Trade Show News

Anaheim's City Council is considering proposed changes to the Anaheim Tourism and Improvement District (ATID), including a hotelier plan to fund affordable housing for hospitality workers. Updates also involve funding for special events, development studies, and potential new transit systems to better connect the Anaheim Resort area, including the Convention Center. ATID's self-assessment currently funds tourism and improvements in The Anaheim Resort.

The $1 billion OCVIBE entertainment district in Anaheim, a 100-acre project around the Honda Center, will include a massive food hall with 21 kitchens set to open in 2027. This development also features a 5,000-person concert hall, urban park, over 2,000 residences, and two hotels, significantly reshaping the destination's live-entertainment, dining, and hospitality landscape.

The Anaheim Convention Center, one of the largest exhibition facilities in the United States, annually attracts nearly 900,000 convention visitors to the city. This influx of visitors generates over $1.4 billion in economic impact for Anaheim. The Convention Center alone hosts over 160 events annually.

The Anaheim Convention Center, one of the largest exhibition facilities in the United States, attracts nearly 900,000 convention visitors annually. This activity generates over $1.4 billion in economic impact for the city. The Convention Center, along with Disneyland Resort, anchors a highly productive economic district in California, creating a year-round hospitality, retail, and service economy.

D23 2026, a biennial convention at the Anaheim Convention Center, is experiencing slower than usual ticket sales, with the economy being cited as a contributing factor. While standard passes have sold out, higher-priced premium seats remain available, a departure from historical demand patterns. This situation highlights the impact of economic conditions on attendance for large-scale conventions.

Visit Anaheim announced it will host five major, high-profile meetings and events through 2030, including ConferenceDirect (2026), Connect Marketplace (2027), MPI's World Education Congress (2029), and IPW (2030). These events are expected to bring over 20,000 meeting planners and industry leaders to Anaheim, reinforcing its position as a premier destination.

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) announced the completion of its acquisition of Exhibitor Group. This strategic move aims to strengthen resources and opportunities for the exhibitions and events community through an outlined integration strategy.

Allied Universal Event Services is hiring Event Security personnel for conventions and other events in Anaheim, offering weekly pay and flexible scheduling. Responsibilities include bag checks, access control, and implementing safety policies while providing customer service.

Anaheim is attracting major industry events like ConferenceDirect CDX in 2026, Connect Marketplace in 2027, MPI's World Education Congress in 2029, and IPW in 2030, which will bring over 20,000 meeting planners. The city's evolving appeal is supported by ongoing investments, including the OCVIBE entertainment complex set to open in 2027.

Visit Anaheim received the 2025 Culture Achievement Award for the second consecutive year, recognized for its excellence in workplace culture and team engagement. The award celebrates organizations that prioritize team member development and a strong workplace experience. Visit Anaheim prides itself on creating a welcoming, inclusive, and positive culture.

A Food Processing Industries trade show is scheduled to take place at the Anaheim Convention Center for three days, starting August 23, 2026.

The California Restaurant Show at the Anaheim Convention Center will feature educational sessions for restaurant owners, chefs, and foodservice professionals in 2026. This year's event includes the Pizza Tomorrow Summit Pavilion.

The 2026 D23 Ultimate Fan Event is set to take place in Anaheim from August 14th through the 16th, with the Anaheim Convention Center hosting the event's show floor. The three-day event will feature 50 different panels and presentations, as well as shops and exhibits with new 2026 experiences, including Mundo Pixar: The D23 Experience and ESPN: Road to the Super Bowl.

Natural Products Expo West 2026, held at the Anaheim Convention Center from March 3-6, brought together over 66,000 registered leaders from the health and wellness sector. More than 3,200 brands showcased innovations in the natural products industry, including a new 'Snack Lab' dedicated to healthy snacking trends. The event also announced its return to Anaheim from March 2-5, 2027.

Natural Products Expo West, held March 3-6, 2026, at the Anaheim Convention Center, attracted over 66,000 registered leaders from the health and wellness sector. More than 3,200 brands showcased innovations in the natural products industry, with a new 'Snack Lab' feature. Natural Products Expo West is scheduled to return to Anaheim from March 2-5, 2027.

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.

Following the Anaheim City Council's approval of DisneylandForward in May 2024, a new transportation hub, including a 6,000-space parking structure and pedestrian bridge, was announced in June 2025 for the east side of the Disneyland Resort. Construction is scheduled to begin in fall 2026.

The Anaheim Convention Center is undergoing a renovation and expansion project, with addenda issued as recently as May 4, 2026. Bidders were invited to a site visit on April 28, 2026.

OCVIBE, a 100-acre mixed-use development in Anaheim, unveiled plans for a landmark public art program and a new 5,000-person capacity live entertainment venue, designed by Populous, set to open in early 2027. This development aims to transform the area around Honda Center into a vibrant, year-round destination, impacting the region's live-entertainment, dining, and hospitality landscape.

The Anaheim Convention Center, the largest convention center on the West Coast, spans over 1.8 million square feet and hosts approximately 300 events annually, including major trade shows and conventions. The facility, which underwent a $190-million expansion in 2017, is a world-class destination for diverse industries.