“I’m not a shopaholic, I’m just helping the economy!” – Confessions of a Shopaholic
According to Statista, the global retail industry is projected to bring in over $31 trillion by 2025. To put this in perspective, think of a million, a billion, and a trillion dollars in terms of seconds. One million seconds is equivalent to 11 and a half days. A billion seconds is 32 years. And a trillion seconds is 32,000 years—now that’s a whole lotta money!
In the retail industry, everything starts and ends with the customer. Retail trade shows allow exhibitors to connect with manufacturers, distributors, and consumers, helping them expand their platform for their products and brand.
What happens at retail trade shows?
Retail trade shows will make the growth of your business effortless by providing a platform that both exhibitors and attendees can appreciate. While every retail-focused trade show is different, at these trade shows, you can generally expect the following:
- Discover latest trends
- Demo new retail products
- Meet with major distributors and dealers
- Network with people in the retail industry
- Learn from educational sessions with keynote speakers
Attendees want to learn about recent trends, see innovative new products, and, most importantly, build long-lasting relationships with people in the retail industry. Retail trade shows do just that, as they are a one-stop shop for giving you the resources to meet your customers’ needs.
Now let us cash in on the top 10 retail trade shows in North America.
1. National Retail Federation
When: January 12 – 14, 2025
Where: Javits Center, New York City
Explore more than 1,200 exhibitors spread over 420,000 square feet of exhibit space at the National Retail Federation Show. This event will have seminars, networking opportunities, and exhibits from some of the biggest names in retail like Google, AT&T, Cisco, etc.
Registration link: NRF
2. National Association of Convenience Stores
When: October 8 – 10, 2024
Where: Georgia, Atlanta
The National Association of Convenience Stores trade show features over 1,200 exhibitors and attracts more than 22,000 attendees worldwide. At this event, you will explore new products and learn from industry leaders who are shaping the future of food store convenience.
Registration link: NACS
3. Retail Innovation Conference & Expo
When: June 4 – 6, 2024
Where: McCormick Place, Chicago
The Retail Innovation Conference & Expo features a packed schedule of keynote speeches, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities. With 5,000+ attendees, be a part of an immersive experience where you can get inspired by retail’s most innovative minds.
Registration link: Retail Innovation Conference & Expo
4. International Association of Airport Duty-Free Stores
When: April 14 – 14, 2024
Where: West Palm Beach, Florida
The International Association of Airport Duty-Free Stores is an international trade association that has about 350 members. This trade show allows attendees to network with store operators, suppliers, and other industry colleagues to find solutions to shared challenges faced by airport duty-free stores.
Registration link: IAADFS
5. National Automatic Merchandising Association
When: MAY 7 – 9, 2024
Where: Dallas, Texas
The National Automatic Merchandising Association show is for people in the vending and self-service industry. This event will have over 2,000+ attendees, 20+ educational sessions, and 250+ exhibiting suppliers. The NAMA trade show is the perfect place to expand your knowledge of the micro market and vending industry.
Registration link: NAMA
6. Tobacco Plus Expo
When: TBD
Where: Las Vegas, Nevada
The Tabacco Plus Expo has over 506 exhibitors, featuring a wide variety of products and services related to tobacco, including cigars, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and more. Come host or participate in educational seminars and workshops to learn about the tobacco industry.
Registration link: Tobacco Plus Expo
7. Campus Market Expo (CAMEX)
When: June 19 – 23, 2025
Where: Fort Worth, Texas
CAMEX is a national trade show and convention for the college store industry. CAMEX is one of the most significant trade show events for college store professionals to attend, featuring exhibits from hundreds of suppliers, educational sessions, and networking opportunities.
Registration link: CAMEX
8. Midwest Petroleum and Convenience Trade Show
When: April 1 – 4, 2024
Where: Indianapolis, Indiana
The Midwest Petroleum and Convenience Trade Show is the perfect opportunity for retailers to learn about the latest products, services, and trends in the petroleum and convenience store industry. With over 250 exhibitors, you will have the chance to network with other retailers, suppliers, and experts in the field.
Registration link: M-PACT
9. NRF PROTECT
When: June 4 – 6, 2024
Where: Long Beach, CA
The National Retail Federation’s (NRF) Loss Prevention Conference provides retailers with the latest information and strategies on loss prevention and security. This conference also offers networking opportunities for retailers looking to partner with security professionals.
Registration link: NRF PROTECT
10. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Journal LIVE!
When: April 9 – 11, 2024
Where: Las Vegas, Nevada
RFID Journal Live has a lot to offer, with over 1,500 attendees from more than 26 countries who come to learn about the latest RFID technologies and applications. The three-day event features an exhibit hall with more than 80 exhibitors, conference sessions, keynote presentations, and networking opportunities.
Registration link: RFID Journal LIVE!
If you’re looking to exhibit at one of these shows or need help finding the right show to support your business objectives, contact one of our marketing consultants below. Aside from designing and building award-winning trade show exhibits, we also partner with clients to create a holistic strategy to generate the traffic you want.
Contact us below!
The Trade Group is a full-service trade show and event marketing company. We will work with you to create an exhibit or an event that brings in leads and helps you achieve your business goals. Contact us here or give us a call at 972-734-8585.
Photo credit: Pexels
