As a small business owner, it’s not always easy to get away. Sometimes you feel like you need to be immersed in the day-to-day for your enterprise to succeed. But if the goal is to work ON your business and not always IN your business, it’s prudent to implement systems that allow you to remove yourself from the daily tasks. Otherwise, how will you ever enjoy a vacation or even a business-boosting getaway to a tradeshow?
Speaking of tradeshows, there are many events across the country annually that provide small business owners advice, access to products/services and educational/informational sessions and workshops that are geared towards helping entrepreneurs run their businesses more profitably and more efficiently.
These events not only afford business owners an opportunity to take a tax-deductible “working vacation” of sorts (many shows are in locations such as Las Vegas or Orlando), but they exist to facilitate business. Attending one is an investment of time and money, to be sure, but the dividends can be handsome.
Here’s a look at five top tradeshows small business owners should consider attending in the first half of 2025, presented in chronological order of when they’ll take place.
ASD Market Week (March 9-12, Las Vegas Convention Center)
This show is a must-attend event for retail buyers and decision makers. If you own and operate a retail establishment, there’s a good chance this one is already circled on your calendar. If not, it should be.
ASD Market Week features more than one million products with a focus on high-profit merchandise. A one-stop shop for retailers, show attendees will find apparel, accessories, wellness and self-care items, electronics, pet products and a large contingent of closeouts and liquidations.
Impressions Atlantic City (March 19-22, Atlantic City Convention Center)
For those looking to build a business in decorated apparel, a visit to Impressions Atlantic City next month is a great idea. From educational sessions to peer networking to interaction with expert exhibitors who want to help small businesses in this sector grow, Impressions Atlantic City is designed to drive business.
International Pizza Expo (March 25-27, Las Vegas Convention Center)
The largest gathering of pizza professionals in the world, Pizza Expo is the ultimate destination for networking and exploring the latest innovations in pizza-making, equipment, and business solutions. Beyond the exhibit hall, Pizza Expo’s robust educational offerings provide attendees with actionable insights to improve their operations. This year’s lineup features 13 hands-on workshops, 12 live demonstrations, 40 in-depth seminars, and 2 keynote presentations, all designed to help pizzeria owners and operators sharpen their skills and grow their businesses.
Ranked as one of the Top 100 trade shows in the U.S., the International Pizza Expo & Conference is a premier go-to event for those looking to grow their pizza businesses, refine their skills, and network with the industry’s best.
Prosper (March 25-27, Las Vegas Convention Center)
Marketplace sellers looking to elevate their game are the target audience for this event. Whether your small biz sells on Amazon or even through Wal-Mart, the Prosper show is focused on helping small businesses become more profitable.
Outdoor Retailer (June 18-20, Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City)
This event showcases innovative and unique gear, apparel, accessories, footwear and other related goods any outdoor enthusiast would need in all seasons. Players in the booming outdoor sports industry need to keep Outdoor Retailer top of mind.
