I. Market Overview
The United States’ position in the global exhibition industry should not be underestimated, and countless exhibitions are held every year. The cities that hold the most exhibitions are Las Vegas, Orlando, Chicago and New York. Las Vegas, in particular, is a veritable exhibition city.
Most of the organizers of American exhibitions are unofficial, and the decision-making and operation of exhibitions are more flexible. Many affiliated associations are organized by associations. For example, the organizer of the world’s largest electronics show, the American International Consumer Electronics House (CES), is the American Consumer Electronics Association, and the Anaheim International Musical Instruments, Lighting and Sound Show (NAMIM) is organized by the world’s largest International Music Products Association.
Given the characteristics of the American market, almost all American exhibitions only serve the American market, so the scale of the exhibition is somewhat different from that of large European exhibitions. In the “Top 100 Trade Shows”, the United States occupied 9 seats in 2009, but only 5 seats in 2019, namely, the American International Construction Machinery Expo CONEX-PO-CON/AGC (7th, 356,000 square meters), the Lauderdale International Boat Show FLIBS (20th, 278,000 square meters), the American International Consumer Electronics Show CES (28th, 258,000 square meters), the Las Vegas Fashion Show MAGIC. (52nd, 200,000 square meters) and the Chicago International Manufacturing Technology Show IMTS (93rd, 132,000 square meters)
II. Introduction to Typical Exhibitions
1. American Building Materials Show (IBS)
IBS is hosted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). In 2019, it ushered in the 75th exhibition, which is also the largest exhibition in the past 12 years. The number of visitors exceeded 100,000, the number of exhibitors exceeded 2,000, and the net exhibition area reached 100,000 square meters. The next exhibition will be held in Orlando from February 9 to 11, 2021.
2. CES (International Consumer Electronics Show)
Founded in 1967, CES has become a window for major global electronics companies to release product information, showcase high-tech levels, and advocate future lifestyles. From January 7 to 10, 2020, the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) was held in Las Vegas. More than 4,400 companies from around the world brought their latest products and advanced technologies to the exhibition, and more than 170,000 industry professionals and visitors came to the exhibition. 1,000 Chinese companies, including Huawei, Lenovo, TCL, and Haier, displayed many innovative technologies and products in the fields of 5G, artificial intelligence, smart home, electric vehicles, etc., attracting a large number of visitors and media.