People always debate about which trade shows are the largest in the US. The true answer to that question depends entirely on what factor(s) you are considering related to the size. For this article we decided to list the largest trade shows by three separate factors including attendance, square footage and number of exhibitors. Considering that it appears on all three lists, we would consider International CES (Consumer Electronics Show) the largest in the US. Please comment to let us know which list you would consider the most significant to represent the true largest us trade shows. You be the judge.
Largest Attendance
People love their vehicles. That’s why it might not be a big surprise that the trade shows with the largest attendances are mostly auto shows. Below is a list of the top 10 biggest trade shows based on attendance:
- New York International Auto Show
- Washington Auto Show
- North American International Auto Show (NAIAS)
- Airventure Oshkosh
- Dallas Auto Show
- National Farm Machinery Show
- Philadelphia International Auto Show
- Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX)
- International Consumer Electronics Show (CES)
- Miami International Boat Show
Largest Space (square footage)
Trade shows with large amounts of attendees require more space. When those shows also require products that are quite large, the space has to increase even further. Here is a list of the largest US trade shows that have one million square feet or more:
- World AG Expo
- Conexpo/Conagg
- International Consumer Electronics Show (CES)
- International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS)
- Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market
- International Construction & Utility Equipment Expo – ICUEE
- National Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition – NBAA
- Airventure Oshkosh
The Most Exhibitors
For a trade show to thrive, there have to be exhibitors. Those are the companies that make the show possible. These are the top ten trade shows with the largest amount of exhibitors:
- MAGIC Marketweek
- Process Expo (FPSA)
- International Consumer Electronics Show (CES)
- NY NOW – New York International Gift Fair
- ASD Las Vegas
- National Hardware Show
- Offshore Technology Conference (OTC)
- Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market
- JCK Las Vegas
- Conexpo/Conagg