The 4 Best Facilities for Hosting Industry Trade Shows
In the business world, a successful trade show can change the game. The right trade show venues enhance the experience for hosts, exhibitors and attendees, while also reflecting the professionalism of your brand through the attraction of your exhibit. What are the best facilities for hosting trade shows?
1. Spooky Nook Champion Mill
Spooky Nook Champion Mill is a premier facility for hosting trade shows, seamlessly combining its massive scale with modern amenities. With a sprawling 90,000-square-foot multi-surface exhibition space and 700,000 square feet of total event space, Champion Mill is perfect for whatever you’re exhibiting, from smaller local businesses and homebuilder stands to heavy machinery and large-scale exhibitor booths.
Located in Hamilton, Ohio, near two well-known airports, the Champion Mill Conference Center is part of Spooky Nook, North America’s largest indoor sports complex. The center offers an all-in-one trade show experience. Champion Mill features a range of rooms to accommodate various seminar sizes, a full-service hotel with 233 spacious rooms, three ballrooms and full catering, accompanied by multiple on-site dining options.
With a designated AV and technology team also in place, this comprehensive setup streamlines logistics for trade show organizers, exhibitors and attendees, allowing for seamless transitions between sessions and numerous networking opportunities to grow your brand presence. Affordability depends on your trade show requirements, with an extensive choice of space-based packages available.
Key Features
- 700,000 square feet of total event space, including a 90,000-square-foot multi-surface exhibition space and other more moderate spaces
- 233-room on-site hotel
- Multiple dining options and in-house catering
- Comprehensive event services, including an AV and technology team.
With its state-of-the-art facilities and extensive trade show services, Spooky Nook Champion Mill stands out as a popular choice for those seeking exposure.
2. McCormick Place
McCormick Place, located in Chicago, IL, is the largest convention center in North America, making it a go-to venue for many international events. With an impressive 2.6 million square feet of exhibit halls, the larger and smaller industry trade shows can run concurrently.
Accessibility at McCormick Place is a key advantage for trade show exhibitors and attendees. Two major airports are nearby, with extensive public transportation options. With extensive meeting room capacity, ballrooms for after-show enjoyment and assembly seating for thousands of people, the facility is suited to a wide range of different-sized and priced events.
For exhibitors and the general public, McCormick Place houses several food courts, cafes, bars and restaurants. The venue’s established hospitality partner provides food and beverage catering throughout the complex for those entertaining guests.
Key Features
- 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space
- Hundreds of different-sized meeting rooms and ballroom access
- Assembly seating for 18,000 people
- Central location, with easy airport and public transport access
McCormick Place is a premier destination for trade shows and other events. It offers upscale facilities and state-of-the-art trade show services to ensure a successful occasion regardless of your level of participation.
3. Orange County Convention Center
The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, FL, is an expansive, modern facility with a long-standing reputation for its customer service. As the second-largest convention center in the United States, OCCC boasts an impressive 2.1 million square feet of exhibition space, making it ideal for hosting large-scale industry trade shows and conventions while also catering to smaller events.
Two general assembly areas in the OCCC North-South Building each measure over 92,000 square feet, and the West Building has over a million square feet of exhibition space. The OCCC has ample space for concurrent keynote speakers, breakout sessions and multiple trade shows with any number of exhibits and attendees. Local businesses, such as those in the building or agricultural sectors, will relish the opportunity to host an exhibition at an esteemed trade show venue.
The OCCC displays a steadfast commitment to sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly practices throughout its operations. Its technologically advanced infrastructure features powerful Wi-Fi and digital signage, ensuring your stand is well-equipped. It has utilized the same catering partner for over 15 years, so hosting guests is seamless.
Key Features
- 2.1 million square feet of flexible exhibition space
- Over 184,000 square feet of general assembly areas
- Hundreds of meeting rooms, breakout rooms and boardrooms of various sizes
- Stringent commitment to sustainability
The OCCC’s prime location offers easy access to thousands of hotel rooms in Orlando, FL., meaning there’s accommodation to suit all budgets. It is just a short drive from Orlando International Airport, making it an ideal venue for international and regional industry trade shows.
4. Georgia World Congress Center
The Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) in Atlanta, GA, is a premier facility known as one of the best convention, sports and entertainment destinations worldwide. Area-wise, the GWCC is one of the country’s most expansive convention centers, with over 1.5 million square feet of prime space to host industry and smaller trade shows and exhibitions concurrently.
The GWCC hosts large-scale industry trade shows and conventions, with the Atlanta International Auto Show among the most recognizable. The venue will also seamlessly cater to smaller industry trade shows and expos as needed. Strategically located in downtown Atlanta, the GWCC is close to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and easily accessible via public transportation. However, the city’s traffic can be a negative factor during peak hours, so choose your arrival time carefully.
With an established resident caterer, the venue’s interconnected campus is also home to attractions such as Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the renowned Centennial Olympic Park green space, so there’s plenty to do during off-show times.
Key Features
- 1.5 million square feet of exhibit space
- Located in a central logistics and supply chain hub, offering spaces for all business sizes
- Shares a campus with primary attractions
- Strategic location for easy access to major transportation
The GWCC is a top choice for many events. The complex’s complete accessibility options make it a well-regarded venue for all attendees and a notable choice for organizations’ and local business trade shows.
Methodology for Identifying the Best Facilities for Industry Trade Shows
The following factors should always feature strongly when choosing a trade show venue:
- Area and space: An accommodating venue floor area with plentiful and suitable event space for industry trade show exhibits, displays and functions
- Access to transportation: Proximity to airports, along with public transport or car rental options
- On-site or nearby accommodations: Convenient and varied lodging options for organizers, exhibitors and attendees
- Food and beverage services: Full-function trade show and event catering supplemented by an array of reputable dining and bar establishments
- Technological benefits: Strong technology for stakeholder connectivity, trade show displays and presentations
- Respected public and industry presence: Strong industry reputation and highly favorable client reviews
Considering vital factors can help you host or attend a highly regarded industry trade show with the peace of mind that the venue handles all logistical requirements.
A Premier Destination for Hosting Your Trade Shows
The facilities mentioned provide excellent spaces and services for hosting an industry trade show or exhibiting your business. They all offer ample space, are conveniently close to airports and public transportation, and have either on-site or nearby accommodations to suit different budgets. All these venues thoroughly cater to any technological and catering requirements you may have and are well-regarded by their previous clients. It’s all up to you — depending on which you choose, you’ll likely join its growing list of fans.