Trade fairs in the United States

The United States has convention centers in most large metropolitan areas. Professional shows follow the country's industries from city to city, while regional consumer fairs serve local audiences in every state.

The American economy covers manufacturing, technology, energy, agriculture, healthcare, finance and entertainment, and each industry has regional strongholds. Florida and California lean toward tourism, marine trades and creative industries, Texas toward energy and business services, Michigan toward the automotive sector and Illinois toward transport and manufacturing. Regional carriers connect the smaller convention towns to the main airports.

Las Vegas is a major convention destination, hosting AAPEX for the automotive aftermarket and SupplySide Global, a trade show and education program for ingredients used in dietary supplements, food and beverages, pet health and personal care products. Chicago uses McCormick Place and receives the One of a Kind Show for makers. New York runs events at the Javits Center, and Minneapolis hosts MD&M Midwest for medical manufacturing.

Florida combines the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, where IAAPA Expo serves the amusement park and attractions industry as a trade show and education conference, with the in-water Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, an annual show owned by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida. California and Texas add regional programs, and Novi, Michigan, has the Vibe Credit Union Showplace.

The calendar also includes sales-oriented events such as IGES in Pigeon Forge, held in November, a wholesale show for souvenirs and gifts, and the International WorkBoat Show in New Orleans for the commercial marine industry. Consumer fairs, including the Phoenix RV Supershow in Avondale, sit alongside the professional events.