Trade Show News

San Jose voters will decide on Measure A in the June 2 primary election, which proposes a 2% increase in the city's hotel tax, raising it from 10% to 12%. City officials warn that rejecting the measure, which requires a simple majority to pass, would lead to deep cuts in essential public services, including public safety and libraries. Opponents, however, argue that an additional tax could further burden the city's struggling tourism industry.

San Jose voters will consider Measure A on June 2, a ballot initiative to increase the city's hotel tax (transient occupancy tax) by 2%, from 10% to 12%. Supporters argue the additional $10 million in annual revenue is crucial to avoid cuts to public services, while opponents express concerns about the impact on the struggling tourism industry.

Host Hotels & Resorts reported strong first-quarter 2026 comparable hotel RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room) growth of 25.6% for the San Francisco/San Jose market. This increase was primarily driven by higher room rates, with the average room rate rising to $347.24. The positive performance contributed to a 7% year-over-year increase in comparable hotel EBITDA for the company.

Host Hotels & Resorts reported a 25.6% RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room) gain for the San Francisco/San Jose market in Q1 2026, driven by higher room rates. This performance contributed to the company's overall adjusted FFO exceeding estimates.

A San Jose restaurant is relocating due to declining income caused by parking issues after the city converted a neighboring motel into a homeless shelter. The article also references a related story from April 21, 2026, questioning if a struggling hotel is a bellwether for downtown San Jose's economy, indicating broader hospitality concerns.

This article discusses how AI is revolutionizing tradeshows by personalizing attendee experiences, streamlining planning, boosting engagement, and providing data-driven insights. It also mentions the AI & Big Data Expo, scheduled for May 18-19 in San Jose, as one of the shows to monitor for AI activity and demos.

CBRE is seeking a Meeting & Events Coordinator in San Jose to deliver positive meeting and event experiences. The role involves setting up and striking furniture, décor, and equipment, and supporting events ranging from internal meetings to high-level gatherings.

Hilton San Jose is seeking a Director of Sales and Marketing to lead the hotel's commercial strategy, focusing on group business and building relationships with the CVB and third-party travel partners. This role is crucial for maximizing revenue and supporting high-impact site visits and pre-convention meetings.

Cinema United attended the Cinema Association of California/Nevada's Spring Managers Meeting & Studio Products Seminar at Cinemark's Century 20 Oakridge in San Jose, CA, on April 30. The meeting brought together local theatre managers and industry partners to discuss new films and industry research, aiming to advance the exhibition industry.

SPARK Social San Jose is hiring an Event Planner to conceive, plan, and execute large-scale, revenue-driving events, including festivals and cultural celebrations. The role focuses on driving attendance, revenue, and community engagement for the new outdoor venue near Diridon Station.

IoT Tech Expo North America is a flagship two-day event at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center bringing together 8,000+ IoT, edge AI, and connected-systems professionals. Co-located with five partner shows, it offers 250+ expert speakers and 200+ technology providers under one roof.

GalaxyCon San Jose, described as a 3-Day Festival of Fandom and more than a Comic-Con, is scheduled to take place at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center. The event will feature celebrities, artists, writers, voice actors, cosplayers, and a vendor marketplace, celebrating various pop culture interests.

GalaxyCon San Jose is scheduled to take place at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, offering a 3-Day Festival of Fandom with celebrities, artists, and various pop culture elements. The event is described as more than a Comic-Con, focusing on creating a festival atmosphere with celebrity encounters, photo ops, and vendor marketplaces. It celebrates Comic Books, Pop Culture, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Anime, Gaming, and Cosplay.

The Responsible Business 2026 Annual Conference is set to be held at the San Jose Convention Center from November 17-19, 2026. This comprehensive event will combine the RBA and Responsible Minerals Initiative annual conferences, featuring sessions on labor, environmental, and mineral issues.

SGS announced its participation in IoT Tech Expo 2026, North America's leading trade show for the Internet of Things, taking place from May 18-19, 2026, at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center. SGS experts will provide guidance on testing, compliance, and regulatory matters for IoT devices and smart electronics. The event is a key part of TechEx North America, focusing on connected solutions and real-world applications of IoT.

A new audit suggests the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds harbored conflicts of interest and questionable contracts for years, as county leaders seek to take direct control of the 165-acre public property. The report found fairgrounds management approved three contracts totaling at least $1 million with vendors who were family members of fairgrounds officers and employees between 2017 to 2023. This news impacts the management and operational integrity of a significant exhibition venue in the region.

The downtown San Jose venue 3Below Theaters announced its closure following final performances in April 2026, citing immense challenges and unresolved facility issues.

The San Jose Civic is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, and the California Theatre is also marking a significant milestone, with both venues located near the downtown Convention Center. These venues, along with the Montgomery Theater and Center of the Performing Arts, host approximately 550 events annually and are managed by Team San Jose (Visit San Jose). Team San Jose, a non-profit marketing firm, also manages the nearby Convention Center.