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.
The Computer Dealers’ Exhibition (COMDEX) delivered the future to millions of people. As a brand, it became the largest tradeshow in the world, with 185 separate tech events between 1979 and 2006. The shows appeared in 24 countries on six continents, and in eight different U.S. cities.
Expo Convention Contractors (EXPOCCI) is proud to recognize several outstanding team members who have recently been promoted, reflecting the company’s continued growth and commitment to developing talent across all departments and locations.
Legends Global, the premier partner to the world’s greatest live events, venues, and brands, announced today that Josh Kritzler has been appointed President, North American Venues & Content. In this role, Kritzler will oversee the company’s portfolio of North American arenas, stadiums, theaters, and convention centers and lead venue operations, content, and booking across the network.
Jeff Quade has been promoted to president at GES – Global Experience Specialists. Quade has been with GES for over 28 years. He
The 48th edition of the SHOT Show, the world’s largest trade event for the firearm, shooting sports and outdoor industries, was held Jan. 20-23 at The Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum in Las Vegas. Owned and produced by NSSF—The Firearm Industry Trade Association—the trade-only event once again underscored its position as a cornerstone gathering for one of America’s most economically significant manufacturing sectors.
If you are reading this column, chances are you’ve been involved with more than a few tradeshows. Whether that involvement’s direct, or indirect, how do you define a tradeshow?
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.
Ottawa Tourism is expanding its Business Events team with the appointment of Angela Jefferies and Orest Gawdyda, both as Managers, Business Events. Their respective efforts will deepen Ottawa’s reach in priority markets, strengthen partner relationships, and accelerate growth in the city’s meetings and convention economy.
Destinations International (DI) today announced the contract extension of President & CEO Don Welsh through December 31, 2027. Welsh and the Executive Committee of the DI Board of Directors mutually agreed to extend the previous agreement, which had been set to conclude at the end of 2026.
