Washington's Top 100 Events 2018 - Trade Shows & Conventions

#1 Trade Show & Convention
The Washington, D.C. Auto Show is recognized as the largest indoor event in the metro D.C. region each year, and this year, overall show attendance rose 5 percent from 2017. The 750,000-square-foot show at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center introduced a new 100,000-square-foot interactive display from Jaguar/Land Rover. Visitors had the opportunity to both drive a car on an indoor track or ride in a yet-to-be-released Jaguar e-Pace SUV on a stunt course with a stunt driver. The show boasted displays from more than 35 different manufacturers, who in total showed around 650 new cars. Artists painted vehicles on-site as part of the Art in Motion exhibit, and Automotive News editor in chief Keith Crain received a Lifetime Achievement Award. Local sports figures also made appearances, and two U.S. Senate Committee Hearings happened on-site, as well. Next: April 5-14, 2019

#2 Trade Show & Convention
The NBC4 Health and Fitness Expo celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2018, and moved to a new location within the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, taking over Halls D & E. The health, wellness, and fitness festival, which boasted an estimated 80,000 attendees, welcomed Telemundo 44 to the event this year for the first time. Celebs joining the fun this year included actress Fran Drescher, U.S. hockey gold medalist Haley Skarupa, Bravo star Teresa Giudice, and local pro athletes. The expo included health services like dental exams and blood pressure screenings, along with healthy cooking demos and an indoor play area with double dutch and hula hoops. Next: January 12-13, 2019

#3 Trade Show & Convention
Secretary of the Army Mark T. Esper delivered the keynote speech at the opening ceremony of this October's Association of the United States Army's Annual Meeting and Exposition at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. This event drew Army leaders and soldiers, notable Army veterans, and supporters from around the world, and attendance grew to more than 31,000 from last year's 29,734. Highlights included addresses from Karen Pence, second lady of the United States; Kirstjen Nielsen, secretary of homeland security; and Patrick Shanahan, deputy secretary of defense. Actor Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band performed. Journalist Martha Raddatz received the George Catlett Marshall Medal. The show included more than 700 exhibitors in the exhibit hall. Next: October 14-16, 2019

#4 Trade Show & Convention
In January, 22,324 attendees headed to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center to find inspiration for their next vacation. The 15th annual Washington D.C. Travel & Adventure Show saw an 8 percent increase in its year over year attendance rate and added new sponsors like the Hilton Passport Program, Cruise Planners, Turkey, and the Florida Keys & Key West. With the Hilton Passport program, attendees could have their passport photos taken and fill out passport application forms. Celebrity travel experts like Travel Channel’s Samantha Brown, editorial director of Frommer’s Pauline Frommer, and TV host Rudy Maxa made appearances. Next: March 16-17, 2019

#5 Trade Show & Convention
For the first time, the Smithsonian Craft Show highlighted Asian cultural influence on American crafts. The four-day show partnered with the Smithsonian's Asian Cultural History Program and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative office in the U.S. to showcase the theme of “Asian Influence/American design.” Taiwanese artisans demonstrated their work, in addition to the work displayed by 120 American artists. The National Building Museum hosted the sale, and wood sculptor Foon Sham created a temporary sculpture just for the atrium's fountain. Attendance was up from last year's 6,100 to 7,000. Next: April 24-28, 2019

#6 Trade Show & Convention (up from #7)
Washington's answer to Comic-Con is Awesome Con, a "celebration of geek culture" produced by LeftField Media. Held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, this year's convention held steady from last year's attendance with 70,000 fans. The three-day show features props and a collection of costumes from Star Wars: The Last Jedi, an exclusive screening of the first episode of Netflix’s Lost in Space followed by a panel discussion with scientists and the show's executive producers and writers, and a panel in honor of the 80th anniversary of Superman, bringing together DC Comics artist Greg Capullo and writer Scott Snyder and comic book artist and writer Dan Jurgens, alongside Smallville actors Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum. Next: April 26-28, 2019

#7 Trade Show & Convention
All Hallows Guild has hosted Flower Mart as a benefit for the Cathedral’s gardens and grounds since 1939, making this a spring Washington tradition. This year, Mayor Muriel Bowser and several Ambassadors took part in the Flower Mart Opening Ceremony: Bowser served as honorary chair, cutting the ribbon to officially open the two-day event on Friday. The plant sale once again partnered with Destination DC to make Flower Mart a stop on their Passport DC Embassy Tour. Sixteen local embassies participated in the Flower Mart International Floral Display, held inside the National Cathedral. Flower Mart included entertainment, tours, exhibits, art and crafts boutiques, horticulture displays, plant sales, food stands, an antique carousel, and a children’s area with an array of carnival rides and games. Attendance doubled from last year, drawing 20,000 attendees, thanks to favorable weather and increased news coverage. Next: May 3-4, 2019

#8 Trade Show & Convention (up from #9)
The March 2018 edition of this technology industry show drew 15,066 attendees from 105 countries to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The year, 340 exhibitors took over 84,000 square feet of exhibit space, while the event featured 310 speakers, including industry leaders like Gale Allen, acting chief scientist at NASA, and SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell, who was awarded the Satellite Executive of the Year Award. Orbital ATK also unveiled its next generation in-orbit robotic servicing platform during the show. Next: May 6-9, 2019

#9 Trade Show & Convention
This annual antique show returned to the Katzen Arts Center at American University with this year's "The Charm of Chinoiserie" theme, delving into Western imitation of Chinese artistic traditions. Speakers included award-winning interior designer Charlotte Moss, House Beautiful editor-in-chief Sophie Dow Donelson, and designers Alexa Hampton and Markham Roberts. A preview night reception included an Asian-theme dinner buffet from Susan Gage Catering. Proceeds benefited at-risk children and families served by the show’s charitable partners: TheArc, Bishop John T. Walker School, and the Founders Board of St. John’s Community Services. Next: January 11-13, 2019