What and When Are the Biggest Las Vegas Conventions?

What are the largest conventions that come to Las Vegas every year and when are they? I want to make sure I miss them.

The largest convention in Las Vegas is also the largest in the nation: the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which takes place the second week of January, with upwards of 180,000 attendees. In 2020, it's January 7-10.

Second largest is the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), which attracts 160,000 people in the automotive, truck and SUV, powersports and RV markets. It takes place in early November every year; in 2019, the dates are Nov. 5-8.

ConExpo/ConAGG is North America's largest construction trade show, attracting 130,000; March 10-14, 2020.

Then comes the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) in early to mid-April with 100,000-plus attendees from the media, entertainment, and technology industries. In 2020, show dates are April 18-22.

Next up are the two most comprehensive fashion conventions in the country (MAGIC). The bigger one (80,000) took place Feb. 5-7, 2019 (the 2020 dates haven't been finalized). The smaller one isn't that much smaller (75,000) and takes place in mid-August; this year, it's Aug. 12-14.

The Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) show attracts 60,000 people in late January; in 2020, the dates are the 21st through the 24th.

Around 60,000 people also show up for the International Builders Show: January 21-23, 2020.

The World of Concrete convention takes place in late January or early February with upwards of 55,000 attendees. In 2020, the dates are Feb. 4-7.

The World Market Center holds two furniture, furnishings, and decor shows during the year for 50,000 each: July 28-August 1, 2019, and Jan. 26-30, 2020.

If you want to steer clear of the biggies, you have to be especially vigilant in January and early February, because the SHOT, Builders, Concrete, World Market, and MAGIC shows run right in a row.

A dozen or so conventions and trade shows gather between 25,000 and 40,000 people, with many more in the low five figures.

An easy way to check your dates against big conventions is to go to the Las Vegas Convention Calendar, compiled and posted by the Las Vegas Visitors and Convention Authority: vegasmeansbusiness.com/planning-tools/convention-calendar/

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Comments

Bumbug Jun-03-2019

They really plan ahead!

Wow! They're really planning ahead for the World Market Show, with dates set for 2109! Just kidding - I assume you meant 2019.

Deke Castleman Jun-03-2019

Jean

Thanks for pointing out the typo. Eagle eye! All fixed.

Reno Faoro Jun-03-2019

dates

thank you , my site has correct dates ,   jean -   at a hooka lounge ?????

Dave in Seattle. Jun-03-2019

Conventions!

Avoid the first FOUR!
Even in downtown,no open tables,lines to the restrooms,extreme room prices and general city-wide congestion.

Hobbs Jun-03-2019

CES, SEMA

I have never missed these conventions for at least 20 years. Combined with other business visits during all times of the year I can say I have never noticed any real difference in congestion.
Only negative convention/show experience was the NFR. Loud and obnoxious. Always stay downtown and never a problem with rooms comps and so on. Just plan ahead. Also really hate the TOTAL trashing of Fremont Street.

[email protected] Jun-03-2019

Conventions

I've been in town a few times when big conventions were around.  I found that tables were empty in the afternoon and much lower than normal table limits were available.  It also was easy to get into popular restaurants for lunch.  So if you're willing to adjust your timing to do things when the people are attending the conventions it can actually be a good time to go.

O2bnVegas Jun-03-2019

no problems

I haven't been inconvenienced by large conventions.  We do SEMA every year, and have by chance been there when other biggies (and NASCAR and March Madness) are in town.  When a show lets out, bathrooms and eateries get swamped.  Count on it, plan, adjust.  What is it Clint Eastwood (Gunny Highway) said...?

Question of the Day - 03 June 2019

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