Summary: Discover the top 10 must-attend trade shows to gain exposure, network, and find solutions for small business success. These events feature expert speakers, workshops, and industry-specific insights, tailored to help entrepreneurs grow and thrive.
- Top Pick: The Small Business Expo: Free, widespread, networking and educational benefits.
- National Small Business Week Virtual Summit: Free, online, with workshops and resources.
- Annual America’s SBDC Conference: Training-focused, costly but valuable.
- Brandweek: Marketing-oriented, best for industry leaders.
- World Business Forum: High-profile speakers, not always small business-focused.
- Startup Grind Tech Summit: Startup-centric, networking and pitch opportunities.
- TechCrunch Disrupt: Ideal for startups, features Startup Battlefield.
- FinCon: For finance influencers, may not suit all industries.
- SXSW: Creative industry focus, with an emphasis on innovation.
- TED 2025: AI and innovation, selective admission.
Attending trade shows offers a unique opportunity to gain exposure, connect with potential clients, and establish valuable industry relationships. At the best trade events, you can often hear accomplished industry speakers sharing their wisdom. Throughout the day, you will attend interactive workshops to grow your knowledge and skills. Most attendees leave with solutions to the problems they face in operations, finance, marketing, and more.
The first step toward achieving growth and building your network is to register for a trade show that meets your needs. The question is, how do you find the ideal trade show or expo?
We’ve created this guide to help get the process started. Below, we’re sharing the top ten trade shows for small businesses. Continue reading to discover the trade show or exhibition that will drive small business growth this year.
1. National Small Business Week Virtual Summit
Each year, the U.S. Small Business Administration holds the National Small Business Week Virtual Summit. It provides entrepreneurs with access to educational workshops, networking opportunities, and resources to support their business endeavors.
Attending the NSBW Virtual Summit offers small business owners a valuable opportunity to gain insights from industry experts. Attendees discover federal resources and engage with a community of fellow entrepreneurs. However, the event is 100% online, which can make organic networking challenging.
2. Annual America’s SBDC Conference
This trade show is hosted by America’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDC). The event serves as a professional development and networking platform for SBDC professionals.
Attendees gain access to a robust exhibit hall, where there are typically about 50 vendors. Additionally, registrants can attend their choice of over 100 workshops. The main focus is training.
However, attendance comes with a hefty admission fee, so attendees must determine if it’s worthwhile for their needs.
3. Brandweek
Brandweek is an annual brand marketing symposium organized by Adweek. The goal of this trade show is to foster discourse, exploration, and action among advertising, marketing, and media professionals.
The majority of attendees are senior-level brand marketers and industry leaders. Thus, this may not be ideal for small business owners. However, it can still provide a learning opportunity if you happen to be in the area.
4. World Business Forum
The World Business Forum has a reputation for bringing in impressive and dynamic speakers in the business world. They bring in influential figures from across industries and provide workshops and panels on contemporary business topics. Ideal attendees at this trade expo include senior executives, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders. Thus, solutions might not necessarily scale to small businesses, so use your judgment.
5. Startup Grind Tech Summit
The Startup Grind Tech Summit is an annual event organized by Startup Grind. The goal of the trade show is to discuss emerging trends, share insights, and foster networking opportunities. They offer a few unique events for startups, like campfire chats and pitch competitions. If you’re in the startup world, it’s worth checking out.
6. TechCrunch Disrupt
TechCrunch Disrupt is geared toward startups, investors, tech enthusiasts, and entrepreneurs. It’s ideal for those looking to learn about the latest trends in technology and innovation. The most notable event is the Startup Battlefield. There, attendees pitch their ideas and have the potential to win cash prizes and more.
Attendees also gain access to networking lounges, breakout sessions, and dedicated spaces for connecting with potential investors. This event is ideal for gaining exposure as a newer startup.
7. FinCon
The FinCon trade show is designed for personal finance content creators. There, you’ll meet podcasters, YouTubers, and other influencers from the finance world. It’s ideal for those focused on growing a social media presence.
Entrepreneurs may be able to pick up finance tips and enhance their marketing through online content. However, this dynamic event might not be appropriate for all industries.
8. South By Southwest
The world-famous SXSW trade show hosts exhibitions that highlight new products and services, emerging technologies, and creative startups. The majority of events are geared toward innovation, art, and new media. For those in creative industries, you won’t find more like-minded individuals in one place. However, be aware that SXSW is more renowned for its music festival than its tracks for entrepreneurs.
9. TED 2025
This year’s TED expo is going to be held in Canada. However, the theme, centering AI and innovation, will be of interest to many American small business owners.
At TED, attendees experience thought-provoking talks and engaging discovery sessions. While not geared specifically toward small business owners, it tends to be a hub of innovation. Likewise, admission can be selective, so it may be wiser to watch video sessions from home.
10. The Small Business Expo
Our top pick for the best trade show for small businesses is The Small Business Expo. This convention is the country’s largest networking opportunity for SMBs. The Small Business Expo is held in cities across the country all year long. The trade show is consistently well-attended by some of the strongest up-and-coming business owners in the nation.
At the expo, you’ll explore a sprawling exhibition hall. It will be packed with exhibitors who specifically cater to the needs of small businesses. There, you’ll experience product launches, learn about new solutions, and make helpful connections. Plus, attendees enjoy giveaways, discounts, and promotions all day long.
Additionally, The Small Business Expo presents an impressive range of educational opportunities. From expert industry speakers to interactive workshops to panels, every moment will be accounted for. You’ll find yourself face-to-face with successful business owners who were once in your shoes. These professionals are eager to share their wisdom, answer questions, and help you achieve small business success.
The expo provides a brilliant networking opportunity, too. Every attendee is issued a Get Dotted® badge upon arrival. This color-coded system allows you to identify others in your industry on sight.
In addition, attendees have access to speed networking events and can even request to be matched with a mentor. Attendees are certain to leave with new connections that can help them get ahead in their industry.
The most unique aspect of The Small Business Expo is the frequency of events. This trade show occurs in major cities across the country all year long. By attending expos in multiple cities, you can boost your brand visibility in a diverse range of markets. You’ll improve your brand awareness and begin to stand out in the dynamic world of small business.
Every Small Business Expo Trade Show Event is completely free to attend. Attendees have the option to upgrade their pass to gain access to more events and unique perks.
Continue to Grow with Small Business University
The Small Business Expo has a broad suite of online educational options, too. Browse our Small Business University to build your skills from the comfort of your home.