Trade Shows & Conventions New York 2020

The Jacob K. Javits Center transforms into a car enthusiasts’ paradise during the annual New York International Auto Show. More than one million people attended last year’s show, generating 1.14 billion social media impressions and garnering traditional media attention from all over the world. Occupying 950,000 square feet of exhibition space, the floor featured roughly 1,000 vehicles. The 2020 show will feature its first Electric Vehicle Test Fest where attendees can experience electric vehicles in an indoor space designed to mimic the great outdoors of upstate New York. Next: April 10-19, 2020

Since it began in 2006, New York Comic Con has been the city’s premier destination for comic book enthusiasts and pop culture fans alike. Last year’s event at the Jacob K. Javits Center drew 250,000 attendees, many clad in elaborate cosplay ensembles, making it the largest event of its kind on the East Coast. Highlights of the four-day show included first looks at upcoming series like Apple’s Servant and CBS All Access’ Star Trek Picard, surprise appearances from celebrities like Ryan Reynolds and Margot Robbie, and discussions with filmmakers like Kevin Smith and Sam Raimi. The 2019 convention also rolled out a cashless pay feature for fans to purchase merchandise and collectibles. Next: October 8-11, 2020

Progressive presents the New York International Motorcycle Show at the Jacob K. Javits Center in 2019. In 2019, 53,000 attendees showed up over the course of three days to purchase bikes and accessories, learn about the latest developments on two wheels, and connect with their fellow motorcycle enthusiasts. The popular Discover the Ride, an initiative that makes the motorcycle experience accessible for non-riders, returned for the second year and included the addition of the Next Steps program to help new riders get trained and licensed. Next: December 2020

Forty-thousand boat enthusiasts came out for the 2020 Progressive Insurance New York Boat Show at the Jacob K. Javits Center, where 350 vessels were on display for the five-day event. While the show has existed since 1905, its programming continues to evolve to include the latest products and technologies. At this year’s event, attendees had the chance to check out yachts and watersports boats, purchase the latest gear and accessories, participate in virtual reality experiences, and attend educational seminars. Next: January 27-31, 2021

More than 2,300 home, handmade, gift, and lifestyle brands in 35 product categories showcase their wares at NY Now, which takes over the Jacob K. Javits Center for five days twice a year. New features at the winter 2020 show ranged from a Wellness Stage to a Luxury Lifestyle platform to a keynote speech from tastemakers Carson Kressley and Thom Filicia. The event included the return of popular programming like the Epicurean Kitchen live demo stage and the Awards Night Party recognizing the show’s best exhibitors and products. Next: August 8-12, 2020

The Second District Dental Society and the New York County Dental Society present the annual Greater New York Dental Meeting, the largest event of its kind in the country. In 2019, the 95th edition of the event drew more than 52,600 professionals, including a record 13,458 international attendees. The show, held at the Jacob K. Javits Center, featured more than 1,600 exhibit booths, 350 workshops and seminars, and an expanded program to train nurses about proper oral health. The 2020 event will include a forum focusing on dental care for the special needs community, as well as a leadership conference for female dentists. Next: November 27-December 2, 2020

This January, more than 40,000 attendees from 100 countries attended Retail’s Big Show, the largest and most diverse retail trade expo in the world. Spread across 275,000 square feet of the Jacob K. Javits Center, the event offered retailers the chance to interact with more than 800 vendors showcasing everything from artificial intelligence to in-store technology to customer experience solutions. Popular new features included the Food for Thought Lunch Sessions, curated one-on-one meetings between startup and technology companies, and the Retailer Table Talks. Executives from Nordstrom, Crate and Barrel, Kohls, and Pinterest, as well as personalities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Paul Ryan, were among the show’s featured speakers. Attendees also had the chance to participate in guided tours of premier retail destinations like SoHo, Midtown, and the Oculus at Westfield World Trade Center Mall. Next: January 17-19, 2021

Cruising, budget travel, heritage trips, and frequent flyer programs were among the many topics covered at the 2020 New York Times Travel Show, which returned for the 17th year in January. The three-day show caters to both consumers and industry insiders, with a packed lineup of engaging discussions, cooking demos, cultural performances, educational seminars, book signings, and other travel-related programming. More than 740 exhibitors from 176 countries were represented at this year’s event, which brought more than 35,000 visitors to the Jacob K. Javits Center. Next: January 2021

Formerly known as the North American International Toy Fair, Toy Fair New York is the largest toy, game, and youth product marketplace in the western hemisphere. More than 25,000 inventors, designers, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and other industry insiders hailing from 100 countries attended this year’s expo, which occupied 440,000 square feet of the Jacob K. Javits Center. Highlights from the show included educational sessions addressing topics like entrepreneurship and licensing, domino displays of New York City landmarks, and the Toy of the Year Awards, which were held at the Ziegfeld Ballroom. Next: February 2021