Top 10 Cities to Host a Trade Show

Top 10 Cities to Host a Trade Show

When you’re looking to buy property, everyone will tell you how important location is. Any real estate agent will go over the difference that the right location can make, and the same can be said of the location for trade shows. Depending on the industry the event is for, your guests could be looking over dozens of different options. The moment you begin planning the trade show, you know that you’ll be competing with other viable trade shows for attendees. The location of your trade show is one major factor that everyone will be looking at. You want to give your guests a place they can enjoy outside of the event with great attractions, dining, and easy access to travel to.  

To have a trade show that everyone will want to attend, look into the top ten cities for hosting trade shows. 

1. Las Vegas

When you look at any list of the best trade show cities, you’ll almost always find Las Vegas at the top of the list. The thing most people will think of when you mention Las Vegas probably isn’t  a business trip. The city is widely known for fun and exciting nightlife, with world-famous shows and attractions. What Vegas has to offer is exactly what makes it so appealing for hosting a trade show. Millions of people travel to Las Vegas each year to attend one of the many trade shows. In addition to being a place that everyone would  love to visit for vacation, it has some of the best trade show venues and hotels in the country. With years of being at the top, you can’t go wrong with hosting your trade show in Las Vegas. 

2. Orlando

Popular attractions also play a big role in making Orlando oneof the best cities for hosting trade shows. No matter the size of your trade show, you’ll be sure to find a venue that will be the perfect fit. Orlando is home to the Orange County Convention Center, one of the largest convention centers in the country, so even the biggest trade shows will find the right space.  Here, your guests might feel called to visit some of the most famous theme parks in the country while they’re in town. Since the city is such a popular vacation destination, there are plenty of options for guests to find a place to stay. 

3. Chicago

Depending on where you host your trade show, it could be difficult for some guests to get there. Businesses need to spend a lot of money in order to attend a good trade show, one of the most expensive parts of this can be from traveling. Having a trade show in coastal cities can lead to you inadvertently excluding potential attendees. For a city that will be easy for anyone to get to, host a trade show in Chicago. The downtown area has plenty to offer visitors and is easily walkable. Chicago also has the benefit of being home to McCormick Place, the largest convention center in the country, which makes it the ideal city for any large trade show. 

4. San Diego

If someone is going to travel far for a trade show, something they’ll likely take into consideration is the weather. For anyone who lives in a state that gets cold winters, they’ll probably be dying to get out of the cold weather. San Diego offers attendees with beautiful weather year-round and the perfect beaches to match. In San Diego, you can find dozens of great venues to be the backdrop for your next trade show. One of the most notable convention centers in the city is the San Diego Convention Center. Here, you’ll be close to the downtown area while also getting a great view of the water. 

5. Atlanta 

As Atlanta becomes a more popular destination, both for people to move to and visit, it’s naturally become a great city for tradeshows. While the city continues to grow, your guests are sure to find activities there during their visit. Atlanta will also be easily accessible for your guests. It might surprise some, but the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the world, with millions of passengers from all over the world taking flights to and from there each year. 

6. Phoenix 

Cities with a desert climate like Phoenix are renowned for the health benefits some associate with breathing in the clean desert air. While temperatures can get high during the year, the dry air will keep everyone comfortable. Phoenix is rapidly growing, especially with younger residents, which makes a great place to go for business. The weather and sunshine will attract dozens of attendees to your trade show. Affordable accommodations and an airport close to the city make Phoenix an obvious choice for many.  

7. Austin 

With an active downtown area and rich history, Austin is a great choice for trade shows. One reason so many have started having trade shows in Austin is for the entrepreneurship the city has become known for. It’s become one of the best cities for startups, which is ideal for many trade shows. Austin is a great location for a variety of small and mid-sized events, but many large trade shows will also be able to find the perfect venue. One of the largest venues in the city is the Austin Convention Center, where some of the biggest events in the city are hosted. 

8. New Orleans

New Orleans is another trade show city that could make your guests forget they’re in town for business. Guests will surely be brought in with the city’s nightlife, culture, and dining. In the midst of so much excitement, you’ll be able to find amazing venues of all sizes. New Orleans is famous for its art and architecture, so your guests will appreciate anywhere you host your trade show in this city. Since the area is already popular for visitors, you know your attendees will easily be able to find accommodations, so long as you aren’t planning your event near Mardi Gras. 

9. Indianapolis 

Another Mid-Western city that will be easily accessible for everyone is Indianapolis. Some might overlook Indianapolis for larger metropolitan areas, but Indianapolis has plenty to keep guests busy. Trade shows can get expensive, as can larger cities. Hosting your trade show in a city like Indianapolis gives guests all the comfort of being in a big city, but at a more affordable cost. It has some of the largest convention centers in the city and all the accommodations your guests need. 

10. San Antonio   

Many people choose to host their trade shows in growing cities because of all the opportunities you can find. San Antonio is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, making it an attractive city to host trade shows for many different industries. Although San Antonia is still growing, it’s already home to some of the biggest convention centers in the state. This allows you to host any size event you need while being sure that you’ll have the right audience to attend it.