Detroit
#1 Trade Show
When the show debuted in 1989, no American auto show claimed to be an international event. So Detroit did, turning a regional show that had existed since 1907 into the attraction that it is today. The event truly has become international, drawing nearly 5,200 media outlets from 63 countries, and it gives the press much to write about: The show boasted 50 vehicle introductions this year and 60 introductions in 2013. It’s also a consumer draw, with a total ticketed attendance of more than 800,000. “There were naysayers who said, ‘That’s impossible. You’re never going to become that. It’s got to be Los Angeles, Chicago, or New York,’” says Rod Alberts, executive director of the show. “Now we’re number one.” For its 25th anniversary, Alberts says organizers played down the celebration, preferring to focus on the future rather than be nostalgic about the past. It honored a group of its founders from the Detroit Auto Dealers Association and then moved on with the show. Next: January 12-25, 2015
Las Vegas
#2 Trade Show
With more than $200 million in orders each day, the semiannual fashion trade show is an essential stop for buyers and brands. About 80,000 people attended in 2014. Next: February 17-19, 2015
Chicago
#3 Trade Show
The massive foodservice trade show at McCormick Place, which is co-located with the International Wine, Spirits, and Beer event, draws nearly 64,000 attendees. The show notched its third consecutive year of growth in 2014. Next: May 16-19, 2015
High Point, North Carolina
#4 Trade Show (new to the list)
The largest furnishings industry trade show in the world draws more than 75,000 people every six months. The event is spread across 180 buildings and 11.5 million square feet of exhibit space. Next: October 18-23, 2014
Atlanta
#5 Trade Show
The wholesale marketplace for home, rug, gift, and apparel products includes 1,400 permanent showrooms and 2,500 temporary exhibits. More than 90,000 people attend each edition of the twice-yearly show, which is held at AmericasMart. Next: January 6-13, 2015
Columbus, Ohio
#6 Trade Show
The former professional men’s bodybuilding competition founded by Arnold Schwarzenegger has grown into the world’s largest multi-sport fitness event, attracting some 175,000 people annually. In 2015, it debuts a kids’ fitness expo. Next: March 5-8, 2015
Chicago
#7 Trade Show
The country’s largest manufacturing technology show marks its 30th anniversary in 2014. Last year it drew more than 100,000 industry decision makers over the six-day show. Next: September 8-13, 2014
Las Vegas
#8 Trade Show
The automotive specialty products trade event draws 130,000 attendees and nearly 2,000 exhibitors to the Las Vegas Convention Center. Next: November 4-7, 2014
Houston
#9 Trade Show (new to the list)
About 75,000 attendees attended the show, which focuses on the development of offshore resources in the fields of drilling, exploration, production, and environmental protection. Next: May 4-7, 2015
