Miami
#1 Art & Design Event
The country’s premier art event is the anchor to Miami Art Week and draws serious collectors and more than 250 gallerists who do mega business at the fair, which specializes in modern and contemporary art. The after-hours dinners, parties, concerts, and other promotions from brands add to the enormity of the scene. Next: December 3-6, 2015
New York
#2 Art & Design Event
The fair marked its 17th season this year and has had such a strong run under executive director Noah Horowitz that Art Basel recruited him to direct its Miami Beach show. Nearly 200 galleries showed work from more than 1,500 artists. New this year was the show’s first Instagram Meet-Up of 30 bloggers. Next: March 3-6, 2016
Chicago
#3 Art & Design Event
About 50,000 people gathered this year for the 47th edition of the trade show for the commercial interior design industry. Taking up nearly one million square feet of space at Merchandise Mart, the show deftly integrates sponsors into the layout. For example, the Chicago-based Archeworks designs the pressroom, and various companies transform the entrances and pass-throughs on the first floor with custom lounges and installations. Next: June 13-15, 2016
National
#4 Art & Design Event
Architects, interior designers, fashion designers, floral and landscape artists, and event producers are among those who create dining room installations for versions of the show across the country. The efforts support organizations that fight H.I.V. and AIDS. Next: October 3, 2015, Kansas City
Los Angeles
#5 Art & Design Event (new to the list)
Held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the show from Dwell Media presents one trade day and two consumer days all focused on modern design. The show draws more than 30,000 people, a figure that has grown consistently in the event’s 10-year history. Next: June 24-26, 2016
