With its warm weather and major holiday attractions, it’s easy to see why Florida is so famous as an international travel destination. In many ways, it’s also an international gateway to the luscious Caribbean, which promises a relaxing holiday like no other. Still, there is yet another reason why the Southeastern “Sunshine State” attracts so many international visitors each year: trade shows!
As a gateway to Latin America and a major economic hub in the United States, Florida offers robust opportunities for businesses that want to showcase their products and services. The state’s diverse economy covers sectors like tourism, healthcare, technology, and agriculture, and creates a fertile ground for a variety of national and international business-to-business (B2B) trade shows.
In this article, we’ll delve into everything you need to know as a CEO, Event Planner, or Marketing Manager looking to add Florida to your annual trade show participation portfolio. Whether you’re looking for some upcoming trade show opportunities, or need a little more information to familiarize yourself with the local exhibitions scene, let us put your mind to rest.
So without further delay, let’s begin by looking at Florida’s two key trade show destinations.
Miami and Orlando: Florida’s trade show capitals
When it comes to Florida, both Miami and Orlando are the undisputed state capitals for major regional and international B2B trade shows. Together, they stand out as hosts of the state’s main trade exhibitions thanks to their robust infrastructure and ease of access. Both cities host major international airports, and Miami is particularly well-known for its role as a global trade gateway. Orlando, meanwhile, boasts a central location and entertainment appeal, which make it a magnet for trade shows year-round.
In addition, both Miami and Orlando tend to steal the show with their state-of-the-art convention centers. The latter is the host of the famous Orange County Convention Center, which is the third-largest convention center in America when measured by total exhibition space. It is also strategically located on International Drive, a major tourist destination with plenty of nearby accommodation. Miami, on the other hand, is the home of the upbeat Miami Beach Convention Center; it features an impressive grand ballroom, outdoor leisure spaces, and a contemporary exterior design.
Still, the value of exhibiting at a large event in Miami and Orlando doesn’t mean that smaller exhibitions elsewhere aren’t worth anything. Every exhibitor has to start somewhere, and making the effort to succeed at a smaller show is always better than not participating at all. Tampa, with its growing economic influence, is also becoming an increasingly important player in the Florida trade show scene.
Overall, these cities in Florida not only provide the physical space for trade shows but also offer a rich cultural backdrop that enhances the overall experience for attendees. The combination of business opportunities and leisure activities makes the state an attractive destination for major trade shows, drawing in exhibitors and attendees from around the globe.
Upcoming opportunities: remaining Florida trade shows in 2024
Now that you know where all the magic happens, let’s explore ten specific trade show opportunities that can elevate your B2B business performance to new levels. While some of the larger annual events like Premiere Orlando have already come and gone this year, there’s still plenty to look forward to.
Here are some of our top trade shows in Florida for the last half of 2024:
NSC Safety Congress & Expo
When: 13-19 September 2024
Where: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando
Exhibits: 975+
Organized by the National Safety Council (NSC), the NSC Safety Congress & Expo is one of the premier global trade shows for industry professionals working in the field of occupational safety. Like all top modern trade shows, attendees at the 2024 edition of this event will enjoy browsing a packed exhibition hall and a comprehensive education program.
Since occupational safety is never something companies should take lightly, it’s no surprise the education program consists of many professional development seminars and educational sessions. Ultimately, it’s a must-attend event for any serious company offering products or services concerning occupational safety.
GSX 2024
When: 23-25 September 2024
Where: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida
Exhibits: TBC
Picture this: a massive exhibit hall packed with gadgets that’d make James Bond jealous. From high-tech cameras that can spot a sneeze from a mile away, to software that stops digital criminals in their tracks, GSX has it all. It’s like a candy store for security pros, but instead of sweets, you’re shopping for ways to keep criminals out. Whether you attend to catch some tips from the industry’s top minds or learn about the latest sneaky threats, it’s all available at GSX 2024. Think of it not just as any old security event, but as a gateway to access extraordinary security professionals from North America and beyond.
FABTECH 2024
When: 15-17 October 2024
Where: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida
Exhibits: 1,500+
Metalworkers rejoice! FABTECH, North America’s largest metal forming, finishing, fabricating, and welding B2B trade event is slated for mid-October in 2024. More than 1,500 world-class suppliers will attend, contributing to this Orlando trade event’s industry authority. To go the extra mile, FABTECH has even created a special complimentary exhibitor online webinar series; this has been specially designed to prepare exhibiting participants for a successful event where they can maximize their ROI. In terms of attendance figures, FABTECH is one of the last large trade shows left this year in Florida, so we feel it’s a fantastic opportunity with lots of potential for exhibitors.
ISPE Annual Meeting & Expo
When: 13-16 October 2024
Where: Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, Orlando, Florida
Exhibits: 200+
The International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) Annual Meeting & Expo is an eye-opening in-person Florida trade show that covers everything to do with pharmaceutical manufacturing. The show includes a “Career Center & Headshot Booth” zone exclusively organized for professional development and career advancement resources. Moreover, there is a special focus on education and training, which attending businesses can make use of via a series of quality training courses available at the same venue. Don’t forget to grab your free T-shirt giveaway on the exhibition room floor!
IAAPA Expo
When: 18-22 November 2024
Where: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida
Exhibits: 1,100+
Yet another major international showcase event held in Florida is the IAAPA Expo, which is widely considered as a premier event for the global attractions industry. Organized by the International Association of Amusem*nt Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), this exhilarating trade show takes full advantage of Florida’s reputation as a hub for major theme parks like SeaWorld and Universal Studios. More than 40,000 people are expected to attend, making the IAAPA show one of the largest events left on the 2024 Florida B2B exhibitions calendar. It also means more potential customers and leads for your business, so it’s a good idea to register early if you want to make the most out of your exhibition experience here.
FCA National Convention & Expo
When: 15-18 August 2024
Where: Hyatt Regency, Orlando, Florida
Exhibits: 400+
As it turns out, Florida is also home to the Largest Chiropractic convention in the world! The FCA (Florida Chiropractic Association) National Convention will be held once again in Florida in 2024. This show is one of the largest Miami trade shows that happens at the Hyatt Regency rather than the Miami Beach Convention Center; over 3,000 attendees will be present. Among them will also be a few students, who the organizers considered when they created the student exhibition booth “scavenger hunt” prize event. Of course, they’ll also be able to enjoy the special educational talk series fronted by 70 international experts in Chiropractic.
Surf Expo 2024
When: 5-7 September 2024
Where: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida
Exhibits: 600+
As one of the most fashionable trade shows in Orlando, the Surf Expo is the one-stop shop for beach lovers from sunny Florida and beyond. Twice a year, this beach-lovers paradise brings together the best surf, skate, and seaside styles all under one roof. Featuring thousands of retailers, brands, and media folks from around the world, it offers everything from new surfboards to trendy beach outfits. Meanwhile, attendees can also catch a few inspiring fashion shows, watch pros demo the latest equipment, and soak up insider knowledge at leading industry talks. If all this sounds good, the Surf Expo could just be the trade show you’ve been waiting for!
JIS Fall 2024
When: 5-7 September 2024
Where: Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami, Florida
Exhibits: 470+
One of the hottest gatherings for the global Jewelry sector is set to return to Miami in 2024 with the Jewelers International Showcase (JIS) event. Recognized by Trade Show Executive as one of the top 50 fastest-growing shows of 2022, the JIS is a dazzling wonderland packed with top jewelry brands, wholesalers, and retailers. Don’t forget one of the show’s hidden gems, namely that you can grab your goodies and go! With the “at-show delivery” option, you’ll walk out with your new sparklers ready to make your future customers’ eyes light up. At JIS Fall 2024, you’ll find everything you need to make your jewelry business shine like a diamond.
Florida Restaurant Show
When: 6-7 November 2024
Where: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida
Exhibits: 170+
Let’s face it, Florida wouldn’t have the reputation it does today without its gastronomy scene. From the famous Hard Rock Cafe to restaurants specializing in fusion “Floribbean” cuisine, Florida offers more than enough to whet your appetite. Now, foodies from far and wide can find all of Florida’s gastronomic wonders under one roof with the Florida Restaurant Show, which has recently limited its focus to only restaurants and the food industry. Over two-days, show attendees can explore a diverse selection of exhibitors, an engaging networking program, and several action-packed cooking competitions and demonstrations. For all the emerging trends in the culinary landscape, this is the place to be!
I/ITSEC
When: 2-6 December 2024
Where: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando
Exhibits: 450+
With a prestigious history dating back to 1966, the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation, and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) is a long-standing and unique event in Orlando. The show focuses primarily on modeling, training, and simulation technology applications in various key industries like defense and security. Once they enter they enter the exhibition hall, visitors can navigate various exhibition booths on display from both commercial vendors and military agencies alike. All branches of the military take part, which helps make I/ITSEC a networking paradise for anyone involved in the defense sector.
Tips and tricks: making the most out of a Florida trade show
In most cases, our general tips still apply to exhibition events in Florida. However, it’s helpful to be aware of some more specific tips and tricks unique to Florida as a popular trade show destination:
1. Remember to dress appropriately
Florida is warm, but this isn’t always an invitation to show up in informal clothing. Many professional B2B events in Florida still have formal dress codes for their trade shows, which need to be observed by exhibitors and attendees alike. To find out whether your targeted trade show has a dress code requirement or not, it’s a good idea to check out the FAQ section of the show’s website. You can also contact the organizers directly; they’ll be happy to give you a full breakdown of the dress code if there is one.
2. Leverage local themes
Without overdoing it, incorporating some local Florida-themed elements into your exhibition booth design and marketing strategy can help your company resonate with attendees. Think about colors, interactivity, and material usage. Shades of orange and blue are usually associated with Florida because of the weather and can be incorporated subtly on exhibition day to bring out some local flair. If your stand is on the larger side, you can also consider adding some local plants as decoration or interactive VR experiences that show your product in a typical Floridian beach setting.
3. Learn from experiences
Exhibiting at a major trade show in Florida can be daunting, and some aspects might not go entirely according to plan during your first-ever Florida event. Mistakes are there to be learned from, so it’s a good idea to conduct a review of your trade show performance to identify areas that need improvement. This can be accomplished by keeping track of your lead quality, sales, and attendee feedback. Doing all this and more is a sure method to getting to know your Florida trade show attendees better, which can inform your implementation of new changes when exhibiting next time.
4. Explore all your transport options
Trust us, there’s nothing worse than showing up late for any B2B event. Thankfully, Florida offers a variety of transport solutions to meet your needs and ensure you arrive on time for your big trade show day. In addition to its vigorous road network that facilitates travel by car, bus, and taxi, Florida also boasts five large hub airports located in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale. Brightline, the only privately owned and operated intercity passenger railroad in the United States, operates exclusively between Miami and Orlando.
Top Florida trade shows: the verdict
No matter your industry, Florida’s trade shows offer unparalleled opportunities for businesses to connect, innovate, and grow. Whether you’re looking to showcase your latest products, engage with industry leaders, or explore new market trends, Florida’s vibrant trade show landscape is the ideal setting to make it happen.
At Booth Exhibits™ we understand that participating in these events can be complex, but with our expertise, we make it simple. From designing impactful exhibition stands to managing every logistical detail, we’re here to ensure your experience is seamless and successful. As you plan your next move in the Florida trade show scene, let Booth Exhibits™ be your trusted partner in creating a standout presence that leaves a lasting impression. Contact us today to start planning your next big showcase!
