2019 TOP Trade Shows List

The 2019 TSNN Top Trade Show List is exclusively sponsored by Expocad and the Orlando/Orange County Convention Center.

For a complete 2019 TSNN Top Trade Shows list that includes contact information please contact John Rice jrice@tsnn.com.

* Professional attendee figure includes exhibit personnel

TSNN Rank by NSF Event Event Date(s) Venue
21
HIMSS19 Health information and technology event of the year, where professionals throughout the global health ecosystem connect for the education, innovation and collaboration they need to re-imagine health and wellness for everyone, everywhere.
Organizer: Healthcare Information & Management Systems Society (HIMSS)
# Exhibitors: 1,328
# Attendees: 17,655
02/11/2019 to 02/15/2019
Orange County Convention Center
NSF: 606,750
22
International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE)

The International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) is an integrated tradeshow sponsored by U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, North American Meat Institute and American Feed Industry Association. Held annually in Atlanta, Ga, IPPE attracts attendees from across the globe involved in the production and processing of meat, poultry, egg and animal feed products. Exhibitors showcase their latest technology in equipment, services and supplies to supply protein products that feeds the world. 25% of the attendees are International and represent industries from more than 130 countries. 2019 IPPE set records in # exhibitors, net square footage, overall attendance and international attendees.

Organizer: U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, American Feed Industry Association and North American Meat Institute
# Exhibitors: 1,426
# Attendees: 32,655*
02/12/2019 to 02/14/2019
Georgia World Congress Center Atlanta
NSF: 594,052
23
IAAPA Expo

IAAPA Expo is the premier conference and trade show for the global attractions industry, including amusement and theme parks, where visitors spend $45.2 billion around the world. International leaders, decision makers, and visionaries within the global attractions industry come to Expo to see the latest innovations, learn from each other, network, and plan for the future.

Organizer: International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA)
# Exhibitors: 1,144
# Attendees: 27,900
11/18/2019 to 11/22/2019
Orange County Convention Center Orlando
NSF: 589,600
24
Natural Products Expo West Natural Products Expo West/Engredea is the premier trade show for the healthy products and ingredients industry. Co-located with Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace, these combined events showcase the entire value chain of healthy products from start to finish, identifying the bestsellers of today and the trends of tomorrow. Natural Products Expo West/Engredea is ranked as one of the top 50 shows in the US and one of the fastest 50 growing tradeshows in the US and Canada.
Organizer: Informa Markets
# Exhibitors: 3,697
# Attendees: 52,120
03/06/2019 to 03/10/2019
Anaheim Convention Center
NSF: 583,696
25
Offshore Technology Conference The Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) is where energy professionals meet to exchange ideas and opinions to advance scientific and technical knowledge for offshore resources and environmental matters. Celebrating 50 years since 1969, OTC’s flagship conference is held annually at NRG Park (formerly Reliant Park) in Houston. OTC has expanded technically and globally with the Arctic Technology Conference, OTC Brasil, and OTC Asia.OTC is sponsored by 13 industry organizations and societies, who work cooperatively to develop the technical program. OTC also has endorsing and supporting organizations.
Organizer: Offshore Technology Conference
# Exhibitors: 2,325
# Attendees: 35,968
05/06/2019 to 05/09/2019
NRG Park
NSF: 564,840
26
National Hardware Show The National Hardware Show® (NHS) celebrates a rich history spanning 75 years of serving the home improvement marketplace. From its early beginnings in New York during the post-World War 2 housing boom and eventual move to Chicago in the 1970s, to today's current location in Las Vegas, NHS continually evolves through the industry's involvement, commitment and passion to improving quality of life through their homes and beyond. Today, NHS is the place for global manufacturers, associations, organizations and the media to get an unfiltered view of the industry, hands-on experiences, and access to the latest innovations and retail trends to enhance their business.
Organizer: Reed Exhibitions U.S.A. (Norwalk, CT)
# Exhibitors: 2,654
# Attendees: 11,125
05/07/2019 to 05/09/2019
Las Vegas Convention Center
NSF: 556,000
27
AAPEX AAPEX represents the $356 billion global motor vehicle aftermarket. Exhibitors are represented by the manufacturers and suppliers of automotive parts, including products and services purchased for light- and heavy-duty vehicles after the original sale, such as replacement parts, accessories, lubricants, appearance products and service repairs, as well as the tools and equipment necessary to make the repair. Attendees are represented by wholesalers, warehouse distributors, jobbers, retailers, independent service providers, technicians, parts stores, manufacturers representatives, exporters, importers and packagers from the U.S. and 149 countries.
Organizer: William T. Glasgow Inc.
# Exhibitors: 2,545
# Attendees: 70,256
11/05/2019 to 11/07/2019
Sands Expo & Convention Center
NSF: 542,800
28
InfoComm InfoComm is the largest professional audiovisual trade show in North America, with thousands of products for audio, unified communications and collaboration, display, video, control, digital signage, home automation, security, VR, and live events.
Organizer: AVIXA - The Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association
# Exhibitors: 927
# Attendees: 43,230*
06/12/2019 to 06/14/2019
Orange County Convention Center
NSF: 524,339
29
FDIC International (Fire Department Instructors Conference) FDIC International offers 35,000+ Fire & Rescue professionals from 65+ countries around the world, quality world-class instructors, classrooms, workshops, H.O.T. evolutions and the most innovative products and services available to the industry displayed by over 800 exhibiting companies. The FDIC Experience is more than your traditional trade show it’s about the learning and sharing with your peers formally and informally through hallway conversations, developing life-long friendships and recharging your passion for the industry.
Organizer: Clarion Events
# Exhibitors: 784
# Attendees: 29,741
04/08/2019 to 04/13/2019
Indiana Convention Center
NSF: 499,175
30
International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Expo - AHR Expo As the largest and most comprehensive HVACR exposition in the world, the AHR Expo attracts tens of thousands of attendees from all facets of the industry, including contractors, engineers, dealers, distributors, wholesalers, OEMs, architects, builders, industrial plant operators, facility owners and managers, agents and reps.
Organizer: International Exposition Company (IEC)
# Exhibitors: 1,824
# Attendees: 27,047
01/14/2019 to 01/16/2019
Georgia World Congress Center
NSF: 493,120
Partner Voices
Less than six months ago, Lisa Messina joined the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) as the first-ever chief sales officer after leading the sales team at Caesars Entertainment. A 12-year Las Vegas resident, Messina is a graduate of Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration and serves on MPI International’s board of directors. TSNN had a chance to catch up with this dynamic leader and talk to her about her vision for the new role, current shifts in the trade show industry, creating more diversity and equity within the organization, and advice to future female leaders. Lisa Messina, Chief Sales Officer, LVCVA With Las Vegas becoming The Greatest Arena on EarthTM, what are some of the things you’re most excited about in your role? Our team was at The Big Game’s handoff ceremony earlier this month, and I couldn’t help but think, “We’re going to crush it next year!”  These high-profile events and venues not only drive excitement, but also provide unmatched opportunities for event planners. Allegiant Stadium hosts events from 10 to 65,000 people and offers on-field experiences. Formula 1 Grand Prix will take place in Las Vegas in November, after the year-one F1 race, the four-story paddock building will be available for buyouts and will also offer daily ride-along experiences that will be available for groups. And, of course, the MSG Sphere officially announced that it will open in September, ahead of schedule, with a U2 residency. It’s going to be the most technologically advanced venue as far as lighting, sound, feel, and even scent, and it will be available for buyouts and next-level sponsorships inside and outside. There’s no ceiling to what you can do when you’re doing events in Las Vegas.  Allegiant Stadium As the trade show and convention business returns to the pre-pandemic levels, what shifts are you noticing and how do you think they will impact the industry going forward? Our trade show organizers are very focused on driving customer experience. Most of our organizers are reporting stronger exhibitor numbers and increased numbers of new exhibitors, with trade shows proving to be almost or above 2019 levels. Now our organizers are really doubling down on driving attendance and focusing on the data to provide that individualized, customized experience to help attendees meet their goals and get the best value. Some companies continue to be cautiously optimistic with their organizational spend when it comes to sending attendees, but I think it will continue to improve. As the U.S. Travel Association makes more progress on the U.S. visa situation, we also expect a growing influx of international attendees. What are some innovative ways the LVCVA helps trade show and convention organizers deliver the most value for their events? We focus on customer experience in the same way that trade show organizers are thinking about it. We got rave reviews with the West Hall Expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), so over the next two years, we will be renovating the North and the Central halls, which will include not just the same look and feel, but also the digital experiences that can be leveraged for branding and sponsorship opportunities.  Vegas Loop, the underground transportation system designed by The Boring Company, is also a way we have enhanced the customer experience. Vegas Loop at the LVCC has transported more than 900,000 convention attendees across the campus since its 2021 launch. Last summer, Resorts World and The Boring Company opened the first resort stop at the Resorts World Las Vegas , with plans to expand throughout the resort corridor, including downtown Las Vegas, Allegiant Stadium and Harry Reid International Airport. The LVCVA also purchased the Las Vegas Monorail in 2020, the 3.9-mile-long elevated transportation system that connects eight resorts directly to the convention center campus. This is the only rail system in the world that integrates fares directly into show badges and registration. For trade show organizers, these transportation options mean saving time, money and effort when it comes to moving groups from the hotels to LVCC and around the city. Also, the more we can focus on building the infrastructure around the convention center, the more it supports the customer experience and ultimately supports our trade show organizers. Scheduled to debut in Q4, Fontainebleau Las Vegas will offer 3,700 hotel rooms and 550,000 square feet of meeting and convention space next to LVCC.  What are some of the plans for advancing DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) within your organization? We’re currently partnering with instead of working with a leading consulting firm, to lay the foundation and create a solid DEI plan and be the leader when it comes to DEI initiatives. The heart of that journey with the consulting firm is also talking to our customers about their strategic approaches to DEI and driving innovation in this space.  What are your favorite ways to recharge? My husband and I have an RV and we’re outdoorsy people. So, while we have over 150,000 world-class hotel rooms and renowned restaurants right outside our doorstep, one of my favorite things to do is get out to Red Rock Canyon, the Valley of Fire, and Lake Mead. Five of the top national parks are within a three-hour drive from Las Vegas, so there’s a lot you can do. We love balancing the energy of Las Vegas with nature, and we’re noticing that a lot of attendees add activities off the Strip when they come here.  Valley of Fire What advice would you give to women following leadership paths in destination marketing? I think it’s about being laser-focused on what you want to accomplish; building a team around you that lifts you and helps you achieve your goals; and being humble and realizing that you do it as a group. No one gets this done alone. Thankfully, there are a lot of women in leadership in this organization, in our customers’ organizations, and in this city that we can be really proud of. We’re a formidable force that is making things happen.   This interview has been edited and condensed. This article is exclusively sponsored by the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority. For more information, visit HERE.