Ever wonder why so many businesses flock to trade shows and expos year after year? Well, when it comes to B2B growth, these events are like the Super Bowl of networking and innovation.
Picture this: You’re walking through one of North America’s top 100 biggest conventions, surrounded by the buzz of excitement and possibility. That’s where the magic happens!
Let’s face it, in our digital age, nothing quite beats the power of a good old-fashioned handshake and a face-to-face chat. From the biggest trade shows that feel like small cities, to those niche US exhibitions where everyone seems to know each other, these events are goldmines for building lasting relationships.
Think about it: where else can you get up close and personal with the latest gadgets, gizmos, and game-changers in your industry? Where else can you converse with everyone, from pop culture fans to food equipment manufacturers?
Popular trade shows and conventions in the US are like playgrounds for professionals. You get to touch, feel, and experience products in ways that a website just can’t match. It’s like the difference between watching a movie trailer and actually sitting in the theater: the experience is on a whole other level!
And let’s not forget the food for thought!
These expos events are packed with industry insights that’ll make your head spin (in a good way). Whether you’re soaking up wisdom from a keynote speaker or swapping stories with a national association representative, you’re guaranteed to leave feeling ready to take on the world.
From the CES in Las Vegas to WWDMAGIC in New York, these top 100 annual conventions in North America offer something for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re a small fish in a big pond or a market leader; these trade shows, expos, and comic cons are your chance to make a splash and show the world what you’ve got.
So, whether you’re eyeing the most popular trade shows or seeking out hidden gems among US exhibitions, remember: in the world of B2B, these events are where deals are made, innovations are born, and businesses grow.
Ready to dive in? Let’s explore the exciting world of trade shows and expos together!
Must-attend US exhibitions in 2025 and 2026
Our list below includes all the exceptional exhibition events the US has to offer in 2025 and 2026; it naturally covers a variety of different business sectors across every region of the country. Rest assured, we believe there will be something for everyone to enjoy:
- CES Consumer Electronics Show 6 – 9 January 2026, Las Vegas Convention Center (Las Vegas NV)
- World of Concrete 20 – 22 January 2026, Las Vegas Convention Center (Las Vegas NV)
- NAMM Show 20 – 24 January 2026, Anaheim Convention Center (Anaheim CA)
- The International Surface Event 27 – 29 January 2026, Mandalay Bay Convention Center (Las Vegas NV)
- NRF – Retail’s Big Show 11 – 13 January 2026, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center (New York NY)
- PPAI Expo 13 – 15 January 2026, Mandalay Bay Convention Center (Las Vegas NV)
- NY Now Summer 3 – 5 August 2025, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center (New York NY)
- Medical Design & Manufacturing – MD&M 3 – 5 February 2026, Anaheim Convention Center (Anaheim CA)
- International Roofing Expo 19 – 21 February 2025, Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center (San Antonio TX)
- Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo 4 – 6 November 2025, Venue: The Venetian Expo & Caesar’s Forum
- WWDMAGIC Las Vegas 18 – 20 August 2025, Las Vegas Convention Center (Las Vegas NV)
- Southern Spring Home & Garden Show 21 – 23 February 2025, Greenville Convention Center (Greenville SC)
- World AG Expo 11 – 13 February 2025, International Agri-Center (Tulare CA)
- Intersolar US 25 – 27 February 2025, San Diego Convention Center (San Diego CA)
- SME Conference & Expo 23 – 26 February 2025, Phoenix Convention Center (Phoenix AZ)
- The Precast Show 4 – 6 February 2026, Kansas City Marriott Downtown (Kansas City MO)
- The Inspired Home and Housewares Show 2 – 4 March 2025, McCormick Convention Center (Chicago IL)
- Conexpo-Con/Agg 3 – 7 March 2026, Las Vegas Convention Center (Las Vegas NV)
- Natural Products West 4 – 7 March 2025, Anaheim Convention Center (Anaheim CA)
- CMAA 5 – 9 February 2025 Tampa; 17 – 21 February 2026 Anaheim; 31 January – 4 February 2027 Chicago
- GDC 17 – 21 March 2025, Moscone Convention Center (San Francisco CA)
- Energy Storage 26 – 27 March 2025, Hyatt Regency (Dallas TX)
- PCA 11 – 14 April 2025, New Orleans Convention Center (New Orleans LA)
- Pizza Expo 25 – 27 March 2025, Las Vegas Convention Center (Las Vegas NV)
- Travel Goods Show 25 – 27 March 2025, Las Vegas Convention Center (Las Vegas NV)
- MWC Las Vegas 14 – 16 October 2025, Las Vegas Convention Center (Las Vegas NV)
- SHARE 23 – 27 August 2025, Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center (Washington DC)
- SXSW Conference & Festivals 7 – 15 March 2025, Austin Convention Center (Austin TX)
- AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo 5 – 8 April 2025, Boston Convention and Exhibition Center (Boston MA)
- ASD Market Week 9 – 12 March 2025, Las Vegas Convention Center (Las Vegas NV)
- Natural Products Expo 4 – 7 March 2025, Anaheim Convention Center (Anaheim CA)
- Vision Expo East 19 – 22 February 2025, Orange County Convention Center (Orlando FL)
- Seatrade Cruise Global 7 – 10 April 2025, Miami Beach Convention Center (Miami Beach FL)
- Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention 31 March – 3 April 2025, San Diego Convention Center (San Diego CA)
- NAB Show 5 – 9 April 2025, Las Vegas Convention Center (Las Vegas NV)
- Craft Brewers Conference & Expo 28 April – 1 May 2025, Indiana Convention Center (Indianapolis IN)
- National Hardware Show NHS 18 – 20 March 2025, Las Vegas Convention Center (Las Vegas NV)
- MailCon New York 28 July 2025, Convene (New York NY)
- eMerge 27 – 28 March 2025, Miami Beach Convention Center (Miami FL)
- IPW 14 – 18 June 2025, McCormick Place Convention Center (Chicago IL)
- RIMS RiskWorld 4 – 7 May 2025, McCormick Place Convention Center (Chicago IL)
- AWEA Windpower 6 – 8 October 2025, Hynes Convention Center (Boston MA)
- Offshore Technology Conference 5 – 8 May 2025, NRG Park (Houston TX)
- Clean Power 19 – 22 May 2025, Phoenix Convention Center (Phoenix AZ)
- White Label World Expo 15 – 16 October 2025, Las Vegas Convention Center (Las Vegas NV)
- PAX East 8 – 11 May 2025, Boston Convention Center (Boston MA)
- NRAAM 24 – 27 April 2025, Georgia World Congress Center (Atlanta GA)
- National Restaurant Association Show 17 – 20 May 2025, McCormick Convention Center (Chicago IL)
- JCK 6 – 9 June 2025, The Venetian Expo (Las Vegas NV)
- Premiere Orlando 31 May – 2 June 2025, Orange County Convention Center (Orlando FL)
- Bio International Convention 16- 19 June 2025, Boston Convention Center (Boston MA)
- NRF Protect 23 – 25 June 2025, Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center (Grapevine TX)
- WWDMAGIC New York 18 – 20 June 2025, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center (New York NY)
- InfoComm 11 – 13 June 2025, Orange County Convention Center (Orlando FL)
- Outdoor Retailer 18 – 20 June 2025, Salt Lake City Convention Center (Salt Lake City UT)
- ALA Annual Conference and Exhibition, 26 – 30 June 2025, Pennsylvania Convention Center (Philadelphia PA)
- Powergen International 20 – 22 January 2026, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center (San Antonio TX)
- HPE Discover 23 – 26 June 2025, The Venetian (Las Vegas NV)
- IFT First 14 – 16 July 2025, McCormick Place (Chicago IL)
- AWFS Fair 22 – 25 July 2025, Las Vegas Convention Center (Las Vegas NV)
- Cosmoprof 15 – 17 July 2025, Mandalay Bay Convention Center (Las Vegas NV)
- Clinical Lab Expo 27 – 31 July 2025, McCormick Place Convention Center (Chicago IL)
- NY Now Winter 1 – 3 February 2026, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center (New York NY)
- IWF 25 – 28 August 2026, Georgia World Congress Center (Atlanta GA)
- Vision Expo West 17 – 20 September 2025, The Venetian (Las Vegas NV)
- SuperZoo 13 – 15 August 2025, Mandalay Bay Convention Center (Las Vegas NV)
- Pack Expo International 18 – 21 October 2026, McCormick Place Convention Center (Chicago IL)
- Farm Progress Show 26 – 28 August 2025, Decatur Convention & Visitors Bureau (Decatur IL)
- IMTS 14 – 19 September 2026, McCormick Place Convention Center (Chicago IL)
- RE+ 8 – 11 September 2025 The Venetian/Caesar’s Forum (Las Vegas NV)
- International Fastener Expo 16 – 17 September 2025, Mandalay Bay Convention Center (Las Vegas NV)
- BICSI Beyond 2025 Conference & Exhibition 17 – 20 August 2025, The Venetian (Las Vegas NV)
- NSC Safety 15 – 17 September 2025, Colorado Convention Center (Denver CO)
- Farm Science Review 16 – 18 September 2025, Molly Caren Agricultural Center (London OH)
- Discovery on Target 22 – 25 September 2025, Sheraton Boston (Boston MA)
- GSX 29 September – 1 October 2025, Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (New Orleans LA)
- BioProcess International Conference & Exhibition 15 – 18 September 2025, Hynes Convention Center (Boston MA)
- San Diego Comic Con 24-27 July 2025, Anaheim Convention Center (Anaheim CA)
- Healthcare Design Conference & Expo 25 – 28 October 2025, Kansas City Convention Center (Kansas City MO)
- WEFTEC 29 September – 1 October 2025, McCormick Place Convention Center (Chicago IL)
- Global Gaming Expo 6 – 9 October 2025, The Venetian (Las Vegas NV)
- The Utility Expo, formerly ICUEE 7 – 9 October 2025, Kentucky Exposition Center (Louisville KY)
- NACS Show 15 – 17 October 2025, McCormick Place Convention Center (Chicago IL)
- IMEX 7 – 9 October 2025, Mandalay Bay Convention Center (Las Vegas NV)
- FABTECH 8 – 11 October 2025, McCormick Place Convention Center (Chicago IL)
- Equip Exposition, formerly GIE 21 – 24 October 2025, Kentucky Exposition Center (Louisville KY)
- ISPE Annual Meeting & Expo 26 – 29 October 2025, Charlotte Convention Center (Charlotte NC)
- BioProcess International US West 18 – 21 March 2025, San Diego Convention Center (San Diego CA)
- The Global Produce & Floral Show 16 – 18 October 2025, Anaheim Convention Center (Anaheim CA)
- AAPS PharmSci 360 9 – 12 November 2025, Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center (San Antonio TX)
- Chicago Build 29 – 30 October 2025, McCormick Place Convention Center (Chicago IL)
- Money 20/20 26 – 29 October 2025, The Venetian (Las Vegas NV)
- Eats 28 – 30 October 2025, McCormick Place Convention Center (Chicago IL)
- World Drug Safety Congress Americas 4 – 6 November 2025, Boston Convention and Exhibition Center (Boston MA)
- Pack Expo Las Vegas 29 September – 1 October 2025, Las Vegas Convention Center (Las Vegas NV)
- NAHB International Builders Show 25 – 27 February 2025, Las Vegas Convention Center (Las Vegas NV)
- SEMA 4 – 7 November 2025, Las Vegas Convention Center (Las Vegas NV)
- Greenbuild 4 – 7 November 2025, Los Angeles Convention Center (Los Angeles CA)
- Automation Fair 17 – 20 November 2025, McCormick Place Convention Center (Chicago IL)
- San Diego International Auto Show 28 December 2025 – 1 January 2026, San Diego Convention Center (San Diego CA)
How to Choose the Right Trade Show: Your Roadmap to Exhibition Success
So, you’re ready to dive into the exciting world of international trade shows, but with so many options, how do you pick the perfect fit? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Here’s your down-to-earth guide to choosing the trade show for stronger business growth.
- Know Your Industry Inside Out: First things first, stick to your playground. Whether you’re in tech, healthcare, or selling the coolest gadgets, there’s a trade show with your name on it. The top conventions in the US often cater to specific industries, so start by shortlisting the ones that speak your language.
- Size Matters (But It’s Not Everything): Are you a small fish looking to make a big splash, or a corporate giant aiming to maintain your crown? A massive event might seem tempting, but sometimes the more niche US exhibitions can offer better networking opportunities. Remember, it’s not always about the size of the pond, but how well you swim in it!
- Set Your Event Objectives (And Make Them SMART): What’s your endgame? Are you looking to launch a product, generate leads, or just soak up some industry insights? The most popular trade shows might be great for exposure, but if you’re after targeted networking, a smaller expo event might be your golden ticket.
- Crunch Those Numbers: Let’s talk money, honey! Your budget will play a big role in which trade shows and expos you can realistically attend. Don’t forget to factor in booth costs, travel, accommodations, and those fancy brochures you’ll be handing out like candy.
- Location, Location, Location: From the glitz of Las Vegas to the hustle of New York, the venue can make or break your experience. Consider your target audience: where are they likely to show up? The top 100 biggest shows in North America are spread out, so choose an exhibit space that makes sense for your business.
- Timing is Everything: Check your calendar and the industry pulse. Is there a peak season for your business? The timing of exhibition shows can impact attendance and engagement, so pick a date that aligns with your business cycles.
- Do Your Homework: Before you commit, do some detective work. Check out past attendee lists, read reviews, and maybe even chat with fellow exhibitors. The best trade shows have a track record of success and happy participants.
- Think Long-term: Remember, building relationships at trade shows is like planting seeds: it takes time to grow.
Consider choosing events that you can attend regularly. Consistency at popular trade shows can help build your brand presence over time.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to choosing the perfect trade show or expo for your business. Whether you end up at one of the top 100 trade shows or a niche industry gathering, you’ll be ready to make the most of it.
So, put on your comfortable shoes, practice your elevator pitch, and get ready to conquer the trade show floor!
The Power Of US Trade Shows And Expos For B2B Growth
Whether you’re CEO driving your company’s launch of new products, or a marketing manager selling and wanting to connect with purchasers and influencers, trade shows allow you to generate a level of exposure impossible to achieve through other channels.
The top events we’ve listed in this article can connect you with tens of thousands of engaged attendees in just a few days. These immersive experiences lead to relationships that drive revenue for months and years to follow. The sheer depth of interactions, visibility, and connections mean US trade exhibitions deliver business outcomes that cannot be matched through other marketing, sales, or networking channels.
Use our list below to determine the right US shows for your brand and objectives, so you can optimize your presence without having to worry about pesky logistics costs. Start planning today, and choose which upcoming shows make the most sense to accelerate your brand’s growth through exhibitions. The opportunities are immense!
Venues For US exhibitors
As shown in our list above, US trade fairs take place in a range of prestigious expo centers. These venues help exhibitors, organizers, vendors, and attendees get the most out of their B2B exhibition experience:
- Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) in Las Vegas, Nevada – One of the largest exhibition venues in the country and the world, the LVCC has its own transportation system to help reduce walking times. It hosts some of the attended events of the year, such as the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show. Anime lovers also congregate here for the annual Anime Expo.
- Anaheim Convention Center (ACC) in Anaheim, California – This robust facility is the largest of its kind on the West Coast, and has had some big expansions recently. It’s also haven for comic book professionals, who visit for the San Diego Comic Con.
- Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada – Mandalay Bay Convention Center is another top event venue in Las Vegas. It offers 2.1 million square feet of flexible meeting space, modern facilities, and a prime location right on the Las Vegas Strip.
- Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York – This popular event venue has lots of flexible space for exhibitions, a modern look with a big glass front, and a great location in the middle of Manhattan. It hosts many of the must-attend events in the USA.
- San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California – The San Diego Convention Center stands out with its sail-like design and waterfront location. It’s a well-known venue that combines style with function and hosts Intersolar USA’s main exhibition.
- McCormick Convention Center in Chicago, Illinois – In terms of sheer size, Chicago’s McCormick Convention Center is king. With over 2.6 million square feet of pure exhibition space, it is the United States’ most practical venue for large-scale events.
- Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana – Located near the Lucas Oil Stadium, this upbeat venue is a regional powerhouse. It hosts conventions, trade shows, and sporting events.
- Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami Beach, Florida – Thanks to recent upgrades, this historic venue is now a modern and stylish exhibition space. It’s home to Seatrade Global, a major event about the latest trends in the cruise industry.
- Boston Convention Center, Massachusetts – A landmark in the Boston Seaport District, the Boston Convention Center is one of the most advanced venues on the East Coast. It hosts conventions, trade fairs, and expo events.
US exhibitions – what do the stats say?
The exhibition and trade show industry in the United States has seen a number of significant developments following the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. By 2024, the market size of the trade show and conference planning services industry in the U.S. was approximately $21.4 billion, reflecting a 1.4% increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, total spending on trade show events reached $15.6 billion, with companies typically allocating about 31.6% of their marketing budgets to these events.
More than 90% of US trade fair visitors cite new product development and service displays as their core reason for attending; so if you’d like to capitalize on a hungry market, where better to participate in some exhibitions than in the USA?
Closing thoughts
That’s a wrap! Are you planning to exhibit at a top US venue soon? Our global experience, network & local leadership make Booth Exhibits™ your ideal partner. Calculate your project costs with our price calculator, or speak to one of our team today!