Trade Shows & Conventions San Francisco 2019

Car buffs flock to the Moscone Center each winter to check out the latest model cars, trucks, and vans from the world’s major manufacturers. From cutting-edge electric, hybrid, and alternative fuel vehicles to exotic cars, the best of the auto industry is on display at the San Francisco International Auto Show. It’s the largest auto show in the region and the largest exhibition of any kind held in Northern California. Special attractions at the 2019 show will include test drives and exclusive access to Academy of Art University’s classic car collection. Next: November 28-December 2, 2019

San Francisco’s Moscone Center becomes the ultimate foodie destination in January during the Winter Fancy Food Show. The event brings in more than 80,000 specialty foods and beverages, thousands of new-to-market items, and more than 1,400 exhibitors from around the globe. For specialty food vendors, it’s touted as the most convenient and cost-effective way to connect with buyers from every major food and beverage buying channel in the U.S. and abroad. Next: January 19-21, 2020

Watermark Conference for Women is a full day of connection, motivation, networking, and skill-building designed to amplify the influence of women in the workplace and beyond. In 2019, the conference hosted 125 speakers and 7,500 attendees for keynotes, roundtables, and breakout sessions. “Each Watermark Conference is a unique opportunity to be inspired by a powerful, diverse lineup of women who—regardless of age—are doing some of the most creative work in their fields,” says Watermark Conference director Laurie Dalton White. “Each program sparks its own magic, encouraging us to take new risks, help one another, and create workplaces that support women and men, no matter their background or experience.” Next: February 12, 2020

Hustle Con practices what it preaches. Instead of offering tons of perks, food, and gifts, the one-day entrepreneurial boot camp focuses on showcasing non-technical entrepreneurs’ success stories about bootstrapping their way to profitability. Speakers discuss their backgrounds and practical hacks for growth, and get honest about things they would do differently. Last year’s conference boasted 15 speakers, 15 exhibitors, and 2,500 attendees. Next: December 2019

Tattoos have turned into a $1.5 billion industry—one that is experiencing a 13 percent annual market growth rate. Much like any other trade group, tattoo artists need a place to gather to discuss trends and products and refine their craft. In the Bay Area, that place is the Bay Area Tattoo Convention at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport in Burlingame. The convention is a way to “promote and protect tattooing through dedication to innovation and responsibility.” More than 150 tattoo artists attended the 2019 convention. Next: Spring 2020