San Diego
#1 Entertainment Industry Event
From its start in 1970 with 300 people and a handful of panels to today’s juggernaut that has more than 130,000 people filling the San Diego Convention Center for 700 hours of programming, the convention has come a long way. The format for the event has stayed the same; it’s the scope that has exploded. Hollywood was a partner from the start—Frank Capra was an early attendee—and the event has become a crucial promotional stop for film and TV series. “We try to produce the type of convention we would want to attend ourselves,” spokesman David Glanzer says. “We’re all fans, we love comic books, movies, toys, games, television, generally popular art. We may not all like the same things, but we can appreciate the diversity of what each of us finds interesting and I think that transfers to the event itself.” Next: July 9-12, 2015
Park City, Utah
#2 Entertainment Industry Event
Independent films are the focus of the festival, which was founded by Robert Redford in 1981. The mountain retreat draws bundled-up celebrities as well as a diverse group of brands such as YouTube, SoulCycle, and Quaker Oats. Next: January 22-February 1, 2015
Washington
#3 Entertainment Industry Event
The president and first lady attend the honors, which are among the highest achievements in the arts. After a much-publicized effort to diversify the event, the recipients in 2013 included Martina Arroyo and Carlos Santana. Next: December 7, 2014
New York
#4 Entertainment Industry Event
The TV industry unveils its lineups to media buyers at a series of events that has grown as more networks and distributors promote their shows and stars. Next: May 2015
Las Vegas
#5 Entertainment Industry Event
The show is among the largest conventions in Las Vegas, attracting 96,000 media and entertainment professionals. Brands use the event to launch products and deals; Crystal Radio Awards winners are also named. Next: April 11-16, 2015
Miami
#6 Entertainment Industry Event
More than 100,000 music industry professionals attend the weeklong event, which celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2015. The conference comprises more than 500 events across Miami and Miami Beach, including seminars, workshops, and parties. Next: March 2015
Los Angeles
#7 Entertainment Industry Event
More than 200 TV critics from the United States and Canada gather to hear from broadcast and cable networks about their new shows. The event happens twice a year, with the annual T.C.A. Awards handed out in conjunction with the summer tour. Next: January 2015
