Trade Show News

A grassroots campaign, 'Denver. The Best Return on Life,' has been launched by local business leaders, including hospitality figure Walter Isenberg, to counter negative perceptions and promote Denver's economic and lifestyle advantages. The initiative, which raised over $2.5 million, aims to attract businesses and talent by highlighting the city's opportunities and investments.

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) is inviting companies to apply for support to exhibit at 2027 trade shows, including a $5,000 stipend for travel costs. The application period opens September 23, 2026.

A developer is proposing a new seven-story, 168-room unbranded hotel near the Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver. The plan involves demolishing a former bank branch to make way for the new hotel, which will include meeting rooms and other amenity spaces.

Hospitality industry groups, including Visit Denver, the Colorado Hotel & Lodging Association, and the Colorado Restaurant Association, are publicly opposing a proposal for state incentives to support a 450-room expansion at Aurora's Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center. The Gaylord Rockies, already the largest hotel and conference center in Colorado, is planning significant upgrades including outdoor patio areas, interior redesigns, and an entertainment venue for live concerts.

Denver's tourism industry honored top leaders and innovators at the 24th annual Denver & Colorado Tourism Hall of Fame Dinner in early March at the Colorado Convention Center's new Bluebird Ballroom. The event supports the Visit Denver Foundation, which provides scholarships to tourism and hospitality students.

FirstChoice Staffing offers event and convention labor services in Denver, supporting venues like convention centers, trade shows, and expo halls with staffing for load-in, floor operations, and strike.

Denver's Regional Transportation District (RTD) has initiated a national search for its next CEO, partnering with executive search firm Krauthamer & Associates. Applications are being accepted through November 20, with finalists expected by mid-December. This news also notes Phil Washington, former CEO of Denver International Airport, has joined HNTB in a new transportation industry role.

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) will select up to four companies to exhibit at the Colorado booth at the Aero India trade show in 2027, providing a $5,000 stipend for travel costs. The application period for this State Trade Expansion Program opened on September 23, 2026.

US Lawns is seeking a Director, Trade Show & Events in Centennial, CO, to oversee the planning and delivery of the NCBA Trade Show and related event initiatives. This role involves managing exhibitor engagement, vendor relationships, and driving revenue growth.

A three-day conference focused on compliance and regulation issues within the branded merchandise market was held in Denver this week. This event is part of a broader industry effort to understand the economic footprint of branded merchandise, which includes promotional products and licensed merchandise, contributing significantly to the U.S. economy.

The SOCRA 2026 Annual Conference is scheduled to take place from September 24-27, 2026, at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel. This event is listed among upcoming events at the venue.

The Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel is hosting several conferences in late 2026, including the SOCRA 2026 Annual Conference (Sept 24-27), ASKP3 2026 Mastering the Essentials (Sept 25-27), IDEA eBiz Sept2026 Show (Sept 29-Oct 1), and ESource Annual Forum 2026 (Sept 29-Oct 1). These events highlight the hotel's role in the city's convention business.

ProGreen EXPO 2027, held January 26-28 at the Colorado Convention Center, will introduce a new 'Cut Flower Courtyard' on its show floor. This dedicated area will bring together flower growers, breeders, suppliers, and designers, expanding the expo's traditional focus on nurseries, greenhouses, and landscaping.

The Colorado Convention Center is hosting several events in late 2026, including the Engage Symmetry National Conference 2026 (September 23-25), the 2026 Educause Annual Conference (September 29 - October 2), and the 2026 NAHRO National Conference & Exhibition (October 15). Other notable events include Kidney Week 2026 (October 21) and The Liver Meeting 2026 (November 5).

Starting in 2027, the HardRock Summit in Denver will relocate to the National Western Center near downtown Denver. Exhibitors have already signed contracts for the Legacy Building, anticipating a well-managed show.

Northstar Meetings Group highlights that many U.S. cities are upgrading their convention centers to attract larger groups, with the Colorado Convention Center listed among 19 projects currently underway. These investments are aimed at enhancing facilities and expanding space.

Ball Arena is undergoing an estimated $135 million renovation, which includes expanding the East Atrium, widening concourses, upgrading point-of-sale technology, and adding new premium spaces. The multi-phase project is expected to be completed for the 2028-2029 seasons.

Smart City Networks has secured a new three-year agreement, with a two-year extension option, to continue as the exclusive technology services provider at the Colorado Convention Center. The agreement includes an immediate upgrade to Wi-Fi 7, with deployment expected to be completed during 2027, enhancing capacity and performance for large events.

The Colorado Convention Center Expansion Project is progressing on-time and on-budget, with the roof nearly complete and framing moving quickly. Updates also mention reduced parking capacity due to the expansion and transportation changes affecting access.

Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) has announced a comprehensive $135 million renovation plan for Ball Arena, aiming to make the downtown Denver venue more comfortable, accessible, and modern. The upgrades include an expanded East Atrium with a glass façade, wider concourses, new escalators, and additional premium clubs, with completion expected by the 2028-2029 seasons.