As 2025 moved into its second half, the tradeshow industry faced sharper operational pressures alongside continued innovation and growth. This second installment of Exhibit City News’ Year in Review highlights a selection of the most-read stories from Quarter 3 and Quarter 4, reflecting how workforce challenges, sustainability execution, technology adoption, and destination investment shaped the industry’s closing months.
July
Recruiting and Training the Next Generation
Industry groups and unions continue to address workforce shortages across the tradeshow sector. Outreach to younger workers, expanded training centers, and early exposure to show-site careers remain key strategies. Leaders emphasized that recruitment, skills development, and retention are essential to sustaining the industry’s long-term labor pipeline.
People on the Move May and June 2025 Recap
Several senior and creative leadership moves defined late spring hiring activity. Gayle Wright joined Fern Exposition Services as account executive, while Deckel & Moneypenny promoted Jenny Hsin-Yi Chang to design director. Sho-Link named Dennis Mahoney director of development, and Pinnacle appointed Adam Horrigan executive creative director. Additional promotions and hires reflected steady movement across exhibit design and services firms.
Navigating Sustainability in Exhibitions
Exhibitors are moving from sustainability goals to practical sourcing decisions. Associations and suppliers are working more closely to align expectations. The Sustainability Sourcing Compass emerged as a tool to integrate sustainability language into requests for proposals, contracts, and vendor evaluations across the exhibit supply chain.
The annual EXHIBITORLIVE gathering brought the tradeshow industry to San Antonio for education, exhibits, and networking. The event showcased large-scale booth activations, workforce development discussions, and student engagement. Association events and panels reinforced the show’s role as a central meeting point for exhibit professionals.
Global Headwinds Hit U.S. Exhibitions
Geopolitical instability, visa delays, and shifting border policies continue to reduce international attendance at U.S. tradeshows. Data showed declines from key markets, including Canada and Europe. Organizers now face greater uncertainty as travel barriers affect exhibitor participation, speaker access, and long-term event planning.
Addressing the Guideline Overload
Overlapping sustainability standards continue to create confusion on the show floor. Contractors and labor crews face conflicting requirements from venues, organizers, and clients. Industry leaders called for clearer alignment, practical frameworks, and labor input to keep sustainability goals achievable and operationally realistic.
August
Experiential Design Isn’t Just a Trend – It’s the Future
Experiential booth design has become central to exhibitor strategy. Brands are moving beyond static displays to create immersive, multi-sensory environments. Designers emphasized interaction, storytelling, and measurable engagement as exhibitors pursue stronger connections and clearer return on investment.
Panel and ExSys Awards Spotlight Exhibit Design Trends and Talent Gaps
An industry panel and the inaugural ExSys Awards brought exhibit professionals together in Chicago to examine design trends and workforce challenges. Hosted by Exhibit City News, the event highlighted modular strategies, immersive experiences, and talent development, while recognizing innovation and leadership across system-based exhibit design.
Convention Centers Expand, Rebuild, and Earn Industry Recognition
Convention centers across U.S. markets advanced redevelopment projects, secured new funding, and earned national marketing and sustainability recognition. Updates from Austin, Dallas, Detroit, Louisville, and New Orleans reflected continued competition among destinations investing to attract large-scale tradeshows, conventions, and related economic activity.
Built to Deliver: How Union Partnerships Keep Projects on Track
Union partnerships continue to support tradeshow contractors under tight timelines. Contractors working with the Carpenters Union pointed to skilled labor, safety training, and jobsite readiness as key advantages. Apprenticeship programs and collaboration also help control costs and reduce risk on complex show-site builds.
International Convention Centers Spotlight Sustainability, Science, and Smart Growth
International convention centers continued to advance sustainability, science-driven programming, and smart growth strategies. Venues across Europe and Asia-Pacific announced decarbonization targets, facility expansions, and immersive engagement spaces. Life sciences events, net-zero commitments, and technology-led activations reflected growing competition as destinations invest to attract global meetings and exhibitions.
People on the Move August 2025 Recap
Several senior leadership appointments marked August hiring activity. Quest Events named Lani Tole vice president of exhibit sales, while Southeast Exhibits & Events appointed Anthony Nisivoccia chief of strategic partnerships. Studio Displays selected Frank Boerjan as chief executive officer, and CDI World hired Stephanie Cloud as senior account executive. The moves reflected continued executive and sales leadership shifts across exhibit services firms.
September
Upskilling Employees on AI and Technology
Employers across industries are accelerating efforts to close AI and technology skills gaps from within. Training programs now focus on practical AI use, digital fluency, and ethical application. HR leaders emphasized internal upskilling as a cost-effective way to improve performance, retain talent, and prepare workforces for rapid technological change.
Why Tradeshow Attendance Numbers Don’t Tell the Whole Story — And Why That’s a Good Thing
Tradeshow attendance numbers alone no longer define success. Fluctuating global conditions and reduced international travel have shifted focus toward audience quality over volume. Organizers and exhibitors are prioritizing targeted engagement, deeper conversations, and strategic lead qualification as smaller audiences increasingly deliver stronger outcomes and higher return on investment.
Quarter 4
October
How Two Iconic Convention Centers Are Transforming Event Spaces
Convention centers are evolving into cultural, environmental, and community landmarks. The Orange County Convention Center and the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center highlighted how art, agriculture, and sustainability initiatives are reshaping attendee experience. Rooftop farms, public art, and intentional design now serve as strategic tools to drive relevance, repeat business, and long-term destination value.
People on the Move September 2025 Recap
Several senior leadership and client-facing appointments marked September workforce movement. T3 Expo named Kevin Richards vice president of client experience, while ASTOUND Group welcomed back Scott Johnson as vice president of agency and partner development. Catalyst Exhibits hired Patty O’Daniels as senior account executive, and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau promoted Daniela Cintron to senior content manager and editor.
Tradeshows Hold Steady as Tourism Wobbles in Las Vegas
Major tradeshows continued to draw strong attendance in Las Vegas despite declining tourism metrics. Large-scale events delivered consistent exhibitor and attendee turnout even as international travel, airlift, and visitor volume softened. The contrast highlighted the resilience of business events amid broader shifts in the city’s tourism economy.
AI in the World of General Contractors
Artificial intelligence is becoming a practical tool for general contractors across the tradeshow industry. Contractors are using AI for floor plan optimization, project management, attendee tracking, and data analysis. Leaders stressed that AI supports efficiency and insight, while relationships, trust, and human expertise remain central to show-site execution.
Union labor continues to expand beyond traditional installation and dismantle roles as live entertainment, sports, and large-scale productions grow. The story highlighted how training, certifications, and cross-sector skills allow crews to move seamlessly between tradeshows, concerts, broadcast events, and major global productions.
Reusable exhibit systems gained traction as exhibitors reassessed sustainability and cost. Industry initiatives such as Better Stands, Tradeshow Maestro, and the Sustainability Sourcing Compass emphasized reuse, lifecycle planning, and practical decision-making. Leaders stressed that reusable materials reduce waste and long-term costs while maintaining design quality and operational efficiency.
Las Vegas Events, Tourism & New Shows Recap
Las Vegas closed the year with strong event performance despite softer tourism metrics. Major conventions, festivals, and entertainment residencies continued to draw large crowds. City leaders addressed pricing, airlift, and visitor value while announcing new shows and future bookings that reinforce Las Vegas’ position as a resilient global events destination.
November
People on the Move October 2025 Recap
October hiring activity featured senior leadership returns and venue promotions. Mary Ellen Nixon returned to RES Exhibit Services as president after previously serving as executive vice president. Condit hired Chris Veasey as account manager, while Align Exhibits added Patrick Rudlang as exhibit design solutions manager. Kentucky Venues promoted Tim Postlethwait to executive director of event services, reflecting continued leadership movement across exhibits and venues.
December
Insights From the IMEX 25 in 2025 Report: Five Trends That Matter
New research from IMEX highlighted shifts shaping future tradeshows, including stronger measurement standards, wellness-focused environments, neurodivergent design, evolving networking formats, and standardized carbon tracking. Together, the trends point to more intentional planning, clearer data expectations, and deeper consideration of attendee experience across event design and operations.
Chicago Tourism 2025 Sets Records in Travel and Conventions
Chicago recorded strong convention attendance and rising business travel throughout the year. Major tradeshows delivered high exhibitor turnout, while new attractions and cultural programming expanded the city’s appeal. Industry leaders reported solid hotel demand and forward bookings, positioning Chicago for continued momentum heading into 2026.
Orlando Tourism 2025 Sets Stage for Strong 2026
Orlando closed 2025 with record expo attendance, major attraction openings, and continued infrastructure investment. Large-scale conventions, airport upgrades, and international marketing gains supported steady business travel growth. Industry leaders pointed to forward bookings, expanded show footprints, and new development as indicators of strong momentum heading into 2026.
LDI 2025: Innovation, Education, and Community Converge in Las Vegas
LDI 2025 brought more than 16,000 professionals and over 350 exhibitors to Las Vegas, reinforcing its role as a hub for live entertainment technology. Expanded education programs, hands-on training, and product launches highlighted growth across lighting, rigging, and immersive production, while workforce development and community engagement remained central themes.
