As we approach 2025, the retail and consumer goods industry is gearing up for an action-packed first quarter of trade shows and exhibitions. From toys to franchising, and from jewelry to e-commerce, these events offer invaluable networking and learning opportunities for industry professionals.
February: A Strong Start to the Year
The year kicks off with several significant events in February.
The Philadelphia Gift Show and NY NOW Winter Market (February 2-4) lead the charge, offering retailers access to the latest in gifts and décor. The NY NOW Winter Market, in particular, has established itself as a cornerstone event for discovering emerging trends in the gift industry.
Mid-February brings the IFA Convention to Sacramento (February 10-13), a must-attend event for franchising professionals, expecting around 3,100 attendees and 350 exhibitors. This is followed by the VDTA show (February 13-15) in Houston, which focuses on specialty retail segments.
The month closes strong with CAMEX (February 19-23) in Dallas and the GAMA Expo (February 23-27) in Las Vegas. The GAMA Expo, focusing on gaming and hobby retail, typically draws nearly 1,700 attendees and 300 exhibitors, making it a significant event for this specialized market segment.
March: Peak Season for Trade Shows
March 2025 promises to be particularly dynamic, headlined by several major events:
Toy Fair NY (March 1-4): Taking place at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, this is the largest event of the quarter with an impressive expected turnout of over 16,800 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors. It’s the premier event for the toys and games industry in North America.
JA New York (March 16-18): A key event for the jewelry industry, bringing together buyers and sellers from across the country.
Shoptalk (March 24-27): Held in Sacramento, this event has become one of the most important retail and e-commerce conferences, expecting around 8,000 attendees. Running simultaneously is the Prosper Show (March 25-27) in Las Vegas, focused specifically on e-commerce strategies.
Access the googlesheet for Feb 2025 list of US Trade Shows here.
Want to plan your entire year’s Trade Shows better? Look no further.
US Trade Shows Catalog for 2025
Get your copy of the US Trade Shows Catalog for 2025.
1,292 shows, 27 Industry Categories, 1 easy-to-analyse downloadable googlesheet for $500.
Who Should Attend These Events?
Different trade shows cater to specific audiences within the retail and consumer goods sector. Here’s a breakdown of who would benefit most from each type of event:
For Retailers and Buyers
- Gift Show Events (NY NOW, Philadelphia Gift Show): Perfect for boutique owners, department store buyers, and gift shop managers looking to source new products and identify upcoming trends.
- Toy Fair NY: Essential for toy store owners, specialty retailers, and major retail chain buyers in the children’s products sector.
- JA New York: Ideal for jewelry retailers, boutique owners, and department store jewelry buyers.
For Entrepreneurs and Business Owners
Franchise Shows (IFA Convention, FranExpo USA): Perfect for:
- Aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the franchise market.
- Existing franchisees seeking to expand their portfolio.
- Franchisors looking to network and recruit new franchisees.
For E-commerce Professionals
Prosper Show: Particularly valuable for:
- Online marketplace sellers
- E-commerce platform managers
- Digital retail strategists
- Amazon sellers and vendors
For Industry Professionals
Shoptalk: Beneficial for:
- Retail executives and decision-makers
- Technology providers
- Marketing professionals
- Digital transformation specialists
- Retail consultants
For Specialty Retailers
- GAMA Expo: Essential for gaming store owners and hobby shop operators
- VDTA: Targeted at vacuum dealer trade and sewing retailers
- American Sewing Guild Conference: Perfect for sewing industry professionals and educators
Planning Your Trade Show Strategy
For retailers and industry professionals planning their Q1 2025 calendar, consider prioritizing shows based on:
- Your specific industry segment (e.g., franchising, e-commerce, specialty retail)
- Geographic location and travel costs
- Event size and networking potential
- Historical reputation of the show
Whether you’re interested in discovering new products, learning about industry trends, or expanding your business through franchising, Q1 2025 offers numerous opportunities to connect with industry leaders and peers.
Remember to register early for these events, as many offer early-bird discounts and better hotel rates for advance bookings. Given the robust schedule and geographic spread of these shows, strategic planning will be key to maximizing your trade show investment in early 2025.
Check out our recent YT video for more details.
About B2Brain: B2Brain is your complete trade show intelligence product. We deliver Digital Insights for the Physical World.
If you’re wondering why your trade show investments are delivering poorer ROI, a few common, specific and relevant changes can produce dramatically better results. Talk to us about pre-event research using our Dossier, or smarter lead capture+retrieval at the show with a completely reimagined scanner, and better pipeline management with CRM integration.
