This month, trade show organizers, associations and venues are announcing new events, rebranding existing ones and teaming up with other organizations to offer more value for their members and audiences. Here’s our latest New Briefs to help you stay on top of what’s happening in the trade show industry right now.

ESCA Partners With CEIR on Exclusive Research, Unveils New Standard Industry Safety Signage

The Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA) has partnered with the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) to provide ESCA members with exclusive access to CEIR’s extensive repository of exhibition-related research and reports. ESCA members now have access to hundreds of CEIR reports, providing deep insights into the dynamics of the exhibition industry and offering actionable intelligence. Industry issues covered include attendee acquisition, exhibit and sponsorship sales, general industry trends and more. ESCA members can reach out to membership@esca.org to receive their unique access code.

ESCA released new standard industry safety signage to promote consistency, enhance safety practices across the exhibition industry and ensure a safe environment for all participants. Created by ESCA’s Health and Safety Standards Committee, these print-ready, complementary graphics are available to be used by anyone in the industry and can be co-branded for added customization. The initiative was recently endorsed by the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE). To learn more and access the free safety signage graphics, go here. 

Connect and Destinations International Forge Multi-Year Partnership

B2B events company for meetings, travel and sports professionals, Connect, recently formed a new multi-year partnership with Destinations International to assist DMOs in attracting valuable group, business and leisure travel through its various platforms and verticals. As a Premier Partner of Destinations International in 2024, Connect will be an active participant at several Destinations International conferences, while Destinations International will contribute to education geared toward DMO professionals at Connect Marketplace, set for Aug. 27-29 in Milwaukee, WI.

“[This partnership was formed] to get us back to our roots as an organization and align ourselves with our industry's official association,” explained Matt Johnson, COO of Connect. “DI plays a pivotal role in helping destinations become thriving, vibrant communities, and it only made sense for us to support that initiative at a significant level.” 

Restaurant Events LLC Rebrands Three Trade Shows 

Restaurant and foodservice trade show management company Restaurant Events LLC, which owns and operates The International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York, the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo and the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show, is rebranding the three shows to The New York Restaurant Show (March 23-25, 2025, Javits Center); The California Restaurant Show (Aug. 25-27, 2024, Los Angeles Convention Center) and The Florida Restaurant Show (Nov. 6-7, 2024, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fla.). In May 2023, the company acquired these regional restaurant events, which showcase the hottest menu trends, state-of-the-art design and decor, premium business education and hundreds of leading restaurant and foodservice community vendors and purveyors.

Dallas Market Center to Launch Nearshoring America Trade Show

Global B2B trade center and wholesale marketplace, Dallas Market Center, is launching Nearshoring America, a new international expo and support services event designed to explore and facilitate nearshoring production services for gift, home furnishings and fashion accessories companies. Set for Dec. 9-11 at Dallas Market Center, Nearshoring America will connect brands and their representatives with vetted factories and supply chain service providers from Mexico and Latin America. Exhibitors will include an invitation-only showcase of pre-selected factories and supply chain providers, along with sourcing agents, trading companies, shelter companies and design and production consultants. Attendees will include importers of gift, home furnishings and apparel accessories seeking original equipment manufacturer (OEM) product sources, project manufacturing services and full-scale product development partnerships.  

IAEE Achieves EIC Sustainability Certification for Second Consecutive Year 

The Events Industry Council recognized IAEE for achieving Silver Level Certification in its EIC Sustainable Event Standards, which are specific standards for environmental and social responsibility within the events industry, for its Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2023. According to IAEE President and CEO Marsha Flanagan, “Earning this certification, especially moving up a level from our previous efforts, reflects our ongoing commitment to improving our sustainability initiatives. EIC’s Sustainable Event Standards provided us with a blueprint for maximizing our resources and reducing Expo! Expo!’s environmental impact.” The event previously achieved Bronze Level Certification in 2022. 

International Builders’ Show and Kitchen & Bath Industry Show Extend Co-Location Agreement Through 2030 

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) are extending the co-location of the International Builders’ Show (IBS) and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) for four years through 2030. In 2013, NAHB and NKBA announced an initial agreement to co-locate IBS and KBIS under the banner of Design & Construction Week (DCW), starting with the 2014 event in Las Vegas. From 2027 through 2030, the two shows will continue to occupy separate halls within the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), with one pass giving registrants access to both exhibits, and NKBA and NAHB will continue to produce separate educational programming and special events. In 2025, DCW will return to the LVCC, Feb. 25-27, while the 2026 event will move to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. In 2027, DCW returns to Las Vegas and will remain there until 2030. 

Informa Markets’ South Florida Ventures Secures Prime Headquarters at Seagis Port Everglades 

Informa Markets’ South Florida Ventures (SFV) has secured a long-term lease for its new corporate headquarters at Seagis Port Everglades. Positioned strategically as the central hub for the company’s burgeoning operations, the move supports the company’s plans to expand in South Florida. Located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, the more than 100,000-square-foot warehouse space will house the vast array of materials SFV stores for show build-out, including tenting, event flooring, electrical cables and equipment. 

Key features of the newly constructed structure include hurricane-resistant design with double-height hurricane impact glass; concrete tilt wall construction and robust power infrastructure; strategic positioning outside of flood zones; ample office suites designed for future expansions; state-of-the-art security monitored by police and port authorities; and an industrial campus offering a blend of loading options and generous trailer storage parking. Situated near the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), the headquarters also boasts exceptional connectivity to major transportation arteries including I-95, I-595, Florida’s Turnpike, I-75, Port Everglades, and Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport.

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