Trade shows have a surprisingly long history, stretching back centuries before the era of flashy booths and interactive displays. The earliest roots can be traced to marketplaces, where artisans and merchants gathered to sell their wares. In late medieval Europe, and we see the rise of organized trade fairs. These events, held annually or seasonally, attracted producers and buyers from across regions, fostering international trade and the exchange of ideas. The Champagne fairs of France and the Skåne Market in what is now southern Sweden are prime examples.

The Industrial Revolution ushered in a new era for trade shows. From the late 18th century onwards, industrial exhibitions showcasing the latest innovations became more common in Europe and North America. The 1798 "L'Exposition Publique des Produits de L'industrie Francaise" in Paris is considered a landmark event, being the first public industrial exhibition.

The 19th century saw the rise of annual industry-specific trade shows. These events, spreading from European manufacturing centers to North America, allowed businesses to target specific audiences and showcase their latest offerings. By the 20th century, the trade show industry had matured, with specialized companies managing events and permanent venues like convention centers hosting a rotating calendar of exhibitions.

Today, trade shows are a global phenomenon, encompassing a vast array of industries. From massive consumer electronics shows to niche medical technology conferences, these events continue to serve as vital platforms for businesses to connect, innovate, and drive economic growth.

Here is a timeline to the major developments:

1851: The Great Exhibition was one of the biggest events bringing people together in the 19th century, attracting a third of Great Britain’s population to see various products from around the world.

1876: The first World’s Fair was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Here, Alexander Graham Bell introduced his brand-new invention, the telephone.

1904: The PPAI Expo opened for the fi rst time with 32 exhibitors. In 2022, more than 700 companies exhibited, showing tens of thousands of promotional products in nearly a million square feet of space.

1967: The Consumer Electronics Show debuted in Las Vegas with 14 exhibitors. In 2022, CES featured more than 2,200 exhibitors.

2020: Virtual trade shows debuted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.