Trade shows have been so unstable this year, and it seems like no one ever really knows what is going on until the last minute. COVID-19 has thrown us all in a tizzy, and the trade show universe is no different. While some events have been cancelled all together, others have been rescheduled or moved to a completely virtual experience.
The Transition to Virtual Events
There have been quite a few virtual trade shows this year, including GMDC|Retail Tomorrow’s October event, Womenswear in Nevada’s WWINdow Shopping event, NoCo Hemp Expo’s virtual conference, and the Festival of Licensing. Most virtual trade show events have reported great attendance from both the buyer and the exhibitor ends. In fact, GMDC|Retail Tomorrow’s virtual event was so successful that they are planning to include some virtual aspects to their in-person event in June of 2021.
“People have adjusted and gotten used to virtual elements with content sessions, one-on-one meetings, and we have all developed a skill set to execute virtually,” Patrick Spear, GMDC|Retail Tomorrow’s President and CEO, said. “The feedback we got after the event was that people really enjoyed it. It has been outstanding. So many associations had to pull back this year, but we did not. People prefer face-to-face meetings and relationship building, but we see enjoyment from both sides.”
Big Expectations for 2021
Although COVID-19 is still making its rounds and most trade shows have been cancelled or moved to virtual events into December of this year, many organizations have big plans for in-person gatherings in 2021. From ASD Market Week’s cancelled August event to Impressions Expo’s multiple cancelled events throughout 2020, both retailers and suppliers missed out on many different in-person opportunities, which will make them hungry for whatever they can get in the new year.
“We had plans this year for two physical conferences, but COVID caused both events to be merged into one virtual event,” Spear said. “We are looking forward to June 3rd in Dallas, Texas. It will be the very first GMDC|Retail Summit, so with any luck, it will be a big turnout.”
Below are a list of some major trade shows and their respective 2021 dates. Some will be virtual, and others will take place in person. Be sure to check with show producers before making travel plans to planned live events.
JANUARY
Atlanta Market at AmericasMart – January 12-19 at AmericasMart, Buildings 1,2, and 3
Halloween & Party Expo – Virtual Event from January 19-21.
Impressions Expo – January 22-24, at the Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach CA.
Philadelphia Gift Show & Philadelphia Souvenir & Resort Expo – January 31 – February 3 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center.
NY NOW – Constant Digital Market available on their website.
Surf Expo – January 6-8 at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando.
FEBRUARY
Atlanta Apparel Market – February 2-6 at AmericasMart, Building 3.
ASD Market Week – February 28 – March 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
NY NOW – Constant Digital Market available on their website.
Shoppe Object – New digital season unveiled on February 8 on their website.
USA CBD Expo – February 5-7 at the Georgia World Congress Center.
Womenswear in Nevada – February 15-18 at Caesar’s Forum.
MARCH
Global Pet Expo – March 24-26 at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando.
Impressions Expo – March 25-27 at the Atlantic City Convention Center.
NY NOW – Constant Digital Market available on their website.
APRIL
Impressions Expo – April 8-10 at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando.
JUNE
GMDC|Retail Tomorrow – June 3-7 at the Hyatt Regency, Dallas.
Impressions Expo – June 24-26 at the Raising Cane’s River Center, Baton Rouge, LA.
SEPTEMBER
Impressions Expo Fort Worth – September 10-12 at the Fort Worth Convention Center.
OCTOBER
USA CBD Expo – October 1-3 at the McCormick Place, Chicago.