#1 Trade Show & Convention
One million people attended the 2018 New York International Auto Show, making it the second-highest-attended edition in the event’s 120-year history. Upwards of 1,000 vehicles were on display, including 61 that were unveiled for the first time. Guests of all ages got the chance to see what’s on the horizon in the auto industry, participate in interactive simulations, and engage in virtual reality experiences. This year’s show, which returns to the Jacob K. Javits Center, is set to include a showcase of startup electric car companies. Next: April 19-28, 2019
#2 Trade Show & Convention
It’s fitting that the largest pop culture convention on the East Coast takes place in Gotham City. For four days, New York Comic Con gives fans of movies, television, comics, toys, and more a chance to interact with celebrities, learn the latest industry news, and preview content before it’s released to the public. While the Jacob K. Javits Center serves as headquarters, attendance numbers reached 250,000 in 2018 due in part to the addition of popular offsite events like Anime Fest and the Studios @ NYCC. Next: October 3-6, 2019
#3 Trade Show & Convention
Fans of motorcycles and motorcycle culture annually make their way to the Jacob K. Javits Center for the New York International Motorcycle Show, presented by Progressive. Last year’s event added a Discover the Ride initiative, an indoor demo that gave riders of all ages the chance to ride a motorcycle (under expert supervision) without a license. The three-day expo drew 56,000 attendees in 2018. Next: November/December 2019
#4 Trade Show & Convention
A popular tradition since 1905, the Progressive Insurance New York Boat Show brings 45,000 attendees together over five days at the Jacob K. Javits Center. Boating enthusiasts flock here to preview the latest innovations, participate in interactive workshops, and, of course, shop for vessels and gear. Highlights from the 2019 event included Super Thursday, where guests could take advantage of extra discounts; an expanded Touch-a-Boat Tour for kids; and a daylong career fair. Next: January 22-26, 2020
#5 Trade Show & Convention
Held twice a year at the Jacob K. Javits Center, NY Now offers a marketplace for more than 2,300 home and lifestyle brands to showcase their newest wares to buyers, designers, and retailers. Highlights from the winter 2019 event, which drew 28,000 attendees, included a new Distinctive Living element highlighting innovative and unique products, on-floor talks about the future of retail by top industry insiders, and the co-located National Stationery Show. Next: August 11-14, 2019
#6 Trade Show & Convention
More than 52,000 dental professionals came to the Jacob K. Javits Center for the 2018 Greater New York Dental Meeting, the largest dental meeting in the country. Attendees, who hailed from all 50 states and 146 countries, had access to more than 1,700 exhibit booths, 350 seminars, and other educational programming. In 2019, the meeting will expand its exhibit space and add a Public Health Symposium and Business Forum. Next: November 29-December 4, 2019
#7 Trade Show & Convention
The flagship industry event from the National Retail Federation since 1911, Retail’s Big Show brings more than 38,000 attendees from 99 countries together for three days at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The 2019 edition featured speakers including Chip and Joanna Gaines, former chairwoman of the Federal Reserve Janet Yellen, and the C.E.O.s of Lowe’s, Target, and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Next: January 2020
#8 Trade Show & Convention
More than 600 exhibitors representing some 170 destinations set up at the 2019 edition of the New York Times Travel Show, the largest and longest-running trade and consumer travel show in North America. In addition to the exhibits on the show floor, the event at the Jacob K. Javits Center includes educational seminars, live entertainment, a culinary spotlight, book signings, and more. Thirty-thousand people attended this year’s show, which for the first time included a passport acceptance event hosted by the U.S. State Department. Next: January 2020
#9 Trade Show & Convention
The Toy Association hosted its first fair in 1903, and it has grown into the largest marketplace in the toy and youth entertainment industry in the western hemisphere. The four-day event at the Jacob K. Javits Center draws 30,000 attendees from 100 countries, including more than 1,000 exhibitors showcasing 150,000 products. Next: February 16-19, 2019
