1. Washington Auto Show
#1 Trade Show & Convention
President Obama stopped by this year's expo, which showcases the automobile industry before Congress, federal agencies, and other visitors. Next: February 1-10, 2013
President Obama stopped by this year's expo, which showcases the automobile industry before Congress, federal agencies, and other visitors. Next: February 1-10, 2013
Photo: Tony Brown/imijphoto.com for BizBash
2. NBC Health and Fitness Expo
#2 Trade Show & Convention
The 19th run of the expo began with Zumba instead of a ribbon cutting and upgraded the acoustics for its panel discussions to improve the experience for its 85,000 attendees. Next: March 16-17, 2013
The 19th run of the expo began with Zumba instead of a ribbon cutting and upgraded the acoustics for its panel discussions to improve the experience for its 85,000 attendees. Next: March 16-17, 2013
Photo: Tony Brown/imijphoto.com for BizBash
3. Washington Home and Garden Show
#3 Trade Show & Convention
Ty Pennington of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition was a highlight of the show in 2012, the first edition produced by Marketplace Events. Next: March 22-24, 2013
Ty Pennington of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition was a highlight of the show in 2012, the first edition produced by Marketplace Events. Next: March 22-24, 2013
Photo: Garrett James
4. Washington D.C. Travel & Adventure Show
#5 Trade Show & Convention
More than 17,000 people attended the 2012 show, a 15 percent increase, and about 200 exhibitors had booths. Next: March 9-10, 2013
More than 17,000 people attended the 2012 show, a 15 percent increase, and about 200 exhibitors had booths. Next: March 9-10, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of Travel & Adventure Show
5. Smithsonian Washington Craft Show
#6 Trade Show & Convention
The 30th anniversary of the expo, produced by the Smithsonian Women's Committee, had 121 exhibitors, including 44 new to the show. Next: April 24-28, 2013
The 30th anniversary of the expo, produced by the Smithsonian Women's Committee, had 121 exhibitors, including 44 new to the show. Next: April 24-28, 2013
Photo: Kay Springwater.
6. Washington Craft Show
#7 Trade Show & Convention
The 25th anniversary of the contemporary crafts show is this fall, held each year at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Next: November 16-18, 2012
The 25th anniversary of the contemporary crafts show is this fall, held each year at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Next: November 16-18, 2012
Photo: Liberty Media Group
7. Washington Winter Show
#8 Trade Show & Convention
The antiques and fine arts show includes appraisals, dealer talks, and guided walks. For the 2013 Washington Winter Show, the event will have the theme "The Thrill of the Chase: Antiques of the Sporting Life" and feature honorary chairwoman Penny Chenery, owner of Triple Crown winner Secretariat. Next: January 10-13, 2013
The antiques and fine arts show includes appraisals, dealer talks, and guided walks. For the 2013 Washington Winter Show, the event will have the theme "The Thrill of the Chase: Antiques of the Sporting Life" and feature honorary chairwoman Penny Chenery, owner of Triple Crown winner Secretariat. Next: January 10-13, 2013
Photo: Alyssa Reichardt
8. Washington National Cathedral Flower Mart
#9 Trade Show & Convention
This year's featured country was Jamaica in honor of its 50th year of independence and included a volunteer reception at the Jamaican Embassy; the annual mart usually draws 10,000 people a day. Next: May 3-4, 2013
This year's featured country was Jamaica in honor of its 50th year of independence and included a volunteer reception at the Jamaican Embassy; the annual mart usually draws 10,000 people a day. Next: May 3-4, 2013
Photo: C. Stapert/Washington National Cathedral
9. Progressive International Motorcycle Show
#10 Trade Show & Convention (new to the list)
The show draws more than 20,000 motorcycle enthusiasts to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Next year the show will include events such as a digital Kawasaki Design-A-Bike, a stunt show from the Smage Brothers of America's Got Talent, and "Just for Women" gatherings and seminars. Next: January 4-6, 2013
The show draws more than 20,000 motorcycle enthusiasts to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Next year the show will include events such as a digital Kawasaki Design-A-Bike, a stunt show from the Smage Brothers of America's Got Talent, and "Just for Women" gatherings and seminars. Next: January 4-6, 2013
Photo: Erik Oginski
