A guide to Orlando’s top trade shows and conventions

Image of the Orange County Convention Center
September 12, 2025
Reading Time: 8 minutes

Orlando is more than just theme parks. It’s one of the busiest trade show and convention cities in the country. With the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) at the heart of it all, this vibrant destination attracts major industries year-round, from entertainment and education to beauty, pets, golf, and tech. If your brand is planning to exhibit in Orlando, it’s essential to understand the unique audiences at each event and to make your booth stand out in this high-energy, high-traffic environment.

IAAPA Expo: Where imagination meets innovation

Held each fall, the IAAPA Expo is the global stage for the attractions industry. Attendees range from theme park operators to entertainment tech developers and family entertainment center owners. The atmosphere is creative, high-energy, and packed with innovation.

Tips for IAAPA exhibitors:

  1. Lean into spectacle. This crowd loves visuals. Go big with lighting, motion, or themed elements that evoke the excitement of the industry.
  2. Use interactive tech. Whether it’s motion sensors or AR/VR, immersive experiences help your booth rise above the noise.
  3. Stay playful. Align your booth design with the fun and imagination that defines the attractions space.

PGA Merchandise Show: Teeing up the future of golf

The PGA Show brings the entire golf industry together, from PGA professionals and retailers to manufacturers and apparel brands. Hosted annually in January at the OCCC, it’s one of the largest trade-only events in sports.

Tips for PGA Show exhibitors:

  1. Create a polished look. A clean, elegant booth helps your brand reflect the sophistication of the golf world.
  2. Highlight performance. Use displays and demos that showcase product innovation, especially for gear and apparel.
  3. Book early. Booth space fills fast at any show of this size. Plan well in advance and work with experienced Orlando trade show booth builders.

InfoComm: A hub for AV and integrated experiences

InfoComm is a leading show for the professional audiovisual industry, drawing manufacturers, integrators, tech managers, dealers, and end users seeking the latest in immersive experiences and digital communication tools. The show alternates annually between Orlando and Las Vegas, but in either location, the expectations for immersive, high-performance exhibits remain the same.

Tips for InfoComm exhibitors:

  1. Focus on function. Your booth should not just look good. it should demonstrate the power and clarity of your AV solutions in real time.
  2. Use large-scale media. Incorporate LED walls, multi-zone audio, or control panels to simulate real-world applications.
  3. Tell the story. Use guided experiences or presentations to show how your products create impact across industries.

Premiere Orlando: Beauty that turns heads

As one of the largest beauty shows in the U.S., Premiere Orlando attracts salon professionals, educators, and beauty brands from around the world. From hair and nails to skincare and tools, this event is all about aesthetics and energy.

Tips for Premiere Orlando exhibitors:

  1. Go bold with quality visuals. Color, light, and texture can transform your booth into an Instagram-worthy destination. Use high-end printed graphics that look great from afar and up close.
  2. Offer live demos. Haircuts, styling tutorials, or skincare treatments draw traffic, build engagement, and let your products shine.
  3. Design with flow. Make it easy for people to browse, interact, and capture content, all within a fluid layout.

Global Pet Expo: All things pawsible

Global Pet Expo is the pet industry’s flagship trade show, covering everything from food and toys to health and tech for pets. It’s a prime opportunity to connect with buyers from big-box retailers to boutique pet stores.

Tips for Global Pet Expo exhibitors:

  1. Tap into emotion. Pet parents and professionals are passionate. Use messaging and visuals that tell a heartfelt story.
  2. Showcase your product in action. Whether it’s a demo with a model dog or a video loop, performance sells.
  3. Prioritize sustainability. Eco-friendly packaging and responsible sourcing are top priorities in today’s pet market. Extend sustainability efforts throughout your booth through design and materials sourcing.

I/ITSEC: Where training meets technology

The Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) is the world’s largest event dedicated to modeling, simulation, and training, especially for defense, aerospace, and education sectors.

Tips for I/ITSEC exhibitors:

  1. Demonstrate real-time solutions. Use simulation stations or VR to show how your product performs under pressure.
  2. Make data visible. Charts, dashboards, or real-time analytics help you appeal to technical decision-makers.
  3. Design with purpose. Your booth should support meaningful conversations, not just passersby. Include semi-private spaces for in-depth demos or briefings.

Exhibit with impact at Orlando’s top shows

From the innovation of IAAPA to the sophistication of the PGA Show and the immersive experiences at InfoComm and I/ITSEC, Orlando trade shows are about standing out. A well-designed booth tailored to each event’s audience can spark connections, build credibility, and drive real results.

Ready to elevate your presence at an upcoming Orlando trade show? Let’s build something unforgettable together. Contact us today to explore booth design and rental solutions that make your brand shine in the heart of Florida.

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