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
61
The ARA Show (previously The Rental Show) The ARA Show, held annually, is the largest equipment and event rental convention and trade show in the world. The show features rental-specific seminars, industry networking and equipment for all three segments:construction/industrial, general tool/light construction and party/special event.
Organizer: American Rental Association
# Exhibitors: 731
# Attendees: 5,277
02/17/2019 to 02/20/2019
Anaheim Convention Center
NSF: 306,700
62
Global Gaming Expo (G2E) Global Gaming Expo (G2E) is where the global gaming community comes together. Set yourself up for success at G2E—the largest gathering of global, commercial and tribal gaming professionals in North America. Take advantage of new educational content that is fast-paced and actionable and experience first-hand the new products and innovative technologies showcased on the expo floor. G2E has everything you need for your casino floor and across your entire operation—from traditional casino fare to sports betting, non-gaming amenities and digital products—G2E is where your business growth is accelerated.
Organizer: Reed Exhibitions U.S.A. (Norwalk, CT)
# Exhibitors: 377
# Attendees: 27,922
10/14/2019 to 10/17/2019
Sands Expo & Convention Center
NSF: 300,000
63
WEFTEC 2019 - Water Environment Federation Annual Technical Exhibition and Conference WEFTEC is the largest water and wastewater treatment conference in North America and offers water quality professionals from around the world the best water quality education and training available.
Organizer: Water Environment Federation - WEF
# Exhibitors: 990
# Attendees: 14,067
09/23/2019 to 09/25/2019
McCormick Place
NSF: 293,800
64
NRA Annual Meeting & Exhibits The NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits features an exhibit hall showcasing the top firearm and accessory manufacturers in the shooting sports industry, along with an extensive hunting, outfitter and firearms collectors pavilion. The weekend also includes numerous educational seminars, special events and A-list celebrity performances.
Organizer: National Rifle Association (NRA)
# Exhibitors: 853
# Attendees: 81,283
04/26/2019 to 04/28/2019
Indiana Convention Center
NSF: 285,975
65
Northeastern Forest Products Equipment Exposition The Northeastern Forest Products Equipment Exposition presents the latest in timber harvesting and timber processing equipment, supplies and services to loggers, saw millers, foresters, tree care professionals and others who work in and around the Northern Forest.
Organizer: Northeastern Loggers' Association
# Exhibitors: 208
# Attendees: 5,383
05/17/2019 to 05/18/2019
Cross Insurance Center and Bass Park Complex
NSF: 280,860
66
NRF 2019: Retail’s BIG Show NRF is the world's largest retail trade show, with membership that comprises all retail formats and channels of distribution including department, specialty, discount, catalog, Internet, independent stores, chain restaurants, drug stores and grocery stores as well as the industry's key trading partners of retail goods and service.
Organizer: National Retail Federation (NRF)
# Exhibitors: 821
# Attendees: 19,300
01/13/2019 to 01/15/2019
Javits Convention Center
NSF: 272,000
67
SuperZoo SuperZoo is the most-attended pet industry trade show in North America, established by World Pet Association in 1950 as an annual gathering place for the entire industry to connect, learn and do business. Ever since, the show has continued to grow—and it now boasts more buyers and education hours than any other industry event on the continent. With its rich education offerings, easy-to-shop show floor and energizing, fun-filled atmosphere, SuperZoo has earned its reputation as North America’s premier pet retail event—and the industry’s most productive and vibrant trade show of the year.
Organizer: World Pet Association
# Exhibitors: 1,078
# Attendees: 10,041
08/20/2019 to 08/22/2019
Mandalay Bay Convention Center
NSF: 269,925
68
SupplySide West Resources for health and nutrition professionals from the dietary supplement, food, beverage, personal care and sports nutrition industries. SupplySide West is all about the science and strategy around the development of finished products that drive the global business economy. Join us this year to learn about new trends from over 1,300 exhibitors and 140 hours of educational and conference programming.
Organizer: Informa Markets
# Exhibitors: 1,446
# Attendees: 9,364
10/15/2019 to 10/19/2019
Mandalay Bay Convention Center
NSF: 269,640
69
COTERIE - September Coterie is a premier global marketplace that bridges apparel and accessories designers to the international Who’s Who of retailers. Coterie builds exclusive, shopping experiences from the ground up so that designers and buyers can create a synergy that fuels their businesses. Coterie is a platform for generating revenue and inspiring trends.
Organizer: Informa Markets
# Exhibitors: 1,764
# Attendees: 8,555
09/17/2019 to 09/19/2019
Javits Convention Center
NSF: 267,000
70
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting Exhibitors offer a wide variety of products and services relevant to the orthopaedic market, including: arthroscopic systems, biomaterials, diagnostic equipment, implants, orthobiologics, pain management and pharmaceuticals, prosthesis, publishers, rehab equipment, surgical equipment and instruments.
Organizer: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
# Exhibitors: 758
# Attendees: 15,011
03/13/2019 to 03/15/2019
Sands Expo & Convention Center
NSF: 257,715
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.