Best marketing trade shows

Marketing trade shows are a fantastic opportunity for brands to showcase their products and services – alongside some of the world’s most influential companies.

Experts from industry-leading businesses hold inspiring seminars and talks and offer the chance to network with the best.

We’ve profiled eight of the world’s best marketing exhibitions and trade shows to help boost the reach of your business.

 

1. Festival of Marketing

What is it?

• Largest global event that is dedicated to brand marketers.
• Features keynote speakers from the industry, as well as celebrity guests who appear on-stage to discuss the importance, and their experiences, of building a brand.
• There are 12 stages of content, as well as the Festival City, which acts as the interactive centrepiece for the event and allows people to immerse themselves in experience rooms and pods.
• These are designed to inspire visitors to create marketing ideas of their own and give insights into how to shape their future projects.

Where?

Tobacco Dock, London, UK.

When?

Held annually in October.

How big?

More than 4,000 marketers attended the 2018 Festival of Marketing, find out more here.

 

2. VivaTechnology

What is it?

• Annual conference dedicated to start-ups and innovation.
• Inaugurated in 2016, VivaTechnology features decision-makers and tech leaders from some of the world’s largest companies, who gather to share their knowledge with attendees.
• The vision of the conference is to expand companies on an international scale by combining the latest digital innovations and technologies.
• There are keynote speakers from sector-leading companies, opportunities to network and the chance to discover new tech trends.
• Several live exhibitions are also usually on offer, ranging from VR and AR experiences, to robot and drone showcases.

Where?

Paris, France.

When?

Held annually.

How big?

124,000 attendees with 13,000 start-ups from 125 countries, find out more on the VivaTech website.

 

3. INBOUND

What is it?

• Four-day event, one of the fastest-growing global conferences.
• INBOUND is an annual business conference filled with inspiring talks, workshops and networking opportunities.
• Established by HubSpot in 2012, it boasts a selection of inspiring speakers every year, from the world of business and celebrity.
• Historically, such luminaries as Michelle Obama and Issa Rae, have given keynotes at the event – adding to INBOUND’s growing reputation as a hub for marketing thought and innovation.
• The conference also offers world-class performers and encourages attendees to think big and reignite their passion for marketing.

Where?

Boston, USA.

When?

Held annually during September.

How big?

More than 24,000 attendees and 250-plus speakers. Find out more on the INBOUND website.

 

4. DMEXCO

What is it?

• Leading European digital marketing event for latest trends.
• Inaugurated in 2009, DMEXCO has attracted the key players in digital business, marketing, and innovation. It consistently brings in the brightest minds across all sectors and is described as a perfect platform for start-ups to begin their journey and learn how to make a success of their venture.
• There’s the opportunity to attend seminars, debates, labs and expositions that aim to set the agenda for the future of the digital economy.
• DMEXCO also offers the opportunity to network and create a broad range of high quality contacts.

Where?

Cologne, Germany.

When?

Held annually during September.

How big?

41,000 attendees, 550 speakers and 1,000 exhibitors find out more on the DMEXCO website.

 

5. B2B Marketing Expo

What is it?

• One of the biggest marketing events in the UK.
• B2B Marketing Expo is one of the best B2B marketing trade shows to attend for those who work in the industry – and its reputation across Europe is growing year-on-year.
• The event is packed with interactive exhibitions and conferences that are aimed specifically at attendees who want to liaise with suppliers, listen to influential keynote speakers and get advice from industry experts.
• Offering in-depth masterclasses, digital marketing training sessions, expert panels, networking and awards, this London-based marketing exhibition has everything under one roof.
• They also have a sister show that is held annually in California, USA.

Where?

ExCel, London.

When?

Held annually during March.

How big?

20,000 attendees, 500 seminars and 1,000 exhibitors, find out more on the B2B Marketing Expo website.

 

6. Content Marketing World

What is it?

• One of the largest content marketing conferences in the world.
• Offering more than 120 sessions, led by experts and brand marketers, Content Marketing World aims to help all attendees build their personal skills, as well as their teams’ capabilities.
• It also looks to inspire visitors to create engaging content marketing strategies and network with other like-minded companies and professionals.
• The past and future keynote speakers include writer, producer, author director and actor Mindy Kalling, while actress, comedian, writer, producer, and playwright Tina Fey held a keynote Q&A at the 2018 conference.

Where?

Cleveland, Ohio, USA.

When?

Annually in September.

How big?

More than 3,700 marketers from over 50 countries. Find more on the Content Marketing World website.

 

7. Social Media Marketing World

What is it?

• Three-day social media conference for marketers and influencers.
• Hosted by Social Media Examiner, this conference teaches attendees digital marketing strategies and tactics.
• Each year, around 100 speakers – specialising in social media strategies, content marketing and analytics – present their thoughts on the present and future of social media marketing.
• Marketers from businesses of all sizes can attend, creating the perfect networking opportunity for those looking to get their foot in the door.
• At Social Media Marketing World, you can share ideas, find talent, improve your reach and influence, and discover new customers.

Where?

San Diego, California USA.

When?

Held annually in March.

How big?

More than 7,000 participants and around 100 speakers, learn more on the Social Media Marketing World website.

 

8. Advertising Week

What is it?

• Unique event which has conferences across several continents.
• Advertising Week is a global event for marketing, advertising and tech professionals.
• It’s held across six different events, in Sydney, New York, Johannesburg, Mexico City, London and Tokyo.
• Each event boasts seminars and workshops led by some of the brightest minds in the industry – as well as offering networking opportunities with representatives from some of the biggest global companies.
• There are more than 1200 speakers delivering inspiring speeches – previous speakers include Al Gore, Arianna Huffington and Richard Branson.

Where?

Events held in Oceania, North America, Africa, Europe and Asia.

When?

Held annually in September.

How big?

98,000 attendees and over 1200 speakers – take a look at the Advertising Week website for more.

 

Thinking of appearing at a marketing trade show? Check out our collection of exhibition stands, all can be designed with your own branding and artwork – with a quick order turnaround.