Top 25 Trade Shows in Orlando 2026
Orlando is one of the top trade show destinations in the United States, hosting hundreds of exhibitions, conferences, and industry events every year. The city's world-class convention facilities, year-round warm weather, abundant hotels, and easy airport access make it a favorite for show organizers and exhibitors alike.
Whether you're a first-time exhibitor or a seasoned trade show veteran, this guide covers the 25 biggest and most important trade shows happening in Orlando in 2026 — with dates, venues, expected attendance, recommended stand sizes, and insider tips for each show.
1. IAAPA Expo — International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions
When: November 2026 | Where: Orange County Convention Center (OCCC)
Expected Attendance: 40,000+ | Exhibit Space: 600,000+ sq ft
IAAPA Expo is the world's largest attractions industry event, bringing together theme park operators, water park owners, family entertainment center managers, and attractions suppliers from around the globe. This is THE show for the attractions industry, and Orlando — as the theme park capital of the world — is its permanent home.
Recommended Stand Sizes: 20x20 island or larger for major suppliers. 10x20 inline for smaller companies. Double deck structures are common among top exhibitors.
Exhibitor Tips: Book your stand space early — IAAPA sells out quickly. The OCCC's West Building is massive, so invest in a hanging sign to be visible from a distance. Product demonstrations and interactive experiences drive the most foot traffic at IAAPA.
2. HIMSS Global Health Conference
When: March 2026 | Where: Orange County Convention Center
Expected Attendance: 45,000+ | Exhibit Space: 400,000+ sq ft
HIMSS is the largest healthcare IT conference in the world, attracting hospital CIOs, health system executives, and healthcare technology vendors. The exhibit hall features everything from electronic health record systems to AI-powered diagnostic tools.
Recommended Stand Sizes: 20x30 or larger for enterprise health IT companies. 10x10 to 10x20 for startups and emerging companies. Double deck structures are popular among the largest exhibitors.
Exhibitor Tips: Healthcare buyers are data-driven — make sure your stand includes clear ROI metrics and case studies. Private meeting rooms are essential for enterprise sales conversations.
3. InfoComm
When: June 2026 | Where: Orange County Convention Center
Expected Attendance: 44,000+ | Exhibit Space: 500,000+ sq ft
InfoComm is the largest professional audiovisual trade show in the Western Hemisphere. AV integrators, technology managers, and content creators come to see the latest in LED displays, projection, audio systems, unified communications, and digital signage.
Recommended Stand Sizes: 20x40 island or larger for major AV manufacturers. 10x20 to 20x20 for mid-size companies. Live product demonstrations are essential — budget for proper AV infrastructure in your stand.
4. PGA Merchandise Show
When: January 2026 | Where: Orange County Convention Center
Expected Attendance: 40,000+ | Exhibit Space: 400,000+ sq ft
The PGA Show is the golf industry's largest annual gathering, featuring equipment manufacturers, apparel brands, course management companies, and golf technology providers. It's where the golf industry does business.
Recommended Stand Sizes: 20x20 to 20x40 for major golf brands. 10x10 to 10x20 for specialty products. Outdoor demo areas are available for equipment testing.
5. Global Pet Expo
When: March 2026 | Where: Orange County Convention Center
Expected Attendance: 15,000+ | Exhibit Space: 300,000+ sq ft
Global Pet Expo is the pet industry's largest annual trade show, featuring pet food, toys, accessories, health products, and technology for pets. Retail buyers from major pet store chains attend to discover new products.
Recommended Stand Sizes: 10x20 to 20x20 for established brands. 10x10 for new product launches. Product sampling and live pet demonstrations drive significant foot traffic.
6-25. More Major Orlando Trade Shows
Orlando hosts dozens more major trade shows throughout the year, including:
- **MedTrade** — Home medical equipment and supplies
- **NBAA-BACE** — Business aviation convention
- **FETC** — Future of Education Technology Conference
- **I/ITSEC** — Military simulation and training
- **ICAST** — Sport fishing industry show
- **ISA Sign Expo** — Sign and graphics industry
- **NFPA Conference & Expo** — Fire protection
- **AHR Expo** — HVAC and refrigeration
- **AAOS Annual Meeting** — Orthopedic surgery
- **AORN Global Surgical Conference** — Perioperative nursing
- **American College of Cardiology** — Cardiology
- **PACK EXPO** — Packaging and processing
- **Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS)** — Kitchen and bath design
- **International Roofing Expo** — Roofing industry
- **ICSC RECon** — Retail real estate
- **National Pavement Expo** — Pavement maintenance
- **World Vaccine Congress** — Vaccine development
- **ASIS International** — Security industry
- **Surf Expo** — Board sports and beach lifestyle
- **Orlando Boat Show** — Marine industry
Why Orlando Is a Top Trade Show Destination
Orlando consistently ranks among the top 3 trade show cities in the United States, alongside Las Vegas and Chicago. Here's why:
Orange County Convention Center (OCCC): The second-largest convention center in the country with 2.1 million square feet of exhibit space. The OCCC's North and West buildings can accommodate the largest shows in any industry.
Year-Round Weather: Orlando's subtropical climate means no weather-related travel disruptions. Exhibitors and attendees can count on warm, sunny weather regardless of the show date.
Hotel Inventory: Orlando has more than 150,000 hotel rooms — more than any other city in the United States. This means affordable rates and easy booking, even during major shows.
Airport Access: Orlando International Airport (MCO) is served by every major airline with direct flights from virtually every U.S. city and dozens of international destinations.
Entertainment & Dining: After the show, attendees can enjoy world-class theme parks, restaurants, and entertainment — making Orlando an easy sell for companies sending teams to trade shows.
How Orlando Trade Show Stand Supports Orlando Exhibitors
As a local Orlando trade show stand company, we offer significant advantages for exhibitors at Orlando shows:
- **Local warehouse** means lower shipping costs and faster delivery
- **Same-day on-site support** for any issues during the show
- **Venue expertise** — we know every loading dock, freight elevator, and rigging point at the OCCC
- **Relationships with show decorators** like GES, Freeman, and Shepard for seamless logistics
- **Free site visits** to measure your space and plan your installation
Contact Orlando Trade Show Stand today for a free quote on your next Orlando trade show exhibit.
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