Las Vegas has maintained its reigning title as the top trade show destination in the country.  It’s the 18th consecutive year Las Vegas has held the honor.  The ranking comes from the Trade Show News Network (TSNN), which released its list of the top 250 trade shows in the United States. Las Vegas hosted 55 of the largest shows, more than the next two competitors combined. 

“We share this success with our resort partners along with every meeting, convention and trade show that comes to Las Vegas,” said Rossi Ralenkotter, president/CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. “Our number one ranking year after year shows clients and customers see exceptional value in Las Vegas as a meetings destination.”

The coveted list by Tarsus Group represents the top 250 trade shows held in the country last year, ranked by net square footage. Las Vegas hosts nearly a quarter of the nation’s largest trade shows and seven of the top 10.

“Las Vegas has proven once again that it is the No. 1 trade show destination in the United States with an impressive 55 shows on the 2011 TSNN Top 250 Trade Show list,” said Rachel Wimberly, president and editor-in-chief of Trade Show News Network. “Not only did Las Vegas attract the most shows, but several of the shows also saw impressive growth.” 

The largest shows on the list were the Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ triennial CONEXPO-CON/AGG followed by the Consumer Electronics Association’s annual International CES.  Both are held at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

TSNN’s 2011 list comes at a time when the value of meetings and conventions is being questioned. A study by Oxford Economics, a globally respected research firm, shows business revenue increases more than $12 for every $1 spent on business travel, and Las Vegas’ No. 1 ranking reinforces why companies continue to come back.

“Many of our biggest shows have already broken records in attendance, exhibitors or floor space this year,” said Ralenkotter. “The commitment of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and our resort partners to provide the best service and meetings facilities shows Las Vegas is a place where business is done effectively and efficiently.  There’s no better value for the customer experience.”

  Las Vegas Meetings Snapshot:
  More than 19,000 meetings annually
  $6.3 billion impact to local economy
  Supports 58,000 jobs