Discover the Major Trade Shows Happening in Dallas
What sets Dallas apart isn’t just its size, it’s the way the city operates. Freight moves fast, labor is skilled and coordinated, and build schedules are tightly managed. Exhibitors planning a trade show booth rental here benefit from a system refined over decades.
Dallas has earned its place as one of the top trade show destinations in the U.S. The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center alone hosts over a million visitors each year across a massive one-million-square-foot venue. Just a few miles away, the Dallas Market Center keeps the energy going with more than 200 trade shows annually, contributing nearly $800 million to the local economy.
In 2026, Dallas reaffirms its status as a top trade show destination delivering results for exhibitors
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| 1. Potato Expo
2. Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week 4. The National Franchise Show 5. AEA International Convention & Trade Show 6. Dallas Travel & Adventure Show |
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1. Potato Expo 2026
When: January 06 – 08 , 2026
Where: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Dallas
About The Trade Show:
Potato Expo 2026 is North America’s largest annual event for the potato industry, uniting growers, shippers, processors, and retailers from across the supply chain.
The Dallas edition will offer unmatched opportunities to showcase products, build partnerships, and generate qualified leads. With live demos, new product launches, and valuable industry insights, Potato Expo remains the premier destination for driving innovation and growth in the potato sector.
2. Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week
When: January 19 – 22 , 2026
Where: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Texas
About The Trade Show:
Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW) is the largest North American gathering for the heavy-duty aftermarket industry, drawing over 2,900 executives and managers from across the U.S., Canada, and beyond.
The 2026 event will feature 300+ suppliers, the industry’s most successful One-on-One Business Meeting program, and a Product Expo showcasing the latest in parts, tools, and technology. Attendees will gain valuable insights on AI-d
3. WESA Trade Show
When: January 21 – 24 , 2026
Where: Dallas Market Center, Dallas
About The Trade Show:
The Western & English Sales Market (WESA) Trade Show is the premier event for the equestrian and western apparel industry, bringing together retailers, manufacturers, and distributors from across the globe.
The January 2026 edition will feature hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of retail buyers exploring 200,000+ square feet of products, including western and English apparel, tack, leather goods, animal health items, home décor, and gifts.
Known as “Where the Industry Meets,” WESA offers a one-stop marketplace where retailers can see, touch, and compare products, discover new trends, and build meaningful connections that drive success in the western and equestrian markets.
20×20 Exhibits Booth Rental at Distributech Show 2025, Dallas, TX
4. The National Franchise Show
When: January 31–February 1, 2026
Where: World Trade Center at Dallas Market Center, Dallas
About The Trade Show:
The National Franchise Show serves as a premier marketplace for entrepreneurs and investors exploring franchise opportunities across industries.
The Dallas edition will feature leading franchise brands alongside emerging concepts, offering direct access to proven business models and expert guidance. With a legacy of 480+ successful shows and two decades of industry trust, the event continues to be the go-to destination for franchise growth, education, and investment insight.
5. AEA International Convention & Trade Show
When: March 23–26, 2026
Where: Hilton Anatole, Dallas
About The Trade Show:
The 69th Annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show is the world’s largest gathering of general aviation avionics manufacturers, distributors, and FAA-certified repair stations.
Recognized as the premier event for the avionics sector, it serves as the launch platform for new technologies and products entering the marketplace. The convention provides unmatched opportunities for education, business development, and collaboration among industry professionals, making it the cornerstone event for advancing innovation and excellence in general aviation avionics.
6. Dallas Travel & Adventure Show
When: March 28–29, 2026
Where: Dallas Market Hall, Dallas
About The Trade Show:
The Dallas Travel & Adventure Show is the ultimate event for travel inspiration, bringing together leading destinations, tour companies, and travel experts from around the world.
The 2026 show will feature 250+ exhibitors, including top cruise lines, travel providers, and global tourism boards. Visitors can explore vacation options, attend live presentations across four on-floor theaters, and hear from renowned travel personalities like Rick Steves. With exclusive trip giveaways and show-only deals, the Dallas Travel & Adventure Show is where the journey to your next adventure begins.
7. Parking Industry Expo
When: March 30–April 2, 2026
Where: Hilton Anatole, Dallas
About The Trade Show:
The Parking Industry Expo (PIE) is the premier event for parking professionals focused on innovation, technology, and smart mobility solutions.
PIE 2026 will bring together leaders from municipal, commercial, higher education, airport, and private sectors for three days of learning, networking, and collaboration. With targeted sessions, unique connection experiences, and a focused expo hall, PIE delivers the insights and relationships driving the future of parking management.
Discover the ultimate booth solution for your next trade show event in Dallas with Exponents!
8. SHRM Talent Conference & Expo 2026
When: April 19 – 22 , 2026
Where: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Texas
About The Trade Show:
SHRM Talent 2026 is the leading event for HR professionals focused on the future of talent management. It explores how organizations can integrate skills development, HR technology, and AI to build stronger, more agile workforces.
The event will feature 125+ exhibiting companies and 2,500+ attendees across a 15,000 sq. ft. exhibit hall. From talent acquisition and retention to leadership and employee well-being, SHRM Talent 2026 provides the insights and tools shaping the next generation of workforce strategy.
9. Build Expo
When: April 22 – 23 , 2026
Where: Dallas Market Hall, Dallas, TX
About The Trade Show:
The Build Expo is the ultimate platform for the construction industry, showcasing cutting-edge innovations, tools, and technologies. This premier event attracts builders, contractors, and suppliers to network, learn, and explore new market trends. Make a bold impression with a exhibit rentals designed to elevate your brand.
Conclusion
Dallas trade shows leave little room for guesswork and that’s what makes them effective. The city’s system is engineered for structure, organized load-ins, dependable crews, and a venue network that runs on punctuality. Exhibitors who align with that pace see cleaner builds, fewer hold-ups, and more time with clients on the floor.
Over the years, we’ve learned that Dallas rewards experience. Knowing how the city’s logistics flow, how local approvals move, and how to time installations down to the hour can make the difference between a good show and a flawless one.
In 2026, Dallas will again prove why it’s a city where preparation, precision, and local know-how turn trade show plans into measurable results.
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