Top Trade Shows in Florida 2025: Exhibitor & Attendee Guide
Florida has emerged as a prime destination for trade shows, attracting exhibitors and attendees from across the globe. From bustling cities like Orlando and Miami to coastal hubs like Tampa, Florida offers a mix of convenient venues, vibrant industries, and year-round events. Whether you’re an exhibitor looking to showcase your products or an attendee seeking networking opportunities, understanding the landscape of trade shows Florida is essential for maximizing your experience. In this guide, we’ll explore the top trade shows, industry trends, registration tips, and key venues, making it easier for you to plan your 2025 trade show calendar.
Top Trade Shows in Florida 2025
1. Surf Expo – Orlando
Held annually in Orlando, Surf Expo is one of the largest watersports and beach lifestyle trade shows in the United States. Exhibitors showcase surfboards, swimwear, and beach accessories, while attendees gain insights into the latest trends. Surf Expo attracts over 750 exhibitors and 26,000 attendees, making it a must-visit for the industry.
2. PGA Merchandise Show – Orlando
The PGA Show, hosted in Orlando, is the leading trade show for golf professionals and sports retailers. With more than 1,000 exhibitors and thousands of attendees, it highlights innovations in golf equipment, apparel, and technology. This event also offers educational sessions and networking opportunities, enhancing its value for both exhibitors and visitors.
3. VMX (Veterinary Meeting & Expo) – Orlando
VMX is the premier veterinary conference and trade show in Florida. Attendees include veterinarians, technicians, and industry professionals, while exhibitors display medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and practice management solutions. With over 1,000 exhibitors, VMX provides extensive networking and learning opportunities.
4. Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show – Tampa
This show caters to the hospitality industry, offering exhibitors a platform to showcase foodservice products, kitchen equipment, and technology solutions. Attendees include restaurant owners, hotel managers, and hospitality professionals looking for innovative solutions to enhance their business.
5. International Boat Show – Miami
The Miami International Boat Show attracts boating enthusiasts, manufacturers, and luxury marine product exhibitors. It’s a leading trade show for the maritime industry, providing a chance to explore yachts, watercraft, and accessories while connecting with industry leaders.
Industries Most Active in Florida Trade Shows
Florida hosts trade shows across diverse sectors, including:
- Sports & Recreation: Surf Expo, PGA Show
- Hospitality & Foodservice: Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show
- Healthcare & Veterinary: VMX
- Marine & Boating: Miami International Boat Show
- Technology & Consumer Electronics: Various tech expos in Orlando and Tampa
By identifying the most active industries, both exhibitors and attendees can target the events that best align with their goals.
How to Register for Florida Trade Shows
Registering for a trade show in Florida is straightforward:
- Visit the Official Event Website: Most trade shows provide an online registration portal.
- Select Your Ticket Type: Options usually include exhibitor, attendee, VIP passes, or group packages.
- Provide Required Information: Include company details, contact info, and payment details.
- Confirm Registration: After completing registration, you’ll receive a confirmation email with event details.
Pro tip: Early registration often grants discounted rates and better booth locations for exhibitors.
Venues Hosting the Biggest Events in Florida
Some of Florida’s most popular trade show venues include:
- Orange County Convention Center, Orlando: Hosts Surf Expo, PGA Show, and VMX.
- Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami: Ideal for boating and luxury lifestyle events.
- Tampa Convention Center, Tampa: Perfect for hospitality and restaurant trade shows.
- Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center: Frequently used for international expos and business conferences.
These venues are known for their accessibility, modern facilities, and ample exhibition space, making them ideal for large-scale trade shows.
Read More – Top Las Vegas Trade Shows You Can’t Miss in 2025
Are Florida Trade Shows Open to the Public?
While some trade shows are industry-only (B2B), others welcome the general public:
- B2B Only: VMX, PGA Show (registration typically requires credentials or industry affiliation)
- Open to Public: Surf Expo, Miami Boat Show, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show
Always check the event’s registration criteria to ensure you meet entry requirements.
Best Time of Year for Florida Trade Shows
Florida trade shows are spread throughout the year, but the peak season tends to be:
- January to March: Surf Expo, PGA Show, VMX
- April to June: Miami Boat Show, Hospitality expos
- September to November: Technology and business expos
Planning your visit during these months maximizes networking opportunities and exposure to industry trends.
FAQs About Trade Shows Florida
1. What are the top trade shows in Florida?
Top shows include Surf Expo, PGA Merchandise Show, VMX, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show, and Miami International Boat Show.
2. Which industries are most active in Florida trade shows?
Key industries include sports, hospitality, healthcare, veterinary, marine, and consumer technology.
3. How do I register for Florida trade shows?
Register online via the official event website, select your ticket type, provide details, and confirm your registration.
4. Which venues host the biggest events in Florida?
Major venues include the Orange County Convention Center, Miami Beach Convention Center, Tampa Convention Center, and Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center.
5. Are Florida trade shows open to the public?
Some are B2B only (like VMX), while others (like Surf Expo and Miami Boat Show) welcome the public.
6. What’s the best time of year for Florida trade shows?
January to March is the peak season, but other months also host specialized events for specific industries.
