitions and the Vision Council of America expect more than 16,000 attendees and almost 250,000 square feet of exhibit space.
9. National Stationery Show
Books, crafts, giftware, invitations, and more will be on display at the Javits Center from May 18 to 21 for the 62nd annual stationery show. George Little Management produces the event, where 1,350 exhibitors will present their latest products to 14,000 of the industry’s key retailers, buyers, and merchandisers.
10. Medical Design and Manufacturing East Expo and Conference
Last year’s event drew 25,000 product-development professionals and 1,550 participating companies to the Javits Center. L.A.-based Canon Communications produces the show, and the company expects similar numbers for the 2008 incarnation, which runs from June 2 to 5.