Trade Show & Convention Venues

See Where It Happens in the Mid-Atlantic and Great Lakes Regions!  

From Mid-Atlantic cities like Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.—and Great Lakes metropolises including Chicago and Cleveland—convention centers are growing in size, offerings, and sustainability. Thanks to these efforts plus the regions’ diverse landscapes and cultures, many companies and associations are choosing these areas for their meetings and trade shows. Whether they’re near the shores of the Atlantic Ocean or the beaches of a Great Lake, exhibitors and attendees are treated to outstanding events and a wide variety of cultural hubs throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Great Lakes Regions.  

Baird Center 

Wisconsin hasn’t always been known as a trade show and convention hub, but a huge expansion project to Milwaukee’s Baird Center is changing that. The renovation adds plenty of space, doubling the venue’s overall size to 1.3 million square feet. The Baird Center also now boasts 300,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space, plus 52 breakout rooms and the stunning rooftop Baird Ballroom. Additionally, this convention center has enhanced its sustainability efforts with a new water retention program and solar roof panels. Thanks to both its amenities and its location in downtown Milwaukee, shows such as the Midwest Gaming Classic, the Metalcasting Congress, and Locksmith Pro Expo have chosen the Baird Center as their home. 

Baltimore Convention Center 

Since its opening in 1979, the Baltimore Convention Center (BCC) has delighted visitors with its prime location near the Patapsco River, Fort McHenry, and beautiful downtown Baltimore. The building boasts more than 300,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space, over 50 meeting rooms, and a large ballroom. Sustainability measures include a partnership with an urban beekeeping company who have installed beehives on the BCC’s roof. Its location and many unique features have helped this convention center fill up its calendar with events like the Maryland Cannabis Convention, the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, and a long list of local and national tournaments and entertainment events.  

David L. Lawrence Convention Center   

The David L. Lawrence Convention Center (DLCC) in downtown Pittsburgh isn’t just a great venue for events like the Gordon Food Service Show, Smart Manufacturing Experience, the National Environmental Health Association Annual Education Conference, and the Nuclear Energy Institute. It’s also a fantastic example of sustainability! Multiple rooftop gardens grow edible and pollinator plants—including hops, which are brewed into a local beer called Rooftop Hops! Additionally, the venue features natural light and ventilation, as well as a reflective exterior that captures the ambient city lighting to reduce the amount of electricity needed to illuminate the DLCC itself. Coupled with its 313,400 square feet of exhibit space, 51 meeting rooms, lecture halls, and a large ballroom, these amenities make Pittsburgh’s largest convention center is an ideal venue for small and medium events.   

 Greater Philadelphia Expo Center 

Not all successful convention centers are in large cities—and the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center proves it! Located about 25 miles from Philadelphia, this venue boasts 240,000 of exhibition space across five halls. It’s also a great location for outdoor events thanks to its five acres of paved area. In addition to local sporting events and tournaments, the facility has drawn small and medium evens like the SEPOS Orchid Show and Sale, the International Gem and Jewelry Show, and the Canna World Fair.  

Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland  

The Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland is set on a one million square foot campus in scenic downtown C-Town. With over 500,000 square feet of meeting and event space including 225,000 square feet of exhibit area, this facility is perfect for meetings and conventions of all types and sizes. A 2024 expansion has added even more flexible areas, including the 10,000 square foot Rooftop Patio for outdoor receptions and the beautiful Atrium Ballroom for indoor events. Its Grind2Energy program and 8 acres of green rooftop help make it a functional, environmentally friendly venue. And since it’s mere blocks away from attractions like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, it’s no wonder why TAPPICon, the Outdoor Fun Expo, and Fasteners Fair USA are among the many events hosted at the Huntington Center.  

Huntington Place 

Although Detroit has always been known for Motown music, automotive innovation, and professional sports, we can add conventions and tradeshows to the list thanks to Huntington Place. Its 732,000 square feet of exhibit space—plus plenty of flexible indoor and outdoor event areas like the Grand Riverview Ballroom and Huntington Place Square—make this an ideal venue for medium and large conferences. After multiple expansions since its original 1960 opening, Huntington Place now hosts events like Sneaker Con, RailsConf, and The Battery Show North America in addition to local competitions and entertainment events. During a 2015 renovation project, Detroit’s largest convention center enhanced its ecofriendly efforts with initiatives like a food efficiency program and a stunning green roof that visitors can tour.  

Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium  

The internationally famous Indy 500 race has made Indianapolis synonymous with speed, and the Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium (ICCLOS) upholds the city’s fast-paced reputation. The American Coatings Show, the National Confectioners Association Sweets & Snacks Show, and M-PACT are just a few of the many events that consistently choose the ICCLOS as their home. In addition to the downtown Indianapolis location right by the State Capitol and plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, this cutting-edge facility has it all. The convention center offers 566,600 square feet of exhibit space, 71 ballrooms, and three meeting rooms. Just a block away lies Lucas Oil Stadium, which is used for events when the Indianapolis Colts aren’t playing home games.  

McCormick Place 

Standing just south of Chicago’s downtown on the shores of Lake Michigan, McCormick Place is among the largest convention centers in North America. This behemoth venue features four exhibition halls and 2.6 million total square feet of exhibit space, plus 173 meeting rooms, 6 ballrooms, and the 4,188-seat Arie Crown Theater. Exhibitors and attendees will enjoy one of the largest public art collections in the state of Illinois just by strolling through McCormick Place’s halls. And thanks to its prime location, visitors can easily explore the cultural attractions and entertainment, dining, and shopping destinations featured throughout the city. Mainstay conventions like PACK EXPO International, the International Manufacturing Technology Show, and the National Restaurant Association Show choose McCormick Place as their home thanks not only to the facility’s size and location, but perhaps also for its green initiatives. Sustainability efforts include a massive green roof that yields over 8,000 pounds of edible produce each year, which is incorporated into some onsite and nearby dining experiences.  

Pennsylvania Convention Center 

As America’s Birthplace, there is plenty for visitors to see and do in Philadelphia. And with the downtown-located Pennsylvania Convention Center drawing events like Home Delivery World, BOMA Every Building Conference & Expo, and the Solar Show US, there are plenty of exhibitors and attendees to see the sites. In fact, historic attractions like Philadelphia City Hall, the Liberty Bell Center, and Independence Hall are all within walking distance from the convention center! Perfect for any size event, this venue offers over 679,000 square feet of exhibit space across seven halls, plus 82 meeting rooms and the largest ballroom in the Northeastern United States. The 2 million square foot facility boasts a list of sustainability efforts, largely thanks to an expansion and enhancement project in 2011.   

Walter E. Washington Convention Center  

The crown jewel of Washington, D.C.’s Convention and Entertainment District, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center is an ideal venue for medium and large events. With 2.3 million total square feet—including 703,000 square feet of exhibit space, 77 meeting rooms, and a large ballroom—this facility is both flexible and functional. Additionally, the convention center is committed to sustainability, featuring green efforts like high-efficiency energy systems, water savings, and the use of ecofriendly materials. When they’re not on the show floor, visitors can make their way to the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Smithsonian Institution, which are less than two miles away from the venue. Events that have chosen D.C.’s convention center as their venue include the IAPP Global Privacy Summit, Digestive Disease Week, and Data Center World.  

Top Beginner Tips for Exhibiting in the Mid-Atlantic and Great Lakes Regions 

Convention centers throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Great Lakes Regions are drawing more and more meetings and trade shows thanks to their prime locations and flexible facilities. And their sustainability efforts certainly don’t hurt, either! The growing list of events also means a growing list of first-time exhibitors. If you’re new to exhibiting in the Mid-Atlantic or Great Lakes, we can help! Here are some key areas to focus on when planning your event:  

Budget 

When you exhibit at a trade show in the Mid-Atlantic and Great Lakes Regions, you have the choice between renting or purchasing your display. If you plan to attend multiple shows each year, purchasing is likely the best option for your budget. And if you’re only exhibiting at one show, you might choose to rent. We offer custom exhibits for both purchase and rental. Whatever your budget, brand, and style, Booth Design Ideas will meet your needs and exceed your expectations!  

Timeline 

Your trade show exhibit is a representation of who you are as a company, so it’s important to set aside plenty of time to plan your display. Generally, 6-8 months prior to the expo is ideal. Preparing for a convention can be intimidating for new exhibitors, so the more time you give yourself, the better. And we’re here to help! We’ll handle details like the pre-show exhibitor manual, roundtrip shipping logistics, installation and dismantle services, and even post-show cost reconciliation so you can focus on putting your company’s best foot forward at the show.  

Show Size 

Some first-time exhibitors prioritize show size over show quality. Buying or renting a large exhibit for a huge convention can produce impressive ROI for certain companies, but it’s not for everyone. Be selective about which trade shows you exhibit in, and keep in mind that sometimes less is more. When done correctly, a beautifully designed 20x20 island display that caters to your target audience can perform as well as a larger exhibit that wasn’t as carefully thought out. 

Placement 

“Location, location, location!” isn’t just a real estate phrase. It applies to your trade show exhibit as well! Choosing the right location for your display is a huge factor in a having a successful versus an unsuccessful expo. When you start planning early, you’ll have your pick of exhibit spaces on the show floor. Look for “sweet spots” like a booth space near the hall’s entrance or concessions or at the end of an aisle. In other words, choose a spot in a high-traffic area so your display is visible to as many attendees and potential clients as possible.  

After the Show

Cities throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Great Lakes Regions are cultural melting pots brimming with history, culture, dining, and entertainment. From Philadelphia to Chicago, from Detroit to Washington, D.C., and everywhere in between, exhibitors and attendees are greeted by a long list of fun and unique things to do when they’re not on the show floor. 

For more information on shows and venues throughout the U.S., check out Metro Exhibits. Here you can find a ton of information as well as exhibit products.