8 Merchandising Trade Shows To Help You Innovate In 2024
Attending merchandising trade shows is a fantastic way for the retail and wholesale community to stay on top of industry trends, network with peers, and learn from experts.
Here’s my summary of each conference and an explanation of why it’s great, with key details so you can plan to attend.
Best Merchandising Trade Shows 2024 Shortlist
Whether you’re looking to expand your knowledge, explore new technologies in retail and wholesale merchandising, develop partnerships with exhibitors, or understand the latest market dynamics, these conferences are a great place to start:
- The Merchandise Center (TMC) - Chicago, IL (Multiple Dates)
- High Point Market - High Point, NC (Chicago, IL)
- DSD Group & Trade Show - Hanover, MD (April 2024)
- White Label World Expo - Multiple Locations and Dates
- Supermarket Representative Inc. - Orlando, FL (May 2024)
- Miami Wholesale, Export, Import International Trade Exhibitions - Miami, FL (July 2024)
- Las Vegas Market - Las Vegas, NV (July-August 2024)
- Merchandise World - Milton Keynes, UK (September 2024)
Find more details about each conference below.
Best Merchandising Trade Shows Of 2024
1. The Merchandise Center (TMC) - Chicago, IL (Multiple Dates)
- Dates: Multiple dates (see table below)
- Location: Schiller Park, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Pricing: See the registration page for current pricing
- Website: TMC The Merchandise Center
TMC The Merchandise Center: Conference Location and Dates
| Location | Dates |
| TMC The Merchandise Center | Schiller Park, Chicago, Illinois, USA | May 6-7, 2024 |
| Same location as above | June 24-25, 2024 |
| Same location as above | September 16-17, 2024 |
| Same location as above | October 28-29, 2024 |
Overview:
TMC The Merchandise Center features exclusive trade-only expos focused on a wide variety of merchandise categories. It is particularly known for hosting seasonal markets tailored to holiday and specialty retail.
Why You Should Attend:
The TMC's unique structure allows for continuous relationship-building opportunities with suppliers and the ability to see products in person throughout the year. Its seasonal markets provide timely insights into trending products.
2. High Point Market - High Point, NC (Multiple Dates)
- Dates: Multiple dates (see table below)
- Location: High Point Theatre, High Point, NC
- Pricing: See the registration page for current pricing
- Website: High Point Market
- Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn
High Point Market: Conference Location and Dates
| Locations | Dates |
| High Point Market | High Point Theatre, High Point, NC | April 13-17, 2024 |
| Same location as above | October 26-30, 2024 |
| Same location as above | April 26-30, 2025 |
| Same location as above | October 25-29, 2025 |
| Same location as above | April 25-29, 2026 |
| Same location as above | October 17-21, 2026 |
| Same location as above | April 10-14, 2027 |
| Same location as above | October 23-27, 2027 |
Overview:
The High Point Market stands as the world's preeminent furniture and home decor trade show, drawing an international crowd of industry professionals to North Carolina. It features a vast array of exhibitors showcasing everything from high-end luxury furniture to innovative home accessories.
Why You Should Attend:
Attendees gain direct access to a comprehensive range of the latest designs and products, alongside trend forecasts and networking events with designers, manufacturers, and buyers from around the globe. This makes it an essential visit for anyone in the home furnishings industry looking to stay competitive and informed.
3. DSD Group & Trade Show - Hanover, MD (April 2024)
- Dates: April 18-19, 2024
- Location: Live Hotel & Casino Hanover, Hanover, MD
- Pricing: See the registration page for current pricing
- Website: DSD Group & Trade Show
- Social Media: LinkedIn
Overview:
This event is centered on the Direct Store Delivery (DSD) model, a niche area within the supply chain focusing on bypassing traditional distribution centers to deliver goods directly to retail stores. It covers innovative logistics technologies, software solutions, and strategies to enhance delivery efficiency.
Why You Should Attend:
The opportunity to hear directly from industry leaders like Mike Geftic, the Owner/President at GEFTICO LLC, Owner/VP at Sage Wholesale LLC, and Partner at DSD Group, along with Andrew Solomon, Partner at DSD Group and Vice President of Sales at Deluxe Import Trading, adds immense value.
Engaging with these thought leaders offers unique perspectives on optimizing your delivery processes, reducing costs, and enhancing efficiency in your supply chain.
4. White Label World Expo - Multiple Locations and Dates
- Dates: Multiple dates (see table below)
- Location: Multiple locations (see table below)
- Pricing: See the registration page for current pricing
- Website: White Label World Expo
- Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
White Label World Expo: Conference Locations and Dates
| Locations | Dates |
| White Label World Expo USA Las Vegas | Las Vegas Convention Center | May 8-9,2024 |
| White Label World Expo USA New York City | Jacob Javits Convention Center | May 30-31, 2024 |
| White Label World Expo UK | Excel London | February 25-26, 2025 |
| White Label World Expo Europe | Messe Frankfurt | May 21-25, 2025 |
Overview:
The White Label Expo is the leading trade show for businesses looking to expand their product lines through private labeling and white-label goods, covering product development, branding, and global distribution strategies.
Why You Should Attend:
This expo is crucial for entrepreneurs and businesses eager to tap into the rapidly growing private label sector. With workshops on brand building and direct access to suppliers, it’s the perfect venue to accelerate your business growth and diversify your offerings.
5. Supermarket Representative Inc. - Orlando, FL (May 2024)
- Dates: May 17-19, 2024
- Location: Waterside Ballroom - Signia Bonnet Creek - Orlando, FL
- Pricing: See the registration page for current pricing
- Website: Supermarket Representative Inc.
Overview:
This specialized trade show focuses exclusively on the sporting goods sector, featuring the latest innovations in athletic apparel, outdoor gear, and sports technology.
Why You Should Attend:
The presence of industry veterans like Danny Lipskin, President of Administration for the Caribbean Islands, East Coast US, and Midwest US, alongside Adam Fried, Vice President of Administration for the East Coast US, adds substantial depth to the event. Their extensive experience and leadership in covering vast territories and managing sales reps offer attendees insider knowledge on effective sales strategies, market expansion, and the dynamics of the sporting goods industry.
6. Miami Wholesale Export Import International Trade Exhibitions - Miami, FL (July 2024)
- Dates: July 8-10, 2024
- Location: Miami Airport Convention Center, Miami, Florida
- Pricing: See the registration page for current pricing
- Website: Miami Wholesale, Export, Import International Trade Exhibitions
Overview:
This exhibition is a key event for businesses involved in international trade, providing a platform to connect with suppliers and manufacturers from around the globe. It focuses on a wide range of products, with emphasis on goods imported from Asia.
Why You Should Attend:
If your business relies on importing goods, this trade show is an essential source of new suppliers, products, and insights into effective import/export strategies. The focus on international connections makes it a must-attend for enhancing your global supply chain.
7. Las Vegas Market - Las Vegas, NV (July - August 2024)
- Dates: July 28 to August 1, 2024
- Location: World Market Center Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Pricing: See the registration page for current pricing
- Website: Las Vegas Market
- Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn
Overview:
The Las Vegas Market is unique for its dual focus on both furniture/home decor and gift markets. It occupies a massive campus with an array of permanent showrooms and temporary exhibition spaces, offering a diverse range of products.
Why You Should Attend:
This market is valuable for buyers seeking a wide variety of items under one roof, from upscale home furnishings to novelty gifts. Its extensive range and the blend of permanent and temporary exhibits provide fresh sourcing opportunities each season.
8. Merchandise World - Milton Keynes, UK (September 2024)
- Dates: September 11, 2024
- Location: Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes, UK
- Pricing: See the registration page for current pricing
- Website: Merchandise World
- Social Media: Facebook | X
Overview:
Merchandise World is a premier trade-only event in the UK for promotional products bringing together suppliers and distributors of promotional merchandise, focusing on the latest trends, innovations, and marketing strategies in the industry.
Why You Should Attend:
This event is essential for those in the promotional merchandise sector looking to stay ahead of market trends, source new products, and build relationships with key industry players. Its focus on innovation and marketing strategies offers valuable insights for growing your business.
Other Retail Conferences & Events
Depending on your retail niche, you might be looking for events that cater more specifically to your selling strategy. Here are some additional recommendations I've compiled.
Retail management conferences with broad coverage of retail industry topics
An assortment of key food and grocery trade shows
Join For More Insights
Attending these trade shows can provide retailers and wholesalers with invaluable insights, connections, and opportunities to stay ahead in a competitive merchandising market.
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