The 43rd United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) General Convention transformed The Paris Las Vegas into a celebration of its leaders and members, and of the craftsmanship that unites them.
Miami Beach is known for sunshine and spectacle, but at the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC), owned by the City of Miami Beach and managed by Oak View Group), something quieter is shaping the city’s future: collaboration. At “SkillBuild at the Beach,” contractors, union leaders, and venue management came together not to negotiate, but to train the next wave of skilled labor.
The 2025 Year in Review includes a moment of remembrance for industry professionals whose careers left a lasting imprint on the exhibit and events community. These brief entries reflect decades of work behind the scenes, on show floors, and in leadership roles that helped move the industry forward.
Paris does not need another admirer. What it benefits from here is an explanation. In Nobody Sits Like the French: Exploring Paris Through Its World Expos, Charles Pappas argues that the city most often praised for its beauty is better understood through the seven Universal Expositions that reshaped it between 1855 and 1937.
Welcome back to “A Look Back at Tradeshow History.” This month, we turn to January issues from the past 25 years, a snapshot of how the industry has responded to disruption, growth, and change.
December closed out a consequential year for Orlando’s meetings and tourism sector, marked by a major convention center expansion, new hotel investment tied to future demand, record tourism metrics, and heavy airport traffic heading into 2026.
Chicago closed 2025 with a steady flow of convention, consumer, and civic developments that point to a busy year ahead. New data ranks the city third nationally for scheduled business conferences in 2026, while flagship events including the Chicago Auto Show, Cubs Convention, and Discover Boating Chicago Boat Show set dates and unveiled new programming.
As 2026 begins, the tradeshow and events industry is looking toward a year of careful planning and cautious optimism. Economic growth has slowed, costs remain high, and policy uncertainty continues to weigh on travel and investment decisions.
Las Vegas concluded December with multiple large-scale conventions, tradeshows, and consumer events across the Las Vegas Convention Center and Strip-area venues. Activity included technology, design, and sports-related exhibitions, while organizers opened registration for several major 2026 shows.
Venues and destinations across Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, and the Middle East close out 2025 with strong results and forward-looking commitments. From record revenues and major capital investments to expanded exhibition footprints and new association partnerships, operators are positioning for sustained demand in meetings, conventions, and live events.
Convention centers, venues, and event suppliers across the United States close out 2025 with record attendance, major capital projects, and new industry recognition. From convention center expansions and hotel renovations to award wins and operational upgrades, the developments reflect continued domestic demand for meetings, conventions, and live events heading into 2026.
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.
