Welcome back to “A Look Back at ECN Tradeshow History.” This month, the archive tracks how the industry kept adapting as events returned and expectations changed. From a post-COVID playbook built around contactless tools and hybrid access to the recognition, products, and parties that defined EXHIBITOR week, these clips capture what the business prioritized in the moment.
Chicago opened 2026 with a mix of large-scale tradeshows, fan events, and hospitality updates across the city and nearby suburbs. February brings major draws at McCormick Place and downtown hotels, led by automotive and dental meetings.
Orlando entered late January with steady convention activity and a growing pipeline of consumer, trade, and fan-focused events across the Orange County Convention Center and resort-area venues. Recent shows underscored the market’s draw for large-scale exhibitions, while ticket demand signaled strong consumer interest heading into spring.
Las Vegas entered February with a full tradeshow calendar, building on a strong start to 2026. Activity spans fashion, automotive, veterinary, petroleum, and franchise events across the Las Vegas Convention Center and Strip-area resorts.
Convention centers and market operators across the United States reported early-year activity and new investments, from packed January event calendars and post-incident reopenings to digital wayfinding upgrades, sustainability-minded exhibit reuse, and fresh 2026 conference and market announcements.
Welcome back to “A Look Back at ECN Tradeshow History.” This month, the archive opens on a snapshot of how the industry moves through change. From a leadership hire aimed at strengthening advocacy in Washington to renewed show floor growth and early signs of attendance rebounding, these clips track what mattered in the moment.
EXHIBITORLIVE 2026 drops anchor in Tampa Bay from March 29 through April 2, offering five days of education, innovation, and in-person connection for tradeshow and event marketing professionals. Now in its 37th year, the conference returns with more than 100 educational sessions, an exhibition hall filled with industry suppliers, and a fresh setting along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
For exhibitors planning 2026 shows, the math no longer adds up. The booth program that cost $100,000 before the pandemic can now run nearly twice as much, and every part of the tradeshow budget, from drayage to rigging, feels heavier on the balance sheet.
The Experiential Design Authority (TEDA) will present the 2026 CES BOSS Awards (Best of Show Stand Awards) on February 18 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. PST at Balkan Bar and Grill in Las Vegas. The in-person event recognizes standout experiential exhibits from the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and the designers and exhibit houses behind them.
International briefs this month span strong January buyer traffic in Hong Kong, new show launches and venue activations in India and Australia, and a packed 2026 calendar across Europe and the United Arab Emirates, with organizers emphasizing attendance targets, exhibitor growth, and expanded programming.
Structure has appointed Dave Callahan as director of operations in Chicago. Callahan brings more than 30 years of experience across the tradeshow, event, and museum industries. His background includes production, warehouse operations, site supervision, project management, estimating, sales, and accounting, giving him direct experience with both day-to-day execution and operational oversight.
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.
