Trade Show News

The Las Vegas meetings industry celebrated Global Meetings Industry Day, highlighting the convention and trade show sector's annual contribution of approximately $16 billion to the local economy and support for over 70,000 jobs. The LVCVA reported nearly 6 million business travelers in 2025, emphasizing the industry's role in filling hotel rooms during weekdays.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) board of directors approved extensions and updates to five agency contracts, totaling up to $464 million for marketing the city. This significant investment emphasizes the need for speed, flexibility, and scale in promoting Las Vegas as a premier destination for tourism and conventions.

Emerald Holding, the owner of Outdoor Retailer, is set to be acquired by Apollo Global Management in a deal valued at approximately $1.5 billion. This acquisition comes just months before Outdoor Retailer's pivotal relaunch in Minneapolis in August 2026, which aims to reinvent the trade show with new concepts.

The $180 million renovation of the Toyota Center is expected to significantly impact downtown Houston's economy, increasing foot traffic and visitor spending. This project is seen as complementary to the ongoing George R. Brown Convention Center renovation, further enhancing the city's visitor economy.

CP Group has added 55 Allen Plaza to its Atlanta portfolio, an office building featuring a state-of-the-art conference facility. The property is directly connected to a new JW Marriott hotel, opening this summer, which will introduce additional restaurant options and elevated meeting spaces, further supporting the city's convention and trade show infrastructure.

The IAEE Southeastern Chapter is holding its annual community service project at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida in Orlando on May 13, 2026. Volunteers will assist in packaging meals for the community.

ANDMORE®, the largest owner of permanent markets and tradeshow space in the world, announced executive team transitions, including the retirement of CEO Jon Pertchik effective May 31, 2026. An Executive Committee, comprising Amory Wooden, Greg Avitabile, Robert Klein, and Ximena Juncosa, will assume expanded responsibilities. Katie Potter and Landon Williams will also step down from their roles.

A pre-dawn fire at the Orange County Convention Center on April 15, 2026, hours before Ulta Beauty World, underscored the critical importance of move-in safety and emergency preparedness for trade show executives. The incident, which involved a booth fire and sprinkler activation, was quickly contained, allowing the show to proceed as planned.

Milwaukee is identified as the primary hub for events sponsorship activity in Wisconsin, driven by its major venues, convention facilities, and hospitality groups, including the Wisconsin Center District. Visa sponsorship for events roles is provided by large venue operators and convention management organizations.

The Visit Austin Foundation is hosting several events in 2026, including the Austin Tourism Insider Training Program from February to June, aimed at supporting hospitality employees. They will also host the "Thanks FORE Giving Topgolf Tournament" on November 19, 2026, a fundraising event benefiting the Visit Austin Foundation and Austin Sports Commission.

The SAP Sapphire & ASUG Annual Conference is recurring daily until May 13, 2026, at the North/South Building of the Orange County Convention Center. This major event brings together SAP users and partners for insights and networking.

Milwaukee will host Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition from November 16-18, 2026, at the Baird Center, bringing together event organizers and industry professionals. The event is expected to generate significant economic impact and showcase Milwaukee as a premier meetings destination.

The McDonald's Worldwide Convention 2026 is scheduled to take place at the newly renovated Las Vegas Convention Center from June 1-4, 2026. This major corporate event is expected to host over 14,000 franchisees, employees, and suppliers, utilizing the modernized Convention Center campus.

The Global Equity Organization (GEO) will host its 27th Annual Conference in Austin, Texas, from April 21-23, 2026, at the JW Marriott. The conference will bring together over 350 global share plan and executive compensation professionals for expert-led sessions, networking events, and access to exhibitors spanning various industry disciplines.

CHAMPS Trade Shows will return to the Palmer Events Center in Austin from October 13-15, 2026. This event serves as a premier counterculture marketplace, providing an opportunity for attendees to shop, discover, and connect with hundreds of vendors and thousands of brands under one roof.

The Anaheim City Council approved awarding a Design-Build Agreement to Liftech Elevator Services, LLC, for $3,445,337.50. This contract is for the design and construction of the Anaheim West Tower Elevator Modernization Project. The project aims to upgrade the elevators in the Anaheim West Tower.

The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) has expansion plans underway, with construction beginning in late 2025 and an expected completion in 2029. The project includes a new 100,000 sq ft ballroom and 44,000 sq ft of meeting space to connect the North and South lobbies. Additionally, pre-existing office structures in the West Exhibit Hall were removed in 2025 to expand Hall E by approximately 6,000 sq ft.

The Las Vegas Convention Center recently completed a $600 million renovation, extending the design and technology standards of its West Hall expansion across the entire campus. These upgrades include new lobby spaces, reconfigured halls, and enhanced back-of-house areas, designed to accommodate higher electrical loads for large technology shows and reinforce Las Vegas's role as a global showcase destination.

The Greater New York City region is set to gain a major new convention center with a proposed $3 billion project in the N.J. Meadowlands. The multi-use facility, designed by TVS Design, is planned to include 460,000 square feet of event and ballroom space, a 1,000-room hotel, and a 6,000-seat arena.