Trade Show News

Midas Hospitality has initiated an $81 million renovation of the Edison Brothers Building in St. Louis, which will be converted into the Sheraton St. Louis Downtown by fall 2027. The project includes the renovation of 284 guestrooms and expansion of meeting and event spaces.

The Westin St. Louis hotel has been placed under receivership following a loan default exceeding $35 million. This event highlights broader challenges in downtown St. Louis hospitality, with reported declines in hotel tax revenues and softened convention activity.

St. Louis is highlighted as a strong destination for business events, with Explore St. Louis reorganizing its sales team by industry verticals to better focus on specific needs. The America's Center Convention Complex recently showcased over $200 million in new upgrades, enhancing its appeal for major events.

An article from Meetings Today highlights St. Louis as a prime destination for business events, noting its strong corporate base and recent America's Center upgrades. The city's appeal for various industries is emphasized.

An editorial discusses how St. Louis' downtown reputation, particularly regarding safety, negatively impacts tourism and convention activity. It cites the departure of Dot Foods' major annual trade show from the Convention Center in 2023 due to safety concerns, emphasizing the need to transform local perceptions to boost convention business.

Paramount Convention Services Inc. is hiring a Tradeshow Project Manager / New Business Development Representative for its St. Louis office. The role involves preplanning and onsite leadership for trade shows, conventions, and corporate meetings, as well as prospecting for new business.

The St. Charles Convention Center is hiring an Event Changeover Specialist to assist with event set-up, tear-down, and general housekeeping. This part-time role supports the facility's wide range of events.

HDA Truck Pride's 2026 Annual Meeting and Giving Rally, held in St. Louis, Missouri, brought together over 850 attendees including distributor members, suppliers, and industry partners. The event featured a high-energy trade show where attendees connected on new product innovations and discussed business strategies. The meeting also raised $70,000 for the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation.

Missouri-based print-on-demand manufacturer Pic The Gift, headquartered in St. Louis, has acquired Just Vision It (JVI), a sublimation printer specializing in large-format soft signage and trade show displays. This acquisition expands Pic The Gift's manufacturing footprint and sublimation capabilities, enhancing their offerings for the trade show industry.

Enacted Missouri legislation expands the powers of the Regional Convention and Visitors Commission, which replaces the existing Regional Convention and Sports Complex Authority. The commission now has authority to fund and develop sports and entertainment attractions and levy special assessments and sales taxes within a 'convention district'.

Executives from across the country gathered in St. Louis this week for the 2026 Manufacturing Leaders Summit, hosted by Chief Executive Group. The event showcased the operational excellence within St. Louis' manufacturing sector and featured local companies offering expertise and plant tours.

America's Center Convention Complex has a busy schedule for 2026, including the Oddities and Curiosities Expo in May, the St. Louis Tattoo Arts Festival also in May, and GalaxyCon St. Louis in October. Tickets are currently available for these events.

PEAK2026, celebrating PEAK Grantmaking's 30th anniversary, will take place in St. Louis from March 25–27, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch. A virtual component, PEAK2026 Online, is also scheduled for April 22-23, 2026.

The 2026 VEX Robotics World Championship is listed among upcoming events for St. Louis, scheduled for April 21-30. This major competition brings together robotics teams from around the world.

The Catholic Health Association's Assembly 2026 is scheduled for May 31 - June 7, 2026, with the Marriott St. Louis Grand serving as the headquarters hotel. Attendees can expect a comprehensive conference experience with networking opportunities.

St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer's plan for the Rams relocation settlement includes downtown revitalization, with efforts to spruce up streets for safety near the America's Center convention center. This initiative aims to improve the environment around the convention complex.

America's Center Convention Complex has undergone over $200 million in upgrades, enhancing its facilities for business events. The complex, comprising the Cervantes Convention Center, St. Louis Conference Center, and The Dome, aims to attract a wider range of industries beyond its traditional strengths.

A Reddit discussion on the allocation of the Rams settlement money in St. Louis City indicates that $30 million was directed towards the convention center expansion. This funding contributes to ongoing improvements at the facility.

A Reddit post discussing the allocation of Rams settlement money in St. Louis City indicates that $30 million was directed towards convention center expansion. This funding is part of a broader plan for citywide infrastructure and downtown development.

The expansion of Cervantes Convention Center in downtown St. Louis aims to modernize and expand facility space and improve the attendee experience. This project includes the integration of heating and cooling systems, specifically custom Alliance Air Handlers and Marley Cooling Towers.