Best Trade Shows for Retailers Around the World

Trade shows are an excellent space to focus on sourcing, networking, lead generating and more. Expos are where industry leaders determine and define trends and professionals learn more about their industry before adding new products to their inventory. With this in mind, Adventa has made the ultimate list of international trade exhibitions that provide retailers with excellent SKU opportunities and much, much more.

20 Best Trade Expos

There are trade exhibitions for just about every industry under the sun, and they’re hosted across the world. This list of trade shows covers many product categories and countries, but only includes the best of the best. For each of these expos, we have listed when and where the upcoming trade fair will take place, how many exhibitors will be present, the main product categories, the cost of admission, and how long the trade show has been running. This information will direct you to the expos that suit your needs. Here are the 20 best and biggest trade shows around the world, in no particular order:

 

Inhorgenta Munich

This international trade show is Europe’s leading platform for jewellery, gemstones and watches. In addition, Inhorgenta Munich offers expert lectures and panel discussions, giving visitors a chance to engage in and learn about emerging industry trends.

When: February 24–27, 2023

Where: Trade Fair Center Messe, Munich, Germany

Exhibitors: 730+

Product Categories: Jewellery, gemstones and watches

Cost of admission: Starting from £24.00

Running since: 1974

 

Canton Fair, Autumn

As one of the biggest trade shows in the world, this impressive fair complex hosts 8 shows with 50 exhibition sections. Almost every industry you can think of is represented in the Canton Fair exhibitions in China.

When: 15 October - 4 November 2022

Where: Canton Fair Complex, Guangdong Province, China

Exhibitors: 26 000+

Product Categories: Varied

Cost of admission: Free

Running since: 1957

 

BETA International

Beta International is the world’s leading equestrian, pet and country trade show.

This year, the British Equestrian Trade Association is supporting RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association) through their fair, making it even more worthwhile to visit.

When: 11 - 13 September 2022

Where: Naec, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire UK

Exhibitors: 150+

Product Categories: Equestrian, pet and country

Cost of admission: Free

Running since: Over 30 years

 

Gulfood

This fascinating food fair is the largest food and beverage sourcing event in the world. Gulfood has always driven creativity and innovation, and this year they are focussing on solutions for global issues, with some of the world’s greatest chefs charting the way forward.

When: 20 - 24 February 2023

Where: Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Exhibitors: 5000+

Product Categories: Food and beverage

Cost of admission: £23.00

Running since: 1987

 

Intergift

Intergift is an international gift and decoration fair at which the majority of visitors are Spanish speaking but are representative of over 79 countries. In addition, Intergift allows visitors to engage in workshops, activities and talks by experts in the field, so that you can get first-hand information.

When: 14 - 18 September 2022

Where: Avda. del Partenón, Madrid, Spain

Exhibitors: 840+

Product Categories: Decoration and gifts

Cost of admission: Free to £25.00, depending

Running since: 1979

 

MAGIC Las Vegas

MAGIC Las Vegas is a high-energy fashion expo, home to the largest selection of contemporary fashion, sportswear, footwear and accessories. MAGIC prides itself on its platform bringing together retail buyers, media, influencers, and industry thought leaders.

When: 13 - 15 February 2023

Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, USA

Exhibitors: 500+

Product Categories: Fashion, sportswear, footwear, accessories

Cost of admission: Free

Running since: 1989

 

Canadian National Exhibition

The Canadian National Exhibition is so much more than just a fair. With an over 140 year history, CNE hosts between 1.4 to 1.6 million visitors every year. These visitors come to the fair for the ultimate shopping experience indoors and outdoors, as well as the casino, music shows, gaming garage and more. For professionals, CNE represents growth and innovation.

When: 19 August - 5 September 2022

Where: Exhibition Place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Exhibitors: 700+

Product Categories: Varied

Cost of admission: £9.30

Running since: 1879

 

International Tourism & Travel Show

With over 40 conferences, question panels, international cuisine and entertainment, the International Tourism and Travel Show is an excellent opportunity to soak up the freshest takes on tourism and travel.

When: 28 - 30 October 2022

Where: Palais des Congrès Montréal, Montréal, Canada

Exhibitors: 400+

Product Categories: Travel and tourism

Cost of admission: £13.50

Running since: 1983

 

Texworld Evolution Paris

This exhibition’s aim is in the name - the focus here is on the evolution and innovation of the textile, fashion and beauty industries. An excellent space for sourcing, Texworld Paris offers a huge selection of products, representative of the best and most enduring trends and brands.

When: 6 - 8 February 2023

Where: Paris Le Bourget Exhibition Centre, Paris, France

Exhibitors: 400+

Product Categories: Fashion, beauty and textiles

Cost of admission: Free

Running since: 1997

 

AAHAR – The International Food & Hospitality Fair

One of Asia’s leading food and hospitality fairs, AAHAR offers sourcing professionals an excellent opportunity to explore the produce of global vendors.

When: 14 - 18 March 2023

Where: Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India

Exhibitors: 500+

Product Categories: Food and hospitality

Cost of admission: £3.20

Running since: 1986

 

International Production & Processing Expo

IPPE centres on the concepts of innovation, education, global reach and networking. Bringing together buyers and sellers of the latest and greatest products and services to make your business successful, this historic expo is one of the best places to source for the animal food industry.

When: 24 - 26 January 2023

Where: Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, USA

Exhibitors: 1150+

Product Categories: Animal food industry

Cost of admission: £106.00

Running since: 1948

 

International Food & Drink Event

The IFE is the UK’s top food and beverage event. So if your organisation is looking for an event closer to home, this is the ideal space to sample and source the latest innovations from over 1200 international and UK suppliers.

When: 20 - 22 March 2023

Where: ExCeL London, London, UK

Exhibitors: 1260+

Product Categories: Food and drinks

Cost of admission: Free

Running since: Over 40 years

 

Scotland’s Trade Fair

If you’re planning to stock up on your seasonal products, Scotland’s Trade Fair is the place to be. Relatively local, the exhibitors at this fair are from Scotland and other areas of the UK. So if you want to stock local, this trade fair is the perfect place to explore.

When: 18 - 19 September 2022

Where: SEC, Exhibition Way, Glasgow, Scotland

Exhibitors: 200+

Product Categories: Gift and food

Cost of admission: Free

Running since: 1985

 

Bauma

The world’s leading construction fair, Bauma, is held once every three years. This large-scale exhibition boasts the newest technologies and industry insights and is a must-visit for sourcing professionals in the construction industry.

When: 24 - 30 October 2022

Where: Trade Fair Center Messe München, Germany

Exhibitors: 3000+

Product Categories: Construction

Cost of admission: Starting from £25.00

Running since: 1954

 

The One Milano

This trade show has modernised its platform by taking its offerings online. Both physical and digital, The One Milano allows vendors to utilise the online market, as well as the networking opportunities that trade shows have traditionally offered.

When: 18 - 20 September 2022

Where: Fiero Milano Rho, Milan, Italy

Exhibitors: 120+

Product Categories: Fashion and footwear

Cost of admission: Free

Running since: 1996

 

IFA (Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin)

One of the oldest industrial expos in Germany, IFA is well established in the industrial space. IFA offers an exciting and diverse program, with conferences and expert forums, award ceremonies, IFA entertainment, and much more.

When: 2 - 6 September 2022

Where: Messe Berlin Exhibition Grounds, Berlin, Germany

Exhibitors: 1650+

Product Categories: Industrial

Cost of admission: Starting from £36.00

Running since: 1924

 

Dhaka International Trade Fair

Hosted through January every year, Dhaka starts the year off with a bang for the consumer products industry. With a huge variety in the finest local and foreign products, many different industries are able to source products at this event.

When: 1 - 31 January 2023

Where: Bangladesh China Friendship Exhibition Centre at Purbachal, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Exhibitors: 225+

Product Categories: Various consumer products

Cost of admission: £0.50

Running since: 1995

 

EuroShop

EuroShop is a huge retail fair that takes place in Germany every year. Focussing on eight major aspects of retail, this expo is the ultimate space to network with and source from the best of the best.

When: 26 February - 2 March 2023

Where: Düsseldorf exhibition halls, Düsseldorf, Germany

Exhibitors: 2200+

Product Categories: Retail

Cost of admission: £50.00

Running since: 1966

 

CES

This conference claims to be the most influential tech event in the world, making CES a crucial place to be for all consumer electronics retailers. Showcasing manufacturers, developers and suppliers of consumer technology hardware, content, technology delivery systems and more, this fair will ensure that your organisation is on the cutting edge.

When: 5 - 8 January 2022

Where: Las Vegas Convention Center in Winchester, Nevada, USA

Exhibitors: 4500+

Product Categories: Consumer electronics

Cost of admission: £85.00

Running since: 1967

 

Spielwarenmesse Nuremberg Toy Fair

Meet key contacts and cultivate relationships with the top toy and games manufacturers and suppliers in the world at Spielwarenmesse. This event includes a varied program of events to ensure that you make the most of this excellent business opportunity.

When: 1 - 5 February 2023

Where: NürnbergMesse GmbH, Messezentrum Nuremberg, Germany

Exhibitors: 2700+

Product Categories: Toys and games

Cost of admission: Starting from £17.00

Running since: 1959

As online shopping becomes increasingly popular, the death knell of the physical retail industry might be expected. However, the industry is tenacious and innovative, and alternative models are being considered and implemented across the globe.

Experiential retail is one of the new forms of retail that has popped up in recent years. But what is it, and what does it offer businesses and consumers? In this post, Adventa explores the concept of experiential retail, how it works, what it costs, and which retailers are doing it well. Keep reading to understand what experiential retail is.

What is Experiential Retail?

Experiential retail, also known as “retailtainment”, is a marketing strategy in which a physical retail store offers its customers experiences that go beyond browsing and buying. Through exclusive in-store events and services, as well as engaging staff and technologies, the customer is given a memorable experience that elevates retail shopping. 

Experiential retail is a reconstructed take on retail that focuses on the customer's experience. As the ease of online shopping becomes an increasingly important feature of retail, brick-and-mortar stores have been required to adjust how they do things. Creating engaging, tactile experiences that customers cannot experience online is the cornerstone of experiential retail.

How Does Experiential Retail Work?

Retail experience works by offering the customer something out of the ordinary. The way that this is done can differ from store to store or shopping centre to shopping centre. However, there are a few things to focus on when creating a retail shopping experience.

Experiential retailing prioritises customer engagement over sales. Businesses achieve this by stimulating the senses and defying expectations, creating an in-store experience that is immersive and interactive. 

Another important element of experiential retail is that it should be shareable. So much of our lives are spent and shared on social media, and creating opportunities where customers can share their experiences on these platforms will make your experiential retail strategy that much more successful. An easy way to do this would be to set up an amazing photo opportunity. 

An omnichannel approach is another important element of experiential retail. It allows for the integration of various marketing channels and touchpoints that aim to create a consistent and immersive customer experience. 

Offering omnichannel options for purchasing allows the customer to buy from wherever they are, for a simple and seamless shopping experience. Statistics show that 73% of consumers use multiple channels to shop, making an omnichannel approach an important strategy for any business.

Some examples of an omnichannel approach in experiential retail include using mobile apps, creating in-store digital and interactive displays, offering click-and-collect options, using virtual or augmented reality, and leveraging social media to engage customers. 

Lastly, experience retail focuses on the consumer's needs and nurtures communities. While technology may make our lives easier, they also make us more isolated. If a retail store can focus on building a community within its target audience, they are more likely to create return customers and a valuable community.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Experiential Retailing

Experiential retail can serve as a powerful strategy for attracting and retaining customers; however, it also comes with financial, logistical, and strategic challenges. Successful experiential retailing requires a well-thought-out plan that aligns with the brand's identity and customer expectations. You should carefully consider the pros and cons before implementing such a strategy. 

Advantages of Experiential Retail 

When experiential retailing is executed successfully, it can lead to numerous benefits, such as greater customer engagement, differentiation from competitors, improved brand loyalty and much more.  

Customer Engagement

By creating a unique and memorable shopping experience within retail stores, you can develop emotional connections with your customers. This will result in more time spent in-store (more engagement), which creates opportunities for upselling and cross-selling.

Differentiation 

In today's crowded market, standing out from your competitors is essential. Experiential retailing offers an effective way for you to demonstrate your brand's uniqueness and attract more attention, differentiating yourself from your competitors. 

Increased Foot Traffic

Experiential retailing will draw people to your store, resulting in new customers, increased foot traffic and higher sales. 

Brand Loyalty

When you create positive experiences with your customers, you foster an emotional connection with them. This should result in the development of stronger brand loyalty. Loyal customers are a priority for most businesses, as they tend to spend more (67%) than new customers and act as brand advocates, sharing positive reviews about your business. 

Social Media Buzz

Shareable experiences encourage customers to promote brands on their social media. This is known as user-generated content. This organic marketing technique will help you reach a wider audience and boost your brand’s visibility. 

Data Collection

Experiential retailing often incorporates technology, which can be used to collect customer data, such as their preferences and behaviours. This information can then be used to facilitate targeted marketing campaigns and drive product development.  

Disadvantages of Experiential Retail 

While experiential retailing offers endless opportunities, it doesn’t come without its challenges. 

High Costs

The cost of experiential retail can differ hugely. Large companies with big budgets can typically do more, but small retailers have plenty to offer, too. Focus on offering a personalised experience that resonates with your brand and customers. 

Resource-Intensive

Besides financial resources, experiential retail often calls for resources in the form of staff and time. It’s important to balance the needs of the campaign with the operational needs of the business. 

Inconsistent Experiences 

It’s all good and well trying to execute an experiential retail marketing strategy; however, as with all things in business, consistency is key. So, if you’re considering running a campaign at multiple stores or more than one campaign in the future, be sure to maintain a consistent brand experience for your customers. 

Risk of Fads

Sometimes, experiential retail trends or concepts may be short-lived. This is why it’s essential to conduct thorough research before executing a strategy.

Examples of Successful Experiential Retail Campaigns 

If you’re looking for a little inspiration, here are the five retailers that are making waves with their retail experiences. 

1. Apple

Apple stores do not only sell products and services; they also offer interactive learning experiences by hosting workshops, classes, and live events. In doing this, they turn their stores into a space where people can learn and connect, fostering a sense of community and establishing Apple as a leader in innovation.   

2. IKEA

This brand is well-known for its retail experiences. One of their best-known campaigns is their “in-store sleepover.” In 2011, IKEA allowed 100 customers to sleep over at their store in Essex, where customers were allowed to personalise their sleepover experience by selecting the bedding, pillows and even the beds they wanted (all from the IKEA catalogue, of course!). 

3. Farfetch

The luxury fashion brand brought experiential retailing to life by introducing advanced technology to their store in London, where they installed connected clothing racks, touch-screen-enhanced mirrors and sign-in stations. 

This allowed Farfetch to pull data collected from customers' online store experiences and personalise their in-store shopping journey. Additionally, the smart mirror allowed customers to search for alternative products or sizes and even pay for their goods, all from the comfort of their changing rooms. 

4. Huda Beauty

This beauty brand successfully implemented an experiential retail campaign to launch one of its new products, an eye shadow palette called Mercury Retrograde. Huda Beauty set up a pop-up store in the middle of Covent Garden, creating an immersive sci-fi-themed experience for customers. 

5. House of Vans

The House of Vans brand is another top experiential retailer, combining retail with live music, skateboarding and art events. At their 30,000 square feet London retail store, you can find everything from vans’ shoes to a cinema, an art gallery and, perhaps most importantly, a full-on skateboarding course. In doing this, they encourage customers to spend extended periods of time in their store, connecting and interacting with people who have shared interests.

Ready to Dip a Toe into the World of Experiential Retail?

While online shopping continues to grow in popularity, experiential retailing offers brands a chance to engage consumers and entice them to visit their brick-and-mortar stores. 

By creating immersive experiences, brands can engage customers in a completely new way. It can also lead to stronger brand loyalty, increased sales, higher engagement and a host of other benefits. However, it also comes with challenges, such as high costs and the need for consistency. 

So, while experiential retail marketing holds significant promise, it’s important that brands weigh up the pros and cons, and also draw inspiration from successful campaigns, such as those led by Apple, IKEA, Farfetch, Huda Beauty, and House of Vans. If you can do this, you will be able to create memorable shopping experiences that captivate your customers and set you apart from the competition.