New York City welcomes almost 70 million visitors every year. The inflow of visitors is what makes this city the heart of event trade shows. Even in our modern world event planner expos still remain relevant.
Event planner conferences are an opportunity to network, learn, and grow in the industry and provide an experience that just can't be replicated digitally.
While hundreds of trade shows and events in New York happen every year (there is almost a new one every day!) below we've compiled a list of the nine best event planner conferences and trade shows in New York City.
Whether you are looking to advertise, sell, or network, there is a gathering for you in whatever field you are in. You just have to uncover the right one.
Please keep reading if you have the opportunity to be in such a major hub and have no idea what to do. Here is the inside scoop on the best social events happening in New York.
1. NY NOW – New York International Gift Fair
This show brings together people from fashion, housewares, food, and lifestyle. You can learn about gifts and discover new brands to include in your future event goodie bags. Come feast on delicious food samples and get inspired by beautifully designed entertainment pieces.
2. International ArtExpo NY
This stunning exhibition takes place at the beautiful Pier 36 New York. It attracts over 400 exhibitors and 35,000 visitors worldwide. Learn more about planning for events by incorporating stunning works of art from established and emerging artists.
The expo is a great opportunity to brush up on important event planning skills like color theory, centerpiece development, and theme building.
3. International Contemporary Furniture Fair – ICFF
You might learn about renting or buying furniture at these event planner conferences. At the International Contemporary Furniture Fair, you can see the works of interior designers from around the globe.
Here you can discover the new furniture for your corporate planning duties. Or you might find a talented emerging designer whom you'd like to collaborate with on furnishings for a special upcoming event.
4. Lightfair International – LFI
Furniture and lighting go hand in hand. Lightfair International takes lighting to the next level. If planning for events requires plenty of ambiance decisions then the Lightfair is the perfect destination to learn more about the latest lighting innovations.
You can discover more about sustainable lighting, dim lighting, bright lighting, and other lighting techniques for event planning.
5. Summer Fancy Food Show
The most fun aspect of attending some of these event planner expos is the delicious food. At the Summer Fancy Food Show, it's all about the taste buds.
There are nearly 3,000 exhibitors at this massive food trade show, making it the largest food and beverage event in North America.
Expand your registrar of food selections for your future events. Here you can learn the latest food trends from renowned chefs and try new snacks and drinks from up-and-coming brands. This will expose you to new menu items for your next event.
6. HX: The Hotel Experience
HX summons the hospitality industry and is a great trade show for attendees looking to learn more about destinations, conference spaces, and trends in travel, tourism, hospitality, and destinations.
Many corporate events and trade shows are held off-site. At HX you just might find your next exhibition destination!
7. Interphex
This is one of the most significant events in New York with over ten thousand visitors and five hundred exhibitors! Interphex brings together people from diverse industries including cosmetics, pharma, and cleaning.
At Interphex you can network with new and leading industry providers who can help you create sanitized and safe events. Here you'll learn more about sanitation techniques, advancements in chemical industries, and innovative machinery.
8. International Franchise Expo
The International Franchise Expo is a leader in assimilating small, medium, and large franchisees from across the globe. You'll discover unique franchise business partners that could suit your next event.
9. The Event Planner Expo
The Event Planner Expo is one of the top and only conferences worldwide dedicated to event planning. In all New York events, The Event Planner Expo is ranked first for event planning and hospitality.
It is the premier exposition for meeting planners, event planners, corporate decision-makers, marketing professionals, and public relations employees.
The Event Planner Expo will take place from October 11th, 2022 to October 13th, 2022. It is three days filled with fun, excitement, networking, and learning.
The Metropolitan Pavilion will showcase over 150 exhibitors for the event. This year's keynote speakers include:
- Mel Robbins - best-selling author of the 5 Second Rule and creator of four #1 books on audible
- Jesse Itzler - New York Times Bestselling author, Living With a Seal, and co-founder of Marquis Jet
- Sharon Lechter - financial expert with over 35 years as a licensed CPA, presidential financial advisor, and expert business mentor
- Jason Feifer - Editor in Chief, Entrepreneur Magazine and host of Build for Tomorrow
Tickets are limited and selling out fast, so make sure to secure your spot at the trade show. The expo is a full three-day experience and your tickets will include:
- Access to over 150 exhibitor booths
- Networking with 3000+ attendees
- Live entertainment
- Gourmet appetizers, desserts, and beverages
- Speakers series featuring keynote speakers and many other influential business leaders
The three-day event commences with an opening party. The following day is filled with speakers from various industries discussing everything from influential leadership to successful event planning tactics. On the final day, there is a trade show exhibit to connect and discover new partners for all of your future events.
Attend Event Planner Conferences In New York to Grow Your Network and Skills
New York has long been an innovation hub. These ten event planner conferences are designed to connect industry leaders and move the needle. The Event Planner Expo is one of the only global trade shows designed solely for event planning.
Click here to learn more about exhibiting at The Event Planner Expo 2022 10 Year Anniversary!
