A trade show is a perfect place to network, meet industry professionals, and acquire new leads. However, a huge part of the trade show happens outside the event. After show events conclude, trade show cities allow for additional networking that builds relationships and can establish trust between industry professionals. A dinner, show, concert, or activity is a great place to build lasting relationships. For many companies, this is part of their trade show marketing strategy. Taking your clients out after a show is a great way to show your appreciation for their business. It is also a great way to win over clients in very competitive industries. To build off our recent post, Top 5 Trade Shows for Fall 2024, we are going to cover the Top 5 Cities for Trade Shows in 2024 to offer insight on the best places for after hours marketing opportunities!
Las Vegas NV
Las Vegas is a no brainer as the top trade show city year after year! The nearly endless supply of nightlife and activities has something for everyone! For companies looking to network outside of the event, this is the city for you. From good clean fun like driving race cars, to “sin city” type activities, Las Vegas has it all for every group of people!
Exotics Racing
A great networking event is through Exotics Racing which is right outside the strip. They offer group rates for larger companies and organizations, you can even reserve the track for a day! This activity is a fun, competitive, and exhilarating experience that is fun for even a non-car enthusiast. Your racing experience is recorded so you can watch your laps and show your friends! Lap times are recorded so you can have a competitive experience with others in your organization. A great bet to make is that the slowest lap time buys lunch!
What makes Exotics Racing a great place for a corporate event is the unique memories created with this experience. Most of us do not have the luxury of driving a super car. Not only can you drive a rare super car, you can actually race it legally and safely! This is truly an experience that is remembered for a lifetime!
Cirque Du Soleil
Another memorable experience that is slightly less exhilarating, but still very exciting and entertaining is Cirque Du Soleil. This great event showcases some of the most talented gymnasts in the world! I am not typically one for shows like this, however I was pleasantly surprised! This show is exciting, entertaining, and funny while building lifetime memories with great food and drinks! Currently there are 5 different shows to choose from so it never gets boring! If you want to impress your employees, customers, or business partners, consider this show for your next corporate event!
Chicago, IL
One city that is not often thought of as a great trade show destination is Chicago. It does get cold in the winter but that does not hinder all the great activities this city offers for corporate events. The goal of a corporate event is to create lasting memories which helps facilitate long term relationship building. One of the best options in Chicago is Bad Axe Throwing which offers axe throwing activities and competitions! This is a great way to involve the entire team and have a great time! It’s likely that no one on your team is an axe throwing expert so most people will be at the same skill level. It’s a great way to blow off steam, get some exercise, and create a unique, lifetime memories!
Another unique activity that is indoors is WhirlyBall. This activity is like lacrosse meets bumper cars! This venue is great because you can also bowl or laser tag along with great food and drinks! A venue with multiple activities is great when building business relationships. It’s like 4 experiences in one and with WhirlyBall, this corporate event will be remembered by everyone involved!
Orlando, FL
An up and coming trade show destination is Orlando, FL. The great weather, access to coastlines, and unique activities make this destination a great option for “outside the tradeshow” networking. One of the most unique experiences in the area is hot air balloon rides. Bob’s Balloons offers hot air balloon rides to create one of the most memorable experiences possible. It is a great way to see the area and get a birds eye view of Florida. Moreover, this unique experience will leave a lasting impression for all involved. This is a great way to build your team, entertain your largest client, or network with potential business partners!
Atlanta, GA
Out of all of the cities on this list, Atlanta is probably the most surprising trade show hub. It is a great place to host a large scale event due to its location, weather, and easy travel options. This is also a great city to host a corporate event and to network with clients and partners. A very unique option to build relationships is a day at the largest aquarium in the United States! To preface this recommendation, Georgia Aquarium is a scientific institution that is dedicated to the conservation and research of marine life. This is a place for rescued animals, not capture animals. Here is a quote from their website:
“Alongside other accredited facilities, our team conducts crucial research by working with animals both in human care and in their natural habitats to improve husbandry methods, develop innovative and exciting new exhibits, contribute to the understanding of the underwater world and apply new discoveries to the conservation of aquatic life. Every day, researchers in the Aquarium’s exhibits and labs are learning more about marine life in order to develop new methods of animal care and veterinary medicine. By combining field research with the study of on-site animals in a controlled environment, the Aquarium is contributing to the advancement of human knowledge in the area of animal science.”
The experience of this aquarium is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see animals that rarely seen by most people. This includes very unique animals like whale sharks, manta rays, beluga whales, and bottlenose dolphins! If you are looking for a great place to visit and build relationships outside the tradeshow, make sure to consider Atlanta for one of your trade show destinations!
Dallas, TX
Dallas has evolved over the past few decades into a destination city that offers a great nightlife, restaurants, and amenities. The Dallas/Fort Worth area is also one of the largest trade show hubs in the USA. If you are on the trade show circuit you will find yourself in Dallas at some point. If you are looking for a unique experience for a potential client or business partner, check out Medieval Times! Although not exclusive to Dallas, there are only 9 locations in the US, which include Orlando, Chicago, and Atlanta! Step back in time and immerse yourself in an experience of a lifetime! Enjoy dinner and drinks while watching medieval exhibitions like jousting and sword fighting. This is truly an experience to remember and a great place to network outside of the trade show!
What do you think of the Top 5 Cities for Trade Shows in 2024? Are you planning to visit any of these for your upcoming trade shows? Make sure to contact us if you need anything for your next event including backlit displays, trade show flooring, or custom exhibits.