Detroit
#1 Trade Show
The nation’s premier auto show continued its hot streak of increasing its attendance since the trade show rebranded in 1989. An estimated 815,575 people attended the show in 2016—the second-highest total ever—compared to 808,775 in 2015. The show—produced by the Detroit Auto Dealers Association and held at Cobo Center—showcased 750 cars in about 723,000 square feet of exhibit space. Roadshow by CNET became the event's official digital news and video partner, hosting live streaming of vehicle debuts and real-time news coverage. In 2017, organizers will launch AutoMobili-D, a new technology and innovation expo within the auto show that promises the participation of more than 100 companies. Next: January 8-22, 2017
Las Vegas
#2 Trade Show
North America’s largest fashion trade show showcases the latest in apparel, footwear, accessories, and manufacturing. Held every February and August, Magic has more than 85,000 attendees and about 2,000 exhibitors across 1.1 million square feet of exhibit space at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the show’s main site. In April, UBM, the company that produces the show, acquired Business Journals Inc., adding to its portfolio Business Journals’ fashion trade shows AccessoriesTheShow, Edit, Moda, Mrket, Fame, and StitchNext. In 2017, UBM is launching Children’s Club Magic, a West Coast version of the New York-originated trade show Children’s Club. Children’s Club Magic will run concurrent to the main show. Next: February 21-23, 2017
Chicago
#3 Trade Show
The 97th annual show and the co-located Beverage Alcohol for Restaurants at NRA Show posted record sold-out exhibit space of 680,000 square feet at Chicago’s McCormick Place, up from 638,424 square feet of exhibit space in 2015. Attendance grew to more than 67,000 people, an increase from 62,000 in the previous year. The retail registration category saw the highest growth, with 21 percent. Next: May 20-23, 2017
High Point, North Carolina
#4 Trade Show
The show, which specializes in retail sales of home furnishings, takes place every April and October and attracts more than 75,000 people per event. It counts more than 2,000 exhibitors in 11.5 million square feet of exhibit space. For the October edition, there will be 20 activities to connect attendees, including a TrendWatch seminar, an “Inside the Designers’ Studio with Vicente Wolf” discussion and book signing of The Four Elements of Design, and “Curated Tours of the Suites” with feedback and opinions from designers. In addition, country singer Maggie Rose and R&B group the Pointer Sisters will perform. Next: October 22-26, 2016
Atlanta
#5 Trade Show
Hosted by AmericasMart Atlanta, the show takes place twice a year: in January and July. Each show averages about 91,000 people and 2,400 exhibitors in 1.1 million square feet of exhibit space. In addition, more than 7,200 brands in categories of gifts, home decor, and furniture can be found at the event. Next: January 10-17, 2017
Columbus, Ohio
#6 Trade Show
Presented by Classic Productions, the event reached a milestone by offering the highest number of sports and events (55) since it began in 1989. The athletics festival, named after co-founder Arnold Schwarzenegger, is held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, Ohio Expo Center, and several other venues in central Ohio. New events this year include IFBB Arnold Pro wheelchair bodybuilding, indoor triathlon, and baton twirling. The festival’s 1.7 million square feet of the exhibit area at the convention center includes 900 booths of the latest in sports equipment, apparel, and nutrition, as well as a stage that hosts competitions and entertainment. Next: March 2-7, 2017
Las Vegas/Orlando
#7 Trade Show
Now in its third year, the week added new partners with the International Surface Event and the International Window Coverings Expo. The week is co-produced by the National Association of Home Builders’ International Builders’ Show and the National Kitchen and Bath Industry Association’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, which announced this year that Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association, a leading trade association for the residential technology industry, will be a strategic partner in 2017. As part of the partnership, the I.B.S. show floor will feature the Cedia Smart Home Pavilion designated for exhibitors who specialize in technology solutions for the home. The 2016 show had more than 2,100 exhibiting companies in more than 900,000 square feet of exhibit space at the Las Vegas Convention Center. About 80,000 people attend the gatherings, which will move to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando for the 2017 and 2018 shows, before returning to Las Vegas in 2019 and 2020. Next: January 10-12, 2017
Las Vegas
#8 Trade Show
The show is organized by the Specialty Equipment Market Association, which represents the automotive aftermarket industry. About 140,000 people will attend the show for its 50th edition this year at the Las Vegas Convention Center. In 2015, there were 2,400 exhibitors, which included more than 500 that were new to the conference. There is more than 1 million square feet of exhibit space in the convention center, as well an additional 1.5 million square feet of features and attractions throughout the convention center, outside areas, and neighboring Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino. Next: November 1-4, 2016
National
#10 Trade Show (new to the list)
Presented by Reed Exhibitions' ReedPop, the expo is North America’s largest gathering of book-industry professionals from around the world. About 17,000 people attend the event, which averages 126,000 square feet of exhibit space. More than 680 exhibitors attended the 2016 edition at McCormick Place in Chicago. Sponsors include American Booksellers Association, Association of American Publishers, and Association of Author Representatives. In 2014, the expo added a two-day consumer event, BookCon, that takes place following the expo at the same location. Next: May 31-June 2, 2017, New York
