Trade shows and expos are invaluable for networking, industry insights, and staying ahead of trends. Whether you’re scouting for new partnerships, showcasing your expertise, or simply soaking in the buzz of a dynamic expo floor, trade shows are where connections are made, ideas are shared, and the future takes shape. To help you plan your year and make the most of these opportunities, we’ve curated a list of the top 2025 trade shows, expos, and shows across various industries.
Jump Ahead:
Marketing Agency Trade Shows
Social Media Marketing World
- When: March 30–April 1, 2025
- Where: San Diego, CA
- Focus: Social Media Marketing World is a premier event focusing on the latest trends and best practices in social media marketing. It covers topics like building social media strategies, content creation, audience growth, and paid advertising. The event offers networking opportunities with leading experts and brands in the digital space.
- Audience: Social media marketers, content creators, community managers, digital advertisers, influencers, PR professionals, and agency owners specializing in digital and social media marketing.
- Details: Social Media Marketing World
Content Marketing World Conference
- When: September 15-17, 2025
- Where: San Diego, CA
- Focus: Content Marketing World is one of the leading conferences for content marketing professionals. It brings together marketing experts to explore innovative strategies, emerging trends, and the future of content creation, distribution, and measurement. Attendees can expect deep dives into storytelling, SEO, and leveraging content for business growth.
- Audience: Content strategists, social media managers, brand marketers, digital content producers, PR professionals, and agency leaders in marketing and communications.
- Details: Content Marketing World Conference
Advertising Week
- When: September 2025 (dates TBD)
- Where: New York, NY
- Focus: Advertising Week is a major industry event that brings together the best minds in advertising, marketing, technology, and media. The conference offers panels, networking, and workshops on the future of advertising, digital marketing trends, consumer behavior, and innovative campaigns. It focuses on both strategy and creativity across various platforms.
- Audience: Marketing executives, creative directors, digital strategists, brand managers, media buyers, and communications professionals.
- Details: Advertising Week
Education Trade Shows
Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC)
- When: January 14–17, 2025
- Where: Orlando, FL
- Focus: FETC is renowned for showcasing the latest in education technology, with an emphasis on enhancing teaching, administration, and student experiences. It features keynotes, workshops, and an expansive expo hall with hundreds of EdTech vendors.
- Audience: K-12 educators, administrators, and tech professionals.
- Details: FETC 2025
SXSW EDU
- When: March 3–6, 2025
- Where: Austin, TX
- Focus: This event explores the intersection of education, technology, and innovation, fostering collaboration and showcasing cutting-edge advancements in personalized learning and immersive education experiences.
- Audience: Educators, policymakers, and EdTech innovators.
- Details: SXSW EDU
ASU+GSV Summit
- When: April 6–9, 2025
- Where: San Diego, CA
- Focus: Bringing together leaders across education and workforce development, this conference emphasizes innovation from early childhood to lifelong learning. The event includes discussions on transformative programs and technologies that address evolving education needs.
- Audience: Education leaders, EdTech companies, and workforce developers.
- Details: ASU+GSV Summit
Finance & Professional Services Trade Shows
Legalweek
- When: March 24–27, 2025
- Where: New York, NY
- Focus: Legalweek is a major event for legal professionals, focusing on business trends, technology, and regulatory updates. It is typically held in New York City in early spring
- Audience: Attorneys, legal tech providers, and consultants.
- Details: Legalweek Conference
LEND360
- When: October 6–8, 2025
- Where: Dallas, TX
- Focus: Dedicated to the digital lending industry, this event is a hub for insights on lending innovations, strategies for growth, and financial technology. It’s an excellent opportunity for professionals involved in legal and financial services tied to credit and lending sectors
- Audience: Digital lenders, credit providers, financial technology companies, service providers, investors, and compliance experts.
- Details: Lend360 Summit
Money20/20 USA
- When: October 26–29, 2025
- Where: Las Vegas, NV
- Focus: This premier event focuses on financial technology and innovation. It covers a wide range of topics, including payments, digital finance, cryptocurrency, and regulatory changes.
- Audience: Fintech professionals, financial institutions, startup founders, investors, payment processors, regulators, and technology providers.
- Details: Money 20/20 USA
Franchise Trade Shows
2025 IFA Annual Convention
- When: February 10–13, 2025
- Where: Las Vegas, NV
- Focus: The IFA Annual Convention is the premier event for franchising professionals, offering comprehensive insights into franchise development, marketing, and operational strategies. It features keynote speeches from industry leaders, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities to connect with franchise executives and thought leaders.
- Audience: Franchise owners, franchisors, franchisees, industry suppliers, and entrepreneurs interested in franchising opportunities.
- Details: 2025 IFA Annual Convention
Multi-Unit Franchising Conference
- When: March 25-28, 2025
- Where: Las Vegas, NV
- Focus: This conference emphasizes strategies for multi-unit growth, leadership, and operations within franchise businesses. It includes sessions tailored for owners managing multiple locations and provides insights on overcoming scalability challenges.
- Audience: Multi-unit franchisees, corporate executives, and vendors supporting multi-unit operations.
- Details: MUFC25
2025 International Franchise Expo
- When: May 29–31, 2025
- Where: New York, NY
- Focus: This global event is a hub for franchise growth and networking, with over 200 franchise brands and industry service providers. Attendees can explore franchise opportunities, participate in educational sessions, and learn best practices for franchising and business expansion.
- Audience: Prospective franchisees, franchisors, investors, and professionals supporting the franchising industry, including legal, financial, and marketing specialists.
- Details: 2025 International Franchise Expo
Government Trade Shows
2025 NAHRO Washington Conference
- When: March 10–12, 2025
- Where: Washington, D.C.
- Focus: Organized by the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, this event emphasizes housing, community development, and redevelopment policies, fostering dialogue between practitioners and policymakers to address critical housing issues.
- Audience: Local government officials, housing and redevelopment professionals, policymakers, and advocacy groups interested in affordable housing and urban development
- Details: 2025 NAHRO Washington Conference
Air Space & Cyber Conference & Technology 2025 Expo
- When: September 22–24, 2025
- Where: TBD
- Focus: AFA’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference provides first-class professional military development, facilitates the sharing of emerging requirements and technologies, and helps fuel connections that advance the cause of air and space power.
- Audience: Military leaders, defense contractors, government officials, aerospace and cyber technology experts, and industry stakeholders involved in national security, aerospace defense, and technology innovation.
- Details: Air, Space & Cyber Conference
ICMA Annual Conference
- When: October 25–29, 2025
- Where: Tampa, FL
- Focus: The ICMA Annual Conference is a premier event for local government management professionals, providing valuable insights into the latest trends in public administration. Sessions and workshops cover topics like leadership, governance, community engagement, and innovative public sector solutions to local challenges.
- Audience: City managers, county officials, public administrators, elected officials, and municipal government staff
- Details: ICMA Annual Conference
Healthcare Trade Shows
VMX – Veterinary Meeting & Expo
- When: January 25–29, 2025
- Where: Orlando, FL
- Focus: VMX gathers thousands of veterinary professionals, allowing exhibitors to connect with key decision-makers looking for the latest products and innovations. With over 950 hours of continuing education and hundreds of exhibitors, this show provides an ideal platform to present solutions to improve clinic efficiency and patient care.
- Audience: Veterinarians, veterinary technicians, practice owners, clinic managers, and other professionals in animal health and wellness.
- Details: VMX – Veterinary Meeting & Expo
AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo
- When: April 5–8, 2025
- Where: Boston, MA
- Focus: Focused on perioperative nursing and surgical innovation, this event features educational workshops, networking, and opportunities for exhibitors to engage with healthcare professionals dedicated to improving surgical care. Over 5,000 attendees are expected to explore cutting-edge practices and technologies.
- Audience: Perioperative nurses, surgical teams, healthcare executives, and stakeholders in surgical innovation.
- Details: AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo
Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) East
- When: May 20–22, 2025
- Where: New York, NY
- Focus: The largest East Coast event for medical design and manufacturing, MD&M East highlights the latest in medical technology and product development. With hundreds of exhibitors and decision-makers attending, it is a hub for innovations that influence patient care and device manufacturing.
- Audience: Medical device manufacturers, engineers, R&D professionals, and procurement specialists involved in healthcare innovation.
- Details: Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) East
SmileCon
- When: October 23–25, 2025
- Where: Washington, D.C.
- Focus: SmileCon is the American Dental Association’s premier conference, offering educational sessions on clinical, practice management, and innovation topics. It features exhibits showcasing new dental products, services, and technologies to help professionals improve patient care and enhance their practices.
- Audience: Dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, dental office managers, and professionals involved in the dental industry.
- Details: SmileCon
Home Services Trade Shows
The International Builders’ Show (IBS)
- When: February 25–27, 2025
- Where: Las Vegas, NV
- Focus: The IBS is the premier event for residential construction professionals, showcasing the latest trends, technologies, and products in homebuilding. Attendees can explore an extensive exhibit floor and participate in educational sessions led by industry experts.
- Audience: Home builders, remodelers, designers, product manufacturers, and service providers in residential construction.
- Details: The International Builders’ Show (IBS)
The Landscape Show
- When: August 20–22, 2025
- Where: San Diego, CA
- Focus: Focused on the landscaping and outdoor services sector, this event showcases sustainable gardening solutions, landscaping equipment, irrigation technologies, and design innovations. It includes training programs and business growth strategies tailored for landscapers and outdoor service companies.
- Audience: Landscaping professionals, garden service providers, outdoor designers, and home improvement consultants.
- Details: The Landscape Show
Service World Expo
- When: October 15–17, 2025
- Where: Phoenix, AZ
- Focus: This event centers on growth strategies for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical service businesses. Attendees benefit from workshops, industry-specific sessions, and an expo floor with tools and services to optimize operations.
- Audience: Owners and managers of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and other home service companies.
- Details: Service World Expo
Manufacturing Trade Shows
MD&M West
- When: February 4–6, 2025
- Where: Anaheim, CA
- Focus: This event highlights cutting-edge technologies and innovations across manufacturing, with a strong focus on product design, branding, and production. Attendees will have access to seminars, workshops, and exhibitors showcasing solutions to elevate their brands through advanced manufacturing techniques and materials.
- Audience: Manufacturing professionals, product designers, engineers, and branding specialists from diverse industries including aerospace, automotive, and consumer goods.
- Details: MD&M West
FABTECH
When: September 8–11, 2025
- Where: Chicago, IL
- Focus: North America’s largest event for metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing. FABTECH features over 1,500 exhibitors showcasing innovative manufacturing technologies and processes. The event provides opportunities to improve productivity, explore advanced solutions, and learn about upcoming industry trends through technical seminars and networking.
- Audience: Manufacturers, engineers, fabricators, welders, and professionals in metalworking, production, and manufacturing operations.
- Details: FABTECH.
PACK EXPO Las Vegas
- When: September 22–24, 2025
- Where: Las Vegas, NV
- Focus: As one of the largest packaging and processing trade shows, this event emphasizes branding through innovative packaging solutions. It includes insights into sustainable packaging, custom design, and marketing strategies to help manufacturers create impactful and memorable brands.
- Audience: Packaging professionals, brand managers, manufacturing leaders, and marketing teams from sectors such as food and beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
- Details: PACK EXPO Las Vegas
Nonprofit Trade Shows
ANA Nonprofit Conference 2025
- When: February 25-27, 2025
- Where: Oxon Hill, MD
- Focus: This event addresses the evolving challenges in nonprofit marketing and fundraising, offering insights from industry leaders. Attendees benefit from keynote presentations, breakout sessions on digital tools, and training on optimizing donor campaigns.
- Audience: Nonprofit marketers, fundraisers, and executives focused on leveraging data analytics, storytelling, and cause marketing for growth.
- Details: ANA Nonprofit Conference 2025
AFP ICON 2025
- When: April 27–29, 2025
- Where: Seattle, WA
- Focus: Recognized as the premier global fundraising conference, AFP ICON provides three days of in-depth educational sessions, expert-led workshops, and networking tailored to nonprofit professionals. Topics include fundraising strategies, donor engagement, and marketing best practices.
- Audience: Fundraising professionals, nonprofit leaders, and marketing specialists seeking innovative ideas and connections within the philanthropic sector.
- Details: AFP ICON 2025
2024 Bridge Conference
- When: July 30–August 1, 2025
- Where: National Harbor, MD
- Focus: This conference is a hub for cutting-edge discussions on marketing, fundraising, and technology in the nonprofit sector. Attendees can explore strategies for donor retention, digital campaigns, and data-driven decision-making.
- Audience: Nonprofit fundraisers, marketers, and technology-focused professionals aiming to enhance their integrated marketing and fundraising efforts.
- Details: 2024 Bridge Conference
Real Estate and Development Trade Shows
REALTORS® Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo
- When: May 13-18, 2025
- Where: Washington, D.C.
- Focus: Aimed at advocacy and legislative engagement, this event highlights the intersection of public policy and real estate practices. Sessions focus on housing affordability, taxation, and industry regulations, paired with meetings with lawmakers and a robust trade expo.
- Audience: Real estate agents, brokers, and professionals invested in policy advocacy and market regulation.
- Details: REALTORS® Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo
ICSC
- When: May 18–20, 2025
- Where: Las Vegas, NV
- Focus: The ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers) event is a premier conference for retail real estate professionals. It covers trends in commercial real estate, retail development, and mall management, featuring educational sessions, networking opportunities, and an exhibition showcasing retail properties and services.
- Audience: Retail property owners, managers, developers, brokers, investors, and service providers within the retail real estate sector.
- Details: ICSC
NAHRO National Conference & Exhibition
- When: September 28–30, 2025
- Where: Phoenix, AZ
- Focus: Hosted by the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, this event emphasizes education, professional development, advocacy, and networking within housing and redevelopment. It includes sessions on affordable housing, policy updates, and best practices for property management and development.
- Audience: Property managers, developers, housing authorities, and redevelopment officials seeking to enhance skills, knowledge, and influence within the housing industry
- Details: NAHRO National Conference & Exhibition
The Utility Expo
- When: October 7–9, 2025
- Where: Louisville, KY
- Focus: With more than 21,000 attendees, 1.5 million square feet of exhibits, and over 900 exhibitors, The Utility Expo is the industry’s largest and fastest growing event. The Expo connects utility professionals and construction contractors with the latest products, technology, and hands-on equipment demos.
- Audience: Construction and development professionals, utility managers, engineers, field workers, fleet managers, contractors, and suppliers.
- Details: The Utility Expo
Retail Trade Shows
National Retail Federation (NRF) 2025
- When: January 12-14, 2025
- Where: New York, NY
- Focus: This event is one of the largest retail gatherings, featuring more than 1,200 exhibitors. Attendees can explore cutting-edge retail technology, marketing strategies, and trends through exhibits, seminars, and networking opportunities.
- Audience: Retail professionals, technology experts, and marketers from large brands to emerging businesses
- Details: National Retail Federation (NRF) 2025
Retail Innovation Conference & Expo
- When: June 4-6, 2025
- Where: Chicago, IL
- Focus: This conference focuses on the latest trends in retail innovation, including technology, customer engagement strategies, and store design. It offers sessions, keynotes, and networking for those looking to stay at the forefront of retail evolution.
- Audience: Retail executives, technology innovators, and professionals interested in shaping the future of retail
- Details: Retail Innovation Conference & Expo
NRF Protect
- When: June 23-25, 2025
- Where: Grapevine, TX
- Focus: Dedicated to loss prevention and retail security, this conference focuses on solutions for protecting retail assets and minimizing risk. It features practical strategies and innovations in security and fraud prevention.
- Audience: Security professionals, loss prevention managers, and retail safety experts
- Details: NRF Protect
Food & Beverage Trade Shows
Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America
- When: April 28–May 1, 2025
- Where: Indianapolis, IN
- Focus: A premier event for the craft beer industry, combining education, networking, and exhibitions of the latest brewing equipment and technologies. It provides insights into trends and best practices for beverage production professionals.
- Audience: Breweries, beverage manufacturers, suppliers, and professionals involved in beer production and distribution.
- Details: CBC & BrewExpo America
National Restaurant Association Show
- When: May 17–20, 2025
- Where: Chicago, IL
- Focus: One of the largest food service industry events, featuring innovations in technology, culinary trends, and operational solutions, with plenty of opportunities for networking and education.
- Audience: Food service professionals, restaurant owners, chefs, and industry decision-makers.
- Details: National Restaurant Association Show
IFT FIRST (Institute of Food Technologists)
- When: July 13–16, 2025
- Where: Chicago, IL
- Focus: This event emphasizes food science and technology, with over 1,000 exhibitors showcasing advancements in ingredients, sustainability, and equipment.
- Audience: Food scientists, technologists, manufacturers, and researchers in food innovation.
- Details: IFT First
Senior Living Trade Shows
Senior Living 100 Leadership Conference
- When: March 23–25, 2025
- Where: Amelia Island, FL
- Focus: Known for its intimate and high-level discussions, this event explores critical leadership challenges and opportunities in the senior living industry, including financial strategies, operational excellence, and future planning.
- Audience: C-suite executives and senior leaders in the senior living industry seeking strategic insights and peer collaboration
- Details: Senior Living 100
Argentum Senior Living Executive Conference
- When: May 19–21, 2025
- Where: Tampa, FL
- Focus: This conference brings together leaders in the senior living industry to discuss key issues, emerging trends, and innovative solutions. It offers networking opportunities and showcases the latest in products, technology, and services tailored to senior care.
- Audience: Executives, administrators, and professionals in the senior living sector, including service providers and policymakers
- Details: 2025 Senior Living Executive Conference
LeadingAge Annual Meeting & EXPO
- When: November 2–5, 2025
- Where: Boston, MA
- Focus: The event focuses on leadership and operational strategies in senior care, including aging services, regulatory updates, and innovative approaches to elder care. It features educational sessions, networking opportunities, and an expansive exhibit hall.
- Audience: Senior living administrators, service providers, researchers, and policymakers dedicated to improving elder care
- Details: LeadingAge Annual Meeting & EXPO
Media Trade Shows
South by Southwest (SXSW) Expo
- When: March 7–15, 2025
- Where: Austin, TX
- Focus: SXSW is one of the world’s most prominent festivals that brings together the interactive, film, music, and media industries. The event is known for its forward-thinking panels, immersive experiences, and focus on innovation across technology, entertainment, and media.
- Audience: Media professionals and executives, filmmakers, journalists, content creators, tech innovators, digital marketers, entertainment, and advertising.
- Details: SXSW 2025
NAB Show 2025
- When: April 5–9, 2025
- Where: Las Vegas, Nevada
- Focus: The NAB Show is the premier event for broadcasting and media professionals, spotlighting innovations across the entire media ecosystem. It covers content creation, distribution, monetization, and advancements in broadcasting technology.
- Audience: Broadcasters, content creators, media professionals, and technology providers from radio, TV, and digital platforms
- Details: NAB Show
Streaming Media NYC
- When: TBD
- Where: New York, NY
- Focus: This conference is centered on the streaming video industry, including content delivery, monetization strategies, and emerging technologies such as AI in media. It offers insights into best practices for OTT services and content production.
- Audience: Streaming video professionals, OTT platform developers, content producers, and media technology innovators.
- Details: Streaming Media NYC
Hospitality & Entertainment Trade Shows
Event & Venue Marketing Conference
- When: June 4–6, 2025
- Where: Atlanta, GA
- Focus: The EVMC focuses on marketing strategies and tactics for event organizers, venue managers, and entertainment marketers. Attendees will gain insights into improving ticket sales, creating effective brand awareness campaigns, and leveraging digital marketing tools to reach and engage audiences for various events.
- Audience: Event and venue marketing professionals, sports venue managers, entertainment marketers, sponsorship executives, and public relations professionals.
- Details: EVMC
The Lodging Conference
- When: October 6-9, 2025
- Where: Phoenix, AZ
- Focus: This is one of the largest U.S. hospitality conferences, focused on the latest in hotel management, trends, and innovation. It offers networking with hotel owners, operators, and key industry leaders.
- Audience: Hotel owners, managers, and executives, as well as hospitality technology providers and service professionals
- Details: The Lodging Conference
IAAPA Expo
- When: November 17–21, 2025
- Where: Orlando, FL
- Focus: IAAPA Expo is the world’s largest trade show for the attractions industry, bringing together professionals from theme parks, water parks, resorts, casinos, and other entertainment venues. It showcases innovations in entertainment technologies, attractions, and guest experiences, focusing on creating cutting-edge, immersive experiences for visitors.
- Audience: Theme park operators, resort managers, casino owners, entertainment executives, and suppliers of attractions and technology solutions.
- Details: IAAPA
Auto & Transportation Trade Shows
National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show
- When: January 23–26, 2025
- Where: New Orleans, LA
- Focus: The NADA Show is a premier event for the automotive industry, focusing on the latest trends, innovations, and technologies in automotive sales, marketing, and dealership operations. It covers vehicle retailing, automotive technology, and customer service strategies while providing a platform for networking and learning.
- Audience: Automotive dealership owners, general managers, sales managers, service managers, marketing directors, and vendors providing technology, financing, and marketing solutions for dealerships.
- Details: NADA Show
Mid-America Trucking Show
- When: March 27–29, 2025
- Where: Louisville, KY
- Focus: The Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) is the largest annual trucking event in the U.S., showcasing the latest in heavy-duty trucks, trailers, parts, and equipment. It provides opportunities for professionals in the trucking industry to discover new products, learn about innovations, and network with key decision-makers in transportation logistics.
- Audience: Fleet owners, drivers, trucking company executives, logistics managers, vehicle manufacturers, parts suppliers, and trucking service providers.
- Details: Mid-America Trucking Show
NBAA BACE
- When: October 14–16, 2025
- Where: Las Vegas, NV
- Focus: NBAA BACE is a leading event in business aviation, offering insight into the latest innovations in aircraft technology, avionics, and aviation services. The conference features educational sessions, networking opportunities, and exhibitions of aircraft and aviation technology. It covers everything from jet maintenance to corporate flight management and safety practices.
- Audience: Business aviation executives, aircraft owners, operators, pilots, maintenance professionals, flight attendants, and vendors providing aviation products and services.
- Details: NBAA BACE
Trade Shows 2025: Are You Ready?
When it comes to prepping for your next trade show, think of Strategic Factory as the only partner you need. Our in-house marketing team will tackle all your digital marketing and brand strategy needs while, our production facilities have everything covered—from signage and print materials to direct mail, modular booths, trade show displays, design, promotional products, and branded apparel. With us by your side, you’ll walk into that trade show with a powerful presence and turn prospects into partners.
