1. TED Conference
#1 Trade Show & Convention
The TED Conference at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center (simulcast in Palm Springs), sells out a year in advance and draws more than 1,000 people (who qualify for attendance with memberships starting in the thousands of dollars). The big thinkers come for content that—in addition to the conference's namesake categories technology, entertainment, and design—now covers the categories of science, business, the arts, and global issues. Over four days, 50 speakers each take an 18-minute slot, and shorter presentations also include musical and comedy performances. Next: February 25-March 1, 2013
The TED Conference at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center (simulcast in Palm Springs), sells out a year in advance and draws more than 1,000 people (who qualify for attendance with memberships starting in the thousands of dollars). The big thinkers come for content that—in addition to the conference's namesake categories technology, entertainment, and design—now covers the categories of science, business, the arts, and global issues. Over four days, 50 speakers each take an 18-minute slot, and shorter presentations also include musical and comedy performances. Next: February 25-March 1, 2013
Photo: Robert Leslie
2. Los Angeles Auto Show
#2 Trade Show & Convention
The Los Angeles Auto Show is a century-plus-old fixture at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Next: November 30-December 9, 2012
The Los Angeles Auto Show is a century-plus-old fixture at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Next: November 30-December 9, 2012
Photo: Courtesy of the Los Angeles Auto Show
3. Comic-Con International
#3 Trade Show & Convention
Comic-Con International fills the San Diego Convention Center and surrounding venues with fans, and a significant Hollywood presence that seems to grow by the year. Next: July 18-21, 2013
Comic-Con International fills the San Diego Convention Center and surrounding venues with fans, and a significant Hollywood presence that seems to grow by the year. Next: July 18-21, 2013
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury for BizBash
4. E3
#4 Trade Show & Convention
The Electronic Entertainment Expo, popularly known as E3, draws nearly 50,000 video game industry professionals, investor analysts, and retailers to the Los Angeles Convention Center. The Electronic Entertainment Association hosts the show. Next: June 11-13, 2013
The Electronic Entertainment Expo, popularly known as E3, draws nearly 50,000 video game industry professionals, investor analysts, and retailers to the Los Angeles Convention Center. The Electronic Entertainment Association hosts the show. Next: June 11-13, 2013
Photo: Nadine Froger Photography
5. D: All Things Digital Conference
#5 Trade Show & Convention
The Wall Street Journal's 2012 D: All Things Digital Conference marked its 10th run, and this year’s conference was popularly known as D10. The event brings high-level discussions with boldfaced names in media and technology to the Terranea in Rancho Palos Verdes. Next: May 2013
The Wall Street Journal's 2012 D: All Things Digital Conference marked its 10th run, and this year’s conference was popularly known as D10. The event brings high-level discussions with boldfaced names in media and technology to the Terranea in Rancho Palos Verdes. Next: May 2013
Photo: Asa Mathat
6. NAMM Show
#6 Trade Show & Convention
More than a century old and drawing people from more than 100 countries, the NAMM Show is considered the biggest and most important music products show in the world. Next: January 24-27, 2013
More than a century old and drawing people from more than 100 countries, the NAMM Show is considered the biggest and most important music products show in the world. Next: January 24-27, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of the NAMM Show
7. Los Angeles Boat Show
#8 Trade Show & Convention
Produced by the Southern California Marine Association at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the Los Angeles Boat Show is among the longest-running boat shows in the country, now in its 55th consecutive year. The 2012 show saw a 10 percent bump in attendance. Next: February 7-10, 2013
Produced by the Southern California Marine Association at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the Los Angeles Boat Show is among the longest-running boat shows in the country, now in its 55th consecutive year. The 2012 show saw a 10 percent bump in attendance. Next: February 7-10, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of the Los Angeles Boat Show
8. Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show
#9 Trade Show & Convention (new to the list)
This year, the Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show drew a record 25,800 guests to the Long Beach Convention Center. Previously show producer Unicomm co-produced The Los Angeles Times Travel & Adventure Show, and the shows now compete. Next: January 12-13, 2013
This year, the Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show drew a record 25,800 guests to the Long Beach Convention Center. Previously show producer Unicomm co-produced The Los Angeles Times Travel & Adventure Show, and the shows now compete. Next: January 12-13, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of the Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show
9. California Gift Show
#10 Trade Show & Convention
The California Gift Show takes over the L.A. Mart and L.A. Convention Center in the winter and summer, and it’s the biggest show of its kind on the West Coast, with more than 200,000 square feet and 10,000 product lines. Urban Expositions just acquired the show from Merchandise Mart Properties, and the management transition will take place following the July edition of the semi-annual event. Next: January 25-28, 2013; July 19-22, 2013
The California Gift Show takes over the L.A. Mart and L.A. Convention Center in the winter and summer, and it’s the biggest show of its kind on the West Coast, with more than 200,000 square feet and 10,000 product lines. Urban Expositions just acquired the show from Merchandise Mart Properties, and the management transition will take place following the July edition of the semi-annual event. Next: January 25-28, 2013; July 19-22, 2013
Photo: Jim Harris
10. Los Angeles Times Travel Show
#11 Trade Show & Convention
The Los Angeles Times Travel Show’s 14th annual go convened more than 24,300 speakers, travel professionals, industry leaders, media folks, and consumers at the L.A. Convention Center, breaking the previous attendance record by more than 21 percent. Next: February 22-24, 2013
The Los Angeles Times Travel Show’s 14th annual go convened more than 24,300 speakers, travel professionals, industry leaders, media folks, and consumers at the L.A. Convention Center, breaking the previous attendance record by more than 21 percent. Next: February 22-24, 2013
Photo: Courtesy of the Los Angeles Times Media Group
