As the world begins to reopen, trade shows are popping up again in hotspots like Las Vegas and Miami in 2021. The $11 billion trade show industry finally has a hopeful outlook for the summer and fall. Read on to learn more.
While virtual events have done a fantastic job during the pandemic keeping the industry alive, it is becoming clear there is no substitute for in person events. Being able to walk around, interact with physical products, and most importantly, interact with people has proven to be invaluable with exhibitors.
Members of the conventions and hospitality industry held a panel on March 8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center to mark global meetings and industry day. They indicated an upward trend in face-to-face meetings, trade shows, and conventions.
Report from Las Vegas
Las Vegas is one of the most popular convention destinations in the U.S. In fact, it is reporting record bookings through the end of 2022. And the area boasts new meeting spaces completed during the pandemic, which will house attendees for the first time!
New spaces/bookings include:
- The Venetian Resort’s Stella Studio, which is 8,000 sq. ft. of multifunctional space.
- The Wynn Resort’s expansion features an 83,000 sq. ft. pillarless ballroom and a 20,000 sq. ft. outdoor pavilion.
- The Caesars Forum is a 550,000 sq. ft. expansion boasting the two largest, pillarless ballrooms in the world at 110,000 square feet each. The World Education Congress will be held there in June.
- The new 315,000 sq. ft. Expo at World Market Center recently hosted the Las Vegas Market, a furniture, gift, and home goods trade show.
But the biggest test will be the World of Concrete show at the Las Vegas Convention Center in June. The convention industry will be watching. This will be the first in-person, large-scale convention to return to Las Vegas since the pandemic hit. Many consider it to be the milestone event that could jumpstart the tourism industry.
One of the most promising reports came when CES, the U.S.’s largest trade show and the world’s most influential technology event, confirmed a return for early 2022. The event has been booked for the Las Vegas Convention Center and other hotel venues for January of 2022. And, there is also survey data to support the positive outlook from Las Vegas.
Recent Survey Findings
In a survey from last fall, 60% of 1,000 technology professionals said they would feel comfortable attending an in-person trade show event in the second half of 2021. As the vaccine rollouts continue and more measures being taken by show organizers, expect these numbers to skyrocket.
So, as trade shows are making a comeback in 2021, are you ready to get back out on the trade show circuit? Don’t forget at 800 PLANT IT, we can provide you with short term plant and floral rentals for your trade show booths!