Trade Show News

CoStar and Tourism Economics upgraded their U.S. hotel performance outlook, forecasting a 2.8% year-over-year RevPAR increase for 2026, with New York City's hotel market being the strongest in the United States. This update was presented at the NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum in New York City.

New York City hotel rates are expected to rise following an 8-year union wage deal that will increase housekeepers' salaries by over 50% by 2032. Industry officials estimate this contract will raise annual operating costs by about 15%, potentially impacting tourism and business travel.

The New York Convention Center Development Corporation is selling refunding bonds for the Javits Center, backed by a $1.50 per day Hotel Unit Fee (HUF) surcharge on New York City hotel rooms. Moody's Ratings upgraded the senior-lien CCDC bonds to A1 from A2, citing two consecutive years of above-trend pledged revenue growth, bolstered by a 2025 law allowing HUF to be levied on short-term rental units like Airbnbs.

The Manhattan hotel market is well-positioned for continued economic success, supported by a robust tourism industry and an expanded convention center. A new Industry-Wide Agreement (IWA) for the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council (HTC) was ratified on May 21, 2026, effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2034, which includes wage increases for non-tipped workers.

Businesses attending trade shows must be aware of potential sales tax implications, as physical presence can create nexus. New York imposes a 14-day limit on trade show participation before a sales tax nexus is established, provided no in-state sales are completed during that time.

Private equity firm Hellman & Friedman (H&F) is set to acquire Hyve Group, a major owner and producer of show brands including HLTH, Manifest, Shoptalk, and POSSIBLE. This acquisition aims to strengthen Hyve's growth and evolution, building on three consecutive years of double-digit organic revenue growth.

Great Performances is seeking an Operations Manager to support the Venue Director in overseeing the daily operations of eight high-end real estate amenity spaces in New York City. The role focuses on ensuring exceptional service, operational consistency, and an elevated tenant experience. The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of experience in operations management, preferably within the hospitality or food & beverage industry.

Great Performances, a leading catering, events, and hospitality company in the greater New York area, is seeking a General Manager. The role involves supporting the Venue Director with promotional initiatives, managing logistics for internal catering events, and assisting with rental orders and special event coordination. Candidates need 4-5 years of hospitality management experience and strong leadership skills.

PCMA announced a collaboration with the New York University School of Professional Studies (NYU SPS) for the Executive Leader Fellowship, an executive education experience for senior leaders in the global business events community. Applications for the inaugural cohort are open through June 30, 2026, with the hybrid program running from July 2026 through January 2027. This initiative aims to strengthen executive decision-making, strategic thinking, and leadership agility within the industry.

The Niagara Falls Convention Center, managed by Destination Niagara USA, announced the addition of Sarah Bubar as Sales Manager. In her new role, Bubar will focus on attracting meetings, conferences, sporting events, and group business to Niagara Falls USA and Niagara County. Events at the convention center generated an estimated economic impact of nearly $20 million for the local economy in 2025.

The Toy Association announced that exhibitor applications are open for Toy Fair® '27, scheduled for February 20-23, 2027, at the Javits Center in New York City. This event is recognized as the largest toy show in the Western Hemisphere and will include educational programming.

The Specialty Food Association's Summer Fancy Food Show will take place at New York City's Javits Center from June 28-30, 2026, featuring over 2,500 food and beverage makers. The show is expected to be larger than last year, with strong registration numbers and hotel blocks filling up, despite some economic uncertainty.

Air France is participating in the 'Hidden Treasures: 250 Years of History Between America and French Luxury' exhibition, organized by the Comité Colbert at The Shed cultural center in New York from May 26-31, 2026. The airline is presenting a work by French Chinese artist Zao Wou-Ki from its heritage collection.

Baldor Specialty Foods hosted its biennial Baldor BITE event on April 21, 2026, at Basketball City in New York City, gathering thousands of culinary and hospitality professionals. The event, which featured over 200 exhibitors, focused on immersive culinary experiences, networking, and showcasing premium food innovation.

The International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) concluded its 2026 edition at the Javits Center from May 17-19, celebrating global design and fostering conversations. The fair also announced its transition to a fall schedule starting in 2027, co-locating with BDNY at the Javits Center from November 14-16, 2027.

MVP Arena in Albany, N.Y., has completed a new 1.06-megawatt solar installation on the roof of its parking garage as part of a broader sustainability initiative led by Albany County. This project is expected to save Albany County more than $154,000 annually and sets an example for other public facilities in the region.

Turning Stone Convention Center, located in Verona, NY, highlights its largest expansion in two decades, featuring the expansive Grand Expo, luxurious Crescent hotel, and elegant Salt private dining experiences. This development aims to redefine possibilities for conferences, trade shows, and corporate events with 225,000 sq. ft. of total event space.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the completion of the $15 million Capital Region Music Hub at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, a project funded in part by New York State. This expansion and renovation includes new flexible use space, rehearsal and event areas, and an education classroom, transforming the 150-year-old venue into a year-round, multipurpose cultural community space. The project aims to increase accessibility and expand programming, contributing to the region's cultural and economic growth.

The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, operated by the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation, has a total interior area of 3.3 million square feet and is one of the busiest convention centers in the U.S. It has undergone expansions, with the most recent completed in 2021, and plans are in place for solar power panels.

The Albany Convention Center Authority (ACCA) is seeking proposals for a strategic marketing and communications firm to develop a comprehensive brand strategy. This initiative precedes a $55 million expansion to the Albany Capital Center (ACC), aiming to enhance Albany's stature as a premier destination for business events, conventions, and sports exhibitions.