Whether you’re a plumber or an orthopedic surgeon, there’s a professional trade show in your industry. In fact, it’s likely there are multiple shows, large and small. In this post, we’ve focused on five industries: technology, construction, automotive, apparel/fashion, and medicine. If you’re in those fields, then we’ve made your search a little easier. If not, use them as an example of how to locate shows within your occupation.
For those new to trade shows, you might be surprised by the following information. There are over 6,300 businesses in the United States in the trade show and conference industry with an overall revenue of $18.2 billion. The trade show industry has often been called one of the largest and most invisible businesses in the world.
The Center for Exhibition Industry (CEIR) reports that 13,000 trade shows are held in the US annually, which represents about 40% of all shows globally.
Some shows attract several hundred attendees. Others like CES and CONEXPO/AGG can expect more than 100,000 attendees and from 1,000 to 2,000+ exhibitors.
Getting Started with a List of Trade Shows by Industry
Start by conducting some informal and formal research. Has your company participated in trade shows in the past? Which ones and were they successful? Did you utilize a professional trade show management partner? Second, a quick Google search will list shows in your industry. Third, use a trade show search site, like the Trade Show Calendar, to identify and learn more about specific shows. The EXHIBITOR Magazine has a trade show calendar on its website.
Below are trade shows or exhibitions in technology, construction, fashion/apparel, construction, and medicine. And even these are only a small percentage of the shows in those industries.
Technology Trade Shows
SEMICON West, July 11-13, 2023
SEMICON connects the extended microelectronics supply chain in one place. This includes more than 2,500 member companies and 1.3 million professionals worldwide to advance the technology and business of electronics design and manufacturing. For example, at SEMICON West 2022, there were pavilions on Smart Manufacturing, Smart Mobility, Smart MedTech, and Workforce Development.
The event offers both in-person and virtual attendee passes. For more information about becoming an exhibitor at the show in San Francisco, click here.
IEEE Sustainability Conference, April 19-22, 2023
The IEEE Conference on Technologies for Sustainability (SusTech 2023) explores development to meet the needs of the present without compromising future generations. SusTech brings together scientists, engineers, technologists, and scholars from multiple disciplines to hold a dialogue on environmental issues and collaborate on ideas to develop and utilize innovative tools and intelligent systems to address the need for Sustainable Infrastructure.
IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology.
CES, January 5-8, 2023.
Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association, CES features every segment of the technology sector. The four-day event showcases over 2,400 exhibitors in several exhibition halls in Las Vegas. Seminar topics include 5G, cryptocurrency, digital health, fitness and wearables, robotics and drones, vehicle technology, and gaming and esports.
CES is a trade-only event for individuals 18 years of age or older and affiliated with the consumer technology industry. It’s not open to the general public.
MWC GSMA, February 27 to March 2, 2023
MWC Barcelona (still commonly referred to as Mobile World Congress) is an annual trade show organized by GSMA, dedicated primarily to the mobile communications industry. It’s the largest and most influential event in the industry and includes mobile operators, device manufacturers, technology providers, vendors, and content owners.
SXSW, March 10-19, 2023
The SXSW Conference & Festival celebrates the convergence of the tech, film, and music industries. Located in Austin, Texas, and online, SXSW includes music and comedy showcases, film screenings, exhibitions, professional development, and networking opportunities.
The nine-day event is held annually with registration options to attend all events or to attend interactive, film, or music events.
RSA Conference, April 24-27, 2023
RSA Conference is the world’s leading information security exposition. The conference plays a critical role in bringing the cybersecurity industry together. In addition, RSAC is the ultimate marketplace for the latest technologies and hands-on educational opportunities.
The 2022 event included 34 keynote presentations, 600+ speakers, and approximately 400 exhibitors.
Black Hat USA, August 5-10, 2023
Black Hat is an internationally recognized cybersecurity event series, with expositions in Europe, Asia, and the United States, providing the most technical and relevant information security research. The multi-day events provide the security community with the latest cutting-edge research, developments, and trends.
Black Hat serves as an ideal location to network with seasoned talent in the industry and meet with international experts committed to defining and defending the future of security.
Construction Trade Show Events
CONEXPO-CON/AGG, March 14-18, 2023
CONEXPO-CON/AGG is North America’s largest construction trade show representing asphalt, aggregates, concrete, earthmoving, lifting, mining, utilities, and more. Held every three years, the show helps construction professionals elevate their industry expertise, experience the newest equipment and products through demonstrations and industry-leading education, make new professional connections, and grow their own marketability within the industry.
The CONEXPO-CON/AGG is held at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
International Woodworking Fair (IWF), August 20-23, 2024
The International Woodworking Fair is North America’s largest woodworking technology and design trade show and conference and a top destination for the global woodworking sector. IWF delivers the latest solutions in architectural woodwork, cabinetry, flooring, furniture manufacturing, engineered products, doors, windows, machinery, tools, metals, plastics, and more.
The semi-annual 4-day event will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA in 2024.
Greenbuild International Conference + Expo., September 26-29, 2023
Greenbuild hosts the largest annual event for green building professionals worldwide where attendees learn and source solutions to improve resilience, sustainability, and quality of life in our buildings, cities, and communities.
The Greenbuild International Conference + Expo is presented in partnership with USGBC, a mission-focused organization committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings.
World of Concrete, January 16-19, 2023
World of Concrete has served the global concrete & masonry construction industries for 49 years. In addition to educational sessions, the show features original equipment manufacturers from around the world and exclusive U.S. distributors of equipment, tools, products, and services for the commercial construction, concrete and masonry industries.
WOC attracts approximately 1,500 exhibiting companies and occupies more than 700,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibit space.
The International Builders’ Show (IBS), January 31 – February 2, 2023
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) manages and organizes the Builders’ Show. NAHB represents 140,000+ members and is the voice for housing policies to make housing a priority. is the largest light construction building industry trade show in the United States. It focuses specifically on the needs, concerns, and opportunities that face home builders.
Since 2014, the International Builders’ Show has been co-located with the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), with the combined shows branded as Design & Construction Week. In 2023, the National Hardware Show will be co-dated with Design & Construction Week in Las Vegas.
Kitchen/Bath Industry Show and Conference (KBIS), January 31 – February 2, 2023
The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) is North America’s largest trade show dedicated to all aspects of kitchen and bath design. KBIS, in conjunction with the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), showcases the latest industry products, trends, and technologies from hundreds of exhibitors.
Automobile Trade Show Events
North American International Auto Show, September 13-24, 2023
The North American International Auto Show is the most influential annual automotive event in the world and a showcase for emerging technologies. The show features brand-defining vehicles, product ride-and-drives, and dynamic experiential activations.
Additional events include Media Day, an opportunity for automakers and industry suppliers to debut new products and technologies; Industry Tech Days, a chance to preview emerging mobility technologies and engage with innovators; AutoMobili-D, an inside look at future mobility platforms.
SEMA Show, October 31 – November 3, 2023
The SEMA Show is the best place to see thousands of the newest automotive performance products from new and iconic exhibitors, discover the latest product and vehicle trends, and develop essential skills by attending any one of the 70+ free education sessions – all led by top industry professionals.
The event is held at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
National Automobile Dealers Association Convention & Expo (NADA), January 26-29
The NADA Show offers a full program of innovative products, emerging trends, and networking opportunities for automotive dealers. It includes 80+ workshops, 500+ exhibitors, keynote speakers, and educational sessions.
Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS), February 17-23, 2023
The Canadian International AutoShow (CIAS) is Canada’s largest auto show. This event has been held in Toronto, Ontario since 1974 and is staged annually in February at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. It draws an average of 300,000 visitors from Ontario and Western New York.
On average, there are over 1,000 cars, trucks, and SUVs as well as concept cars, exotics, classics, and alternative energy vehicles.
Apparel Trade Show Events
MAGIC Fashion Show, February 13-15 2023
MAGIC Las Vegas is a high-energy fashion experience and home to the largest selection of young contemporary, modern sportswear, footwear, and accessories brands in the industry. It is recognized as the world’s largest fashion marketplace and the most important apparel event in the US.
Held each February and August in Las Vegas, MAGIC fashion marketplace (sometimes referred to as the “Apparel Trade Show Las Vegas”) showcases women’s, men’s, and children’s apparel, footwear, accessories, and manufacturing resources from around the world.
Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA), November 12 – 14, 2023
The Private Label Manufacturers Association is a non-profit organization founded in 1979 to promote the store brands industry. It is the only trade group of its kind, representing 3,800 member companies in more than 75 countries. In addition to annual, industry-defining trade shows in Chicago and Amsterdam, PLMA offers its members the annual Leadership conference, executive education, and professional development programs, original consumer and market research.
Outdoor Retailer, June 19 – 21, 2023
Outdoor Retailer is North America’s largest trade show in the outdoor and snowsports industry drawing attendees from around the world. On average, the show attracts over 25,000 attendees. In addition to the June event, the Outdoor Retailer hosts a Snow Show from January 10-12 in Salt Lake City.
The Atlanta Shoe Market, February 18 – 20, 2023
The Atlanta Shoe Market is a high-energy trade show with over 1,800 lines representing the largest and most influential shoe suppliers and designers in the world.
COTERIE Marketplace New York, February 21-23
Women’s contemporary and advanced contemporary market event, featuring apparel, accessories, and footwear at a premium to advanced contemporary price points. The COTERIE Show is held in conjunction with MAGIC New York.
Since 1986, COTERIE has brought fashion’s biggest talents together to not only imagine but actively create the trends of tomorrow. And in bringing together the fashion industry’s power players and brilliant minds, COTERIE has always served as the space where that change can happen — through exploration and connection.
Medical Trade Show Events
BIOMEDevice Silicon Valley, November 29- 30, 2023
BIOMEDevice Silicon Valley brings together medical professionals to demonstrate and discuss emerging trends, innovation, and disruptive tech changing the future of the medical device industry. From digital health to surgical robotics, BIOMEDevice Silicon Valley is the starting point for the discovery of progressive solutions to challenges and impactful products.
JEMS Innovation Summit, April 24-29, 2023
JEMS Innovation Summit is a trade show for emergency medicine. Leading manufacturers and suppliers of products for emergency medicine meet professionals in the industry. Visitors can find in-depth and comprehensive information here about the latest developments, trends, products, and services in emergency medicine.
MD&M West, February 7-9, 2023
MD&M West Show (Medical Design & Manufacturing) is held in Anaheim Convention Center Anaheim in February with products and education about medical equipment, surgery equipment, laboratory technologies, and medicine. MD&M West is the largest annual advanced manufacturing event in the US, bringing together suppliers and buyers for every part of the product development cycle.
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Annual Meeting, March 7-11, 2023
The AAOS Annual meeting is the largest orthopedic meeting in the world. Founded in 1933, the Academy is the preeminent provider of musculoskeletal education to orthopedic surgeons and others in the world. Its continuing medical education activities include multiple continuing medical education (CME) courses held around the country and at the Orthopedic Learning Center (OLC), and various medical and scientific publications and electronic media materials.
RSNA Annual Meeting, November 27 to December 1
RSNA 2022 provides an exceptional education in every subspecialty and unparalleled opportunities to exchange new ideas, network with the radiology community, and view the latest medical imaging technology — illustrating the dynamic role imaging plays in disease management, multidisciplinary collaboration, and patient care.
Partner with Exhibits NW for Your Next Trade Show
The knowledgeable and passionate team at Exhibits NW has been in the trade show industry for over three decades. Whether you’re looking for a rental exhibit, a custom exhibit, or just a trusted partner to ensure your success, contact our team so we can help you exceed your trade show goals!