Trade shows are a pivotal part of any business’s marketing strategy, offering an ideal platform for networking, showcasing products, gaining insights into industry trends, and expanding market reach. In 2025, New York City will host a number of high-profile trade shows across various industries. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the upcoming trade shows in New York in 2025, along with key details, dates, visitor growth trends, and tips for attending, ensuring your business gets the most out of these events.
1. The National Retail Federation (NRF) 2025 – Retail’s Big Show
- Date: January 14–16, 2025
- Location: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York, NY
About: The NRF Retail’s Big Show is a cornerstone event for anyone involved in the retail industry. It brings together thousands of professionals from across the globe, including retailers, solution providers, and industry leaders, offering a complete overview of the retail landscape.
Benefits:
- Industry Insights: Gain firsthand knowledge from top retail experts and learn about the latest trends and technologies transforming the retail sector.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with thousands of professionals from major global retail brands and technology innovators.
- Business Growth: Discover new retail solutions and strategies that can help you grow your business and enhance customer experience.
Visitor Trends:
The NRF Retail’s Big Show has experienced consistent growth in recent years. In 2024, the event attracted more than 38,000 attendees, a 10% increase from the previous year. As the retail industry continues to evolve, this show has become an essential event for professionals looking to stay ahead of the curve.
Why Attend: The NRF Retail’s Big Show provides a wealth of knowledge and opportunities, helping businesses stay ahead of industry shifts and emerging trends. Whether you’re looking to expand your e-commerce, optimize your supply chain, or incorporate AI into your retail strategy, this event is an essential experience.
2. The International Franchise Expo (IFE)
- Date: May 30–June 1, 2025
- Location: Javits Center, New York, NY
About: The International Franchise Expo is the largest and most comprehensive event for prospective franchisees and franchisors. This expo provides a platform for exploring franchising as a business model and connecting with established brands looking to expand.
Benefits:
- Franchise Opportunities: Meet hundreds of top-tier franchisors and discover franchise opportunities across various industries, including food, retail, fitness, and more.
- Expert Guidance: Attend informative sessions and workshops on how to get started in franchising, finance your franchise, and expand successfully.
- Networking: Build valuable connections with franchisors, fellow franchisees, and service providers offering support to new business owners.
Visitor Trends:
The IFE has seen consistent growth in visitor numbers. The 2024 event reported a 12% increase in attendance from the previous year, with more than 15,000 visitors from across the globe. The growing interest in franchising and business expansion opportunities indicates that the show will continue to attract a diverse and engaged audience in 2025.
Why Attend: The IFE is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the franchising model, offering all the tools and knowledge necessary to successfully launch and grow a franchise business.
3. The American International Toy Fair 2025
- Date: February 15–18, 2025
- Location: Javits Center, New York, NY
About: The American International Toy Fair is the premier trade show for the toy industry, attracting buyers, retailers, and designers from around the world. It is the go-to event for those interested in discovering the latest trends, products, and innovations in the toy, game, and children’s entertainment sectors.
Benefits:
- Exclusive Product Previews: Get an early look at the hottest new toys and games before they hit the market, giving you a competitive edge.
- Networking with Industry Leaders: Meet toy manufacturers, distributors, and designers who are shaping the future of the industry.
- Education and Insights: Attend panels and workshops on toy safety, trends in play, and the impact of digital media on traditional toys.
Visitor Trends:
The American International Toy Fair has grown significantly over the years. In 2024, the event saw an 8% increase in attendance, attracting over 30,000 visitors, including retailers, manufacturers, and entertainment executives. The event’s focus on innovation in toys and games ensures its continued growth in 2025.
Why Attend: Whether you’re a toy retailer, a supplier, or a toy manufacturer, the American International Toy Fair provides the chance to stay ahead of market trends and expand your product offerings.
4. The New York Auto Show 2025
- Date: April 18–27, 2025
- Location: Javits Center, New York, NY
About: The New York Auto Show is one of the largest automotive events in the U.S., showcasing the latest car models, electric vehicles (EVs), and automotive technology. It’s a vital event for anyone involved in the automotive industry, from manufacturers to suppliers and enthusiasts.
Benefits:
- New Vehicle Launches: Be the first to witness the unveiling of the latest vehicle models, including electric cars, hybrids, and autonomous vehicles.
- Industry Networking: Engage with manufacturers, car designers, and technology companies offering innovative solutions in the auto space.
- Educational Panels: Attend sessions focused on EV technologies, automotive sustainability, and the future of mobility.
Visitor Trends:
The New York Auto Show has seen a steady increase in attendance. The 2024 show attracted over 1 million visitors, reflecting a growth rate of 5% compared to the previous year. As electric vehicles and sustainable technologies continue to rise in popularity, the 2025 event is expected to draw an even larger crowd.
Why Attend: The New York Auto Show offers unmatched exposure to the automotive industry’s future, making it an essential event for anyone looking to stay competitive in this fast-evolving market.
5. The Fancy Food Show 2025
- Date: June 29–July 1, 2025
- Location: Javits Center, New York, NY
About: The Specialty Food Association’s Fancy Food Show is the leading event for the specialty food and beverage industry. It’s a great event for manufacturers, retailers, and food enthusiasts to discover new products, explore food trends, and network with industry experts.
Benefits:
- Product Discovery: Explore a wide range of specialty foods and beverages, including organic, gluten-free, and plant-based options.
- Supplier Connections: Meet hundreds of food suppliers, distributors, and retailers, and find new products for your business.
- Trends and Innovations: Attend seminars on current food trends, consumer preferences, and marketing strategies to grow your food-related business.
Visitor Trends:
The Fancy Food Show has steadily grown in popularity, with attendance increasing by 7% annually. In 2024, the event saw over 40,000 visitors, a record high. As the demand for unique and specialty food products rises, the 2025 show is poised to attract even more attendees.
Why Attend: The Fancy Food Show is essential for food businesses looking to expand their product lines, connect with key players in the industry, and stay informed about consumer trends shaping the food and beverage market.
6. New York Comic Con 2025
- Date: October 9–12, 2025
- Location: Javits Center, New York, NY
About: New York Comic Con is the ultimate gathering for fans of comic books, movies, TV shows, and video games. It offers an exciting and immersive experience where attendees can interact with celebrities, creators, and exhibitors from all aspects of pop culture and entertainment.
Benefits:
- Exclusive Access to Entertainment: Get a behind-the-scenes look at upcoming movies, comics, and video games, with exclusive previews and panels from creators and stars.
- Meet Industry Icons: Network with comic book artists, film directors, game developers, and other key industry figures.
- Merchandise and Collectibles: Shop for exclusive, limited-edition collectibles and merchandise that can’t be found anywhere else.
Visitor Trends:
New York Comic Con continues to break attendance records year after year. In 2024, it attracted over 250,000 visitors, marking a 10% increase from the previous year. As the demand for immersive entertainment experiences grows, the 2025 event is expected to be the biggest one yet.
Why Attend: Whether you’re a pop culture enthusiast, a creator, or someone looking to engage with the entertainment industry, New York Comic Con offers a unique platform for fun, networking, and discovering the latest in comics and media.
Conclusion
New York City’s trade shows in 2025 are set to provide unparalleled opportunities for businesses across various industries to network, showcase new products, and gain insights into the latest trends. Whether you’re in retail, franchising, automotive, food, entertainment, or technology, these events serve as the perfect platform to connect with industry leaders, expand your professional network, and grow your business. As a custom trade show exhibits provider in New York City, we understand the importance of creating an impactful and unique experience for your brand at these events. Our expertise in designing tailored exhibits ensures that your business stands out and captures the attention of attendees. These Upcoming Trade Shows in New York offer the ideal environment for making valuable connections and discovering new opportunities. The consistent increase in visitor attendance over the past years demonstrates the growing importance and impact of these trade shows. With industry trends constantly evolving, attending these events will not only help you stay ahead of the competition but also offer you access to cutting-edge innovations, expert advice, and potential partnerships that can propel your business forward.
