Key takeaways:
- Trade shows for small businesses are powerful growth channels that give you in-person access to buyers and mentors.
- Several key conferences are happening in 2025–2026, with events in cities like Phoenix and New York.
- Trade show wins don’t come from attendance alone. It’s the planning and follow-up that seals the deal.
Trade shows for small business open direct lines to industry leaders and potential customers.
While conferences teach, trade shows connect. It lets you get live access to people who can push your business forward.
Did you know that 78% of businesses say live events deliver a strong return on investment? That’s proof that real-world interactions can lead to real results.
Let’s highlight top events from Q3 2025 to Q4 2026, including small business expos and strategies to help you plan, present, and follow through.
If you’re ready to book your next networking event, let’s get started.
Small business trade shows to catch from Q3 2025 to Q4 2026
Here’s a quick list of events across the U.S. to help small business owners grow, connect, and compete in the business world:
| Date | Event | Location | Format | Focus |
| September 2–5, 2025 | America’s SBDC Conference | Orlando, FL | In-person | Business development Training SBDC-only sessions |
| September 12, 2025 | Small Business Expo – Phoenix | Phoenix Convention Center, AZ | In-person | Vendor booths SMB growth B2B networking |
| September 18, 2025 | San Diego Small Business Expo | Sheraton Hotel, San Diego, CA | In-person | Networking Growth tools Workshops |
| October 1, 2025 | Las Vegas Small Business Expo | Plaza Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV | In-person | B2B connections Small biz vendors |
| October 8, 2025 | Small Business Expo – Los Angeles | Pasadena Convention Center, CA | In-person | Expo showcase Startup support |
| November 5, 2025 | Philadelphia Small Business Expo | PA Convention Center, PA | In-person | Sales tools Coaching Workshops |
| November 5–6, 2025 | World Business Forum | New York, NY | In-person | Leadership Keynote speakers (high-cost premium event) |
| November 19, 2025 | Small Business Expo – Dallas/Fort Worth | Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, TX | In-person | Multi-industry growth Digital tools Networking |
| December 10, 2025 | Atlanta Small Business Expo | Georgia International Convention Center | In-person | Business networking Expert-led workshops |
| January 11–14, 2026 | NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show | Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, NYC | In-person | Retail innovation eCommerce trends Tech solutions Industry networking |
| March 3–7, 2026 | CONEXPO-CON/AGG | Las Vegas Convention Center | In-person | Construction innovation Networking Educational workshops |
| TBD 2026 | National Small Business Conference | New Orleans, LA | In-person | SMB education Training Policy sessions |
| November 2026 (Exact dates TBD) | SAME Federal Small Business Conference 2026 (SBC) | Phoenix, AZ | In-person | Government contracting Architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) Networking with federal agencies Procurement opportunities |
Featured events and what to expect
Being a small business owner means always looking for new ways to get ahead. You need a good plan, make good connections, and take real action. This section is all about the best small business conferences that give you valuable insights and helpful people to make big, smart moves for your business.
1. America’s SBDC Conference
When and where: September 2–5, 2025 – Orlando, FL
Who should attend: SBDC advisors, business coaches, and small business leaders focused on long-term development
Why it’s worth your time: With 100+ workshops and a focus on business training and workforce development, it’s the most education-driven event on the list.
Insider advice: This is a member-driven event, so you need to secure your eligibility early and plan breakout sessions in advance.
Event snapshot: This national conference brings together SBDC professionals and small business advocates for four days of training, networking, and strategy. It’s the go-to event for those serious about business education and scaling support systems.
2. Small Business Expo – Phoenix
When and where: September 12, 2025 – Phoenix Convention Center, AZ
Who should attend: Local entrepreneurs, retailers, and service providers.
Why it’s worth your time: A key stop on the national Small Business Expo tour that draws a diverse crowd of exhibitors, vendors, and early-stage founders
Insider advice: Come with updated marketing materials as this event is strong for lead generation.
Event snapshot: This one-day expo offers a packed schedule of free workshops, expert panels, and B2B networking. Ideal for small businesses looking to meet new clients and vendors in Arizona’s thriving business scene.
3. The Business Show – Los Angeles
When and where: October 22–23, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA
Who should attend: Start-ups, freelancers, and budget-conscious entrepreneurs.
Why it’s worth your time: Free to attend and packed with content. This event delivers massive value without the cost.
Insider advice: Sign up early for speed networking and reserve seats for masterclasses.
Event snapshot: The Business Show hosts thousands of entrepreneurs. It offers hands-on masterclasses, pitch opportunities, and insight from industry giants like Google and IBM. It’s one of the most accessible big-stage events for small businesses.
4. World Business Forum
When and where: November 5–6, 2025 – New York, NY
Who should attend: Growth-stage founders, C-suite leaders, and strategy-driven teams.
Why it’s worth your time: This high-profile forum features globally recognized speakers and content designed for serious business transformation.
Insider advice: Treat this as a strategy summit, not a pitch fest. It’s about learning and gaining valuable insights, not direct selling.
Event snapshot: This premium event brings top business minds together for deep discussion on leadership, innovation, and scaling. Expect keynotes from global industry experts and networking with ambitious business decision-makers.
5. Atlanta Small Business Expo
Where and when: December 10, 2025 – Georgia International Convention Center
Who should attend: Small business owners across the Southeast.
Why it’s worth your time: One of the largest regional expos, with strong networking and tactical workshops.
Insider advice: Plan to stay for the full day as sessions are back-to-back and worth attending in sequence.
Event snapshot: Atlanta’s biggest B2B networking event draws entrepreneurs from across the Southeast. It’s a full day of expert-led learning, vendor showcases, and high-value relationship building.
6. CONEXPO-CON/AGG
When and where: March 3–7, 2026 – Las Vegas Convention Center, NV
Who should attend: Small business owners in construction, contractors, and companies looking to grow through innovation and smarter operations.
Why it’s worth your time: This is the largest construction trade show in North America, where 1,800+ exhibitors share new ideas, product launches, and equipment that can drive success in real-world projects and sales.
Insider advice: Come prepared with a game plan. This massive event spans over 2.7 million square feet. Use the show map to prioritize booths and book time in networking zones to meet potential partners and clients.
Event snapshot: For small business owners aiming to scale or stay sharp, CONEXPO-CON/AGG delivers serious value. It’s the one trade show where innovation meets opportunity. And, where companies make connections, test products, and pick up tools that help them grow.
How trade shows help small business owners grow
A trade show works like a growth switch for your business. It puts your business in front of real buyers, future partners, and people looking for what you offer.
When you show up prepared, you can:
- Find leads who are ready to engage and buy.
- Build real relationships with small business owners, vendors, and peers.
- Increase visibility and grow your brand in a competitive market.
- Spot new trends and track what your industry is doing.
- Improve your pitch, presentation, and team performance.
- Learn from workshops, demos, and expert sessions.
- Connect with industry leaders and explore business development opportunities.
No matter your size, the right trade show can shift your momentum. So, walk in ready, connect with purpose, and use every interaction to move your business forward.
How to prepare for networking events and win big
A trade show is a stage where business gets real. It’s a real-time marketing push, a live conference setting, and a chance to show how well your business connects with customers. Whether it’s your first exhibit or one of many, how you prepare is how you perform. Here’s how:
- Set specific goals and define what success looks like for your business.
- Book your travel and finalize booth or print materials early.
- Use professional email and brand channels to promote your presence at the event.
- Focus on real-time engagement: talk to visitors, offer demos, and host simple workshops.
- Use digital tools to collect contacts and qualify attendees quickly.
- Watch what other vendors are doing—this is a great chance to improve your own setup.
- Follow up fast with leads and track performance after the show.
A one-day event can fuel months of progress. What matters is how you follow through after the booths close.
From booth to breakthrough
Trade shows are still one of the smartest ways to grow your business—whether you’re selling, scaling, or simply learning what’s next. They offer unmatched access to real buyers, collaborators, and industry leaders. You don’t just show up to be seen. You show up to move.
If you’re planning a virtual booth or gearing up for a hybrid session, download Network Solutions’ Complete Guide to Running Virtual Events. It’s packed with setup tips, engagement tricks, and fixes for common hiccups.
No excuses—run a virtual event that catches attention and drives action.
Frequently asked questions
Most trade shows fall into one of three categories: consumer events, which are open to the general public; industry shows, which cater to professionals and buyers; and mixed trade shows, which welcome both types of attendees.
Expect your first trade show to feel fast-paced. You’ll need to plan at least two to three months ahead, research who’ll be there, and send invites to people you want to meet. Bring a solid team that knows your product inside-out, role-play common questions, and be ready to open doors to new opportunities from simple conversations.
To stand out, small business owners should use bold colors, clear signs, and eye-catching displays that tell people who they are. Add videos, live demos, and a friendly team so visitors stop, ask questions, and remember your booth.
