Exhibiting in the USA: Las Vegas, Chicago, New York and Orlando Shows
US trade shows are large, and the cost of exhibiting is high, so planning matters more than anywhere else. Las Vegas hosts the biggest shows in tech, auto, nutrition and packaging, while Chicago leads in manufacturing and New York in retail and food. A good US stand is built for fast set-up, easy shipping and union-labour rules.
Major trade shows in the USA
- CES (Las Vegas Convention Center): consumer technology, held every January.
- SEMA Show (Las Vegas Convention Center): automotive aftermarket, held every November.
- SupplySide West (Las Vegas): nutrition and supplements ingredients, held every autumn.
- NRF Retail's Big Show (Javits Center, New York): retail technology, held every January.
- IMTS (McCormick Place, Chicago): manufacturing technology, held every two years in September.
- PACK EXPO (Las Vegas and Chicago): packaging and processing, held each year in alternate cities.
- NAB Show (Las Vegas): media and broadcast, held every April.
Venue notes for stand builders
Las Vegas Convention Center, Mandalay Bay and the Venetian are close to each other and to major hotels. McCormick Place in Chicago is the largest convention centre in North America. Javits Center in New York is close to Manhattan hotels. US venues use official service contractors for drayage (material handling), electrical, rigging and labour, and many require union labour for installation. Costs are charged per item and per hour, so order early at the advance rate.
Planning checklist before you book
- Read the exhibitor service kit and order drayage, electrical and labour at the advance rate.
- Design the stand so it ships flat and installs with fewer labour hours.
- Check whether the venue allows exhibitors to install their own stands or requires union labour.
- Allow time for US customs and a show warehouse delivery window.
- Budget for service fees, carpet, furniture rental and lead retrieval on top of the stand build.
Exhibiting in the USA: quick answers
Why are US shows so expensive?
Space rates, drayage, union labour and hotels all add up. A lightweight, modular stand design helps reduce the labour hours and shipping cost.
Which US show is best for Indian pharma and nutrition exporters?
SupplySide West in Las Vegas is a major event for supplement and nutrition ingredient buyers.
Can you build a stand in India and ship to the US?
Yes. We pre-fabricate and pack for sea or air freight, and our supervisors manage the install with the show labour.
How long does freight take to the US?
Sea freight to the US West Coast usually takes five to seven weeks door to door, and air freight takes about a week. Plan around the advance warehouse dates.


































































