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.
In Memoriam: James S. Hanlon. September 14, 1960 – December 9, 2025. James S. Hanlon of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, died on December 9, 2025. He was born in Levittown, Pennsylvania.
As the tradeshow and events industry moved through 2025, Exhibit City News covered a wide range of developments shaping the year. This Year in Review highlights a selection of the most-read stories from the first half of 2025, capturing key themes in sustainability, workforce development, economic pressure, technology, and venue investment as the industry continued to evolve.
The Exhibition Services and Contractors Association (ESCA) reviewed key operational and education updates during its 2025 Virtual Town Hall, held as a member-facing business meeting separate from its annual awards program.
