1. North American International Auto Show
Detroit
The global automotive industry’s most important annual event attracted more than 770,000 executives, designers, engineers, thought leaders, dealers, and enthusiasts to the TCF Center in Detroit to see vehicle and product debuts. The eight-day, open-to-the-public show, hosted by the Detroit Auto Dealers Association, was preceded by five additional events: the ultra-luxury showcase The Gallery; AutoMobili-D, which focuses on future mobility platforms; a press preview; an industry preview for networking; and a charity event, which raised more than $4 million for children’s charities in Detroit. In 2020, the show moves from the winter to the summer and will add nearly one million square feet to its footprint. Next: June 6-20, 2020
The global automotive industry’s most important annual event attracted more than 770,000 executives, designers, engineers, thought leaders, dealers, and enthusiasts to the TCF Center in Detroit to see vehicle and product debuts. The eight-day, open-to-the-public show, hosted by the Detroit Auto Dealers Association, was preceded by five additional events: the ultra-luxury showcase The Gallery; AutoMobili-D, which focuses on future mobility platforms; a press preview; an industry preview for networking; and a charity event, which raised more than $4 million for children’s charities in Detroit. In 2020, the show moves from the winter to the summer and will add nearly one million square feet to its footprint. Next: June 6-20, 2020
Photo: David Freers/NAIAS
2. WWDMagic
Las Vegas
Tens of thousands of buyers from small shops up to powerhouses like Dillard’s and Urban Outfitters make their way to this show in Las Vegas to see what’s new and next in fashion and retail, attend events, learn from industry experts, and fill their racks for the upcoming season with clothing, shoes, and accessories. In a departure from past shows, the August event took place in one venue, the Las Vegas Convention Center, rather than two. In February, the show will move to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Next: February 5-7, 2020
See more: Podcast: Talking Trade Show Strategy With UBM Fashion
Tens of thousands of buyers from small shops up to powerhouses like Dillard’s and Urban Outfitters make their way to this show in Las Vegas to see what’s new and next in fashion and retail, attend events, learn from industry experts, and fill their racks for the upcoming season with clothing, shoes, and accessories. In a departure from past shows, the August event took place in one venue, the Las Vegas Convention Center, rather than two. In February, the show will move to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Next: February 5-7, 2020
See more: Podcast: Talking Trade Show Strategy With UBM Fashion
Photo: Jenna Bascom Photography
3. National Restaurant Association Show
Chicago
The National Restaurant Association Show celebrated its 100th anniversary with a 1,200-pound cheesecake. More than 42,000 restaurant, hotel and motel operators, distributors, equipment dealers, purveyors, and other stakeholder groups made their way to McCormick Place in Chicago to walk nearly 726,000 square feet of show floor and attend education sessions, resulting in record exhibit sales. To accommodate exhibitor demand, next year’s show will include a fourth exhibit hall. Next: May 16-19, 2020
The National Restaurant Association Show celebrated its 100th anniversary with a 1,200-pound cheesecake. More than 42,000 restaurant, hotel and motel operators, distributors, equipment dealers, purveyors, and other stakeholder groups made their way to McCormick Place in Chicago to walk nearly 726,000 square feet of show floor and attend education sessions, resulting in record exhibit sales. To accommodate exhibitor demand, next year’s show will include a fourth exhibit hall. Next: May 16-19, 2020
Photo: Courtesy of National Restaurant Association
4. High Point Market
High Point, North Carolina
Twice a year, upwards of 75,000 players in interior design, furniture, and home furnishings descend on the High Point Market in North Carolina, where tens of thousands of products are introduced to the industry. The show takes place in 180 buildings totaling 12 million square feet of floor space. More than 100 countries are represented at the event. Next: October 19-23, 2019
Twice a year, upwards of 75,000 players in interior design, furniture, and home furnishings descend on the High Point Market in North Carolina, where tens of thousands of products are introduced to the industry. The show takes place in 180 buildings totaling 12 million square feet of floor space. More than 100 countries are represented at the event. Next: October 19-23, 2019
Photo: VanderVeen Photographers
5. S.E.M.A. Show
Up from #6
Las Vegas
The Specialty Equipment Market Association’s annual convention attracted more than 70,000 domestic and international buyers in 2018 to check out the newest innovations in the automotive specialty products. The event included educational seminars, demonstrations, networking opportunities and other programming. Ford, Volkswagen, and Kia were among the exhibitors to showcase products ranging from electric drag racers to open-air trucks to carbon-fiber-bodied sports cars. The show will once again take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center this year. Next: November 5-8, 2019
Las Vegas
The Specialty Equipment Market Association’s annual convention attracted more than 70,000 domestic and international buyers in 2018 to check out the newest innovations in the automotive specialty products. The event included educational seminars, demonstrations, networking opportunities and other programming. Ford, Volkswagen, and Kia were among the exhibitors to showcase products ranging from electric drag racers to open-air trucks to carbon-fiber-bodied sports cars. The show will once again take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center this year. Next: November 5-8, 2019
Photo: Jules Clifford
6. Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market
Atlanta
More than 8,000 gift and home decor brands are represented at this semi-annual market, which also includes seminars, product demos, networking events, parties, and other events. The summer 2019 show included 1,400 permanent showrooms and 3,000 temporary exhibits, along with the return of the popular Shop the Show, an experience curated by style influencers based on what they see on the showroom floors. Next: January 14-20, 2020
More than 8,000 gift and home decor brands are represented at this semi-annual market, which also includes seminars, product demos, networking events, parties, and other events. The summer 2019 show included 1,400 permanent showrooms and 3,000 temporary exhibits, along with the return of the popular Shop the Show, an experience curated by style influencers based on what they see on the showroom floors. Next: January 14-20, 2020
Photo: Elle Wood Photography
7. Design & Construction Week
Las Vegas/Orlando
Design & Construction Week saw attendance spike from 85,000 in 2018 to more than 95,000 this year after a move from Orlando to Las Vegas. Builders, contractors, designers, and remodelers had the chance to explore more than 2,100 exhibits, which occupied more than one million square feet of space. Upwards of 150 educational sessions covered what’s new and next in the home-building industry, with emphasis on technology, green and sustainable construction, and innovative products. Next: January 21-23, 2020
Design & Construction Week saw attendance spike from 85,000 in 2018 to more than 95,000 this year after a move from Orlando to Las Vegas. Builders, contractors, designers, and remodelers had the chance to explore more than 2,100 exhibits, which occupied more than one million square feet of space. Upwards of 150 educational sessions covered what’s new and next in the home-building industry, with emphasis on technology, green and sustainable construction, and innovative products. Next: January 21-23, 2020
Photo: Courtesy of Design & Construction Week
8. Arnold Sports Festival and Expo
Columbus, Ohio
Classic Productions Inc. hosted the 2019 Arnold Sports Festival USA at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Named for founder Arnold Schwarzenegger, the show is the largest multi-sport festival in the country, with 22,000 athletes from 60 countries competing in more than 80 events ranging from judo and fencing to table tennis and boxing. Armlifting, foosball, and speed cubing were among the new events added this year. March 5-8, 2020
Classic Productions Inc. hosted the 2019 Arnold Sports Festival USA at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Named for founder Arnold Schwarzenegger, the show is the largest multi-sport festival in the country, with 22,000 athletes from 60 countries competing in more than 80 events ranging from judo and fencing to table tennis and boxing. Armlifting, foosball, and speed cubing were among the new events added this year. March 5-8, 2020
Photo: Nickolas Oatley
9. NAMM Show
Los Angeles
The latest innovations in music, sound, and entertainment technology were on display at the National Association of Music Merchants trade show, where 115,000 registrants from 139 countries and regions represent more than $11 billion in buying power. Seven thousand brands showcased their wares at the 2019 event, held over four days at the Anaheim Convention Center. Panels and workshops focused on timely topics like “YouTube Hacks for Music Retailers” and “How to Win in the Age of Disruption.” Next: January 16-19, 2020
The latest innovations in music, sound, and entertainment technology were on display at the National Association of Music Merchants trade show, where 115,000 registrants from 139 countries and regions represent more than $11 billion in buying power. Seven thousand brands showcased their wares at the 2019 event, held over four days at the Anaheim Convention Center. Panels and workshops focused on timely topics like “YouTube Hacks for Music Retailers” and “How to Win in the Age of Disruption.” Next: January 16-19, 2020
Photo: Courtesy of NAMM Show
10. Offshore Technology Conference
Houston
Energy professionals meet to exchange ideas and advance the industry at the Offshore Technology Conference, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. Held once again at NRG Park in Houston, the event drew 59,200 attendees from more than 100 countries and included more than 564,000 square feet of conference space. The Golden Anniversary Gala Dinner raised $300,000 for programs for at-risk youth. Next: May 4-7, 2020
Energy professionals meet to exchange ideas and advance the industry at the Offshore Technology Conference, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. Held once again at NRG Park in Houston, the event drew 59,200 attendees from more than 100 countries and included more than 564,000 square feet of conference space. The Golden Anniversary Gala Dinner raised $300,000 for programs for at-risk youth. Next: May 4-7, 2020
Photo: Alan Lessig/OTC
11. ReCon The Global Retail Real Estate Convention
Up from #12
Las Vegas
The International Council of Shopping Centers hosts the world’s largest gathering of retail and real estate professionals, which this year saw more than 125 exhibitors and 30,000 industry professionals in attendance. The evolution of the industry was at the forefront of the program, with new showcase areas focusing on health and wellness, outlets, colleges and universities, and emerging brands. Former N.F.L. star Tony Romo and CNBC personality Marcus Lemonis were among the keynote speakers. Next: May 17-19, 2020
Las Vegas
The International Council of Shopping Centers hosts the world’s largest gathering of retail and real estate professionals, which this year saw more than 125 exhibitors and 30,000 industry professionals in attendance. The evolution of the industry was at the forefront of the program, with new showcase areas focusing on health and wellness, outlets, colleges and universities, and emerging brands. Former N.F.L. star Tony Romo and CNBC personality Marcus Lemonis were among the keynote speakers. Next: May 17-19, 2020
Photo: Patrick Gray
12. Fort Lauderdale Boat Show
New to the list
Fort Lauderdale
A record 110,000 boating professionals and enthusiasts attended this show in Fort Lauderdale, the “Yachting Capital of the World,” in 2018, making it the largest in-water boat show in the world. The event spans six locations totaling more than three million square feet of event space. This year will mark the 60th edition of the event. Next: October 30-November 3, 2019
Fort Lauderdale
A record 110,000 boating professionals and enthusiasts attended this show in Fort Lauderdale, the “Yachting Capital of the World,” in 2018, making it the largest in-water boat show in the world. The event spans six locations totaling more than three million square feet of event space. This year will mark the 60th edition of the event. Next: October 30-November 3, 2019
Photo: Courtesy of Informa U.S. Boat Shows
