The premiere event of the year gets under way on this summer. The industry has grown spectacularly. Spending in this industry has grown 80% faster than household income and twice as fast as household spending. This expo began 15 years ago with 17 exhibitors in 30 booths. It now is approaching 900 exhibitors who occupy over 355,000 square feet of booths plus a 30,000 square foot new product showcase. Come see what all the excitement is about.
Open daily 9:00 a.m. — 7:30 p.m. June 11–14 at the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. Schedules for individual booths are announced on site and through our exhibitors social media channels.
Over 900 featured businesses will appear here this year. 355,000+ sq ft of exhibit booth space (Not counting the 30,000 sq ft new product area. The “average” booth is over 315 sq ft, up 5% from 300 last year. We have 113 first-time exhibitors — this convention is a “must do” for new organizations trying to reach their audiences. The expo has it all and more, including enhanced educational offerings and the New Product Showcase.
Reserve your spot now. You need a ticket to get into the annual Expo. If you want the most basic option, it's $19 per day if pre-purchased (or $22/day at the show), and don't forget that kids 12 and under get in free for the entire event. There are also more expensive packages which come with extra perks, so you have to decide what works best for you.
In addition to exclusive freebies and show admission for all five days, VIP tickets offer free autographs, as well. The main VIP package is good for 12 autographs from a designated group, while the Super VIP includes all 18 signers. The Super VIP also features a free hat, double the VIP cards, and free parking in a special parking lot, so that might be especially appealing for some. Even more expensive, the All-Access packages match the VIP perks and have first-in-line privileges.
Located on the 3rd Floor of the Convention Center in Ballroom C. Many of your favorite cartoon and action characters will be making an appearance Family Fun Zone! This year’s Zone will be bigger than ever, featuring appearances by popular characters. Snacks and drinks will be available for the kids.
Our expo tradition began 15 years ago. Both the show and the industry have grown spectacularly. What started as a way for people new to this field to share what they’re about with their customers and fans at a street fair has turned into a major industry tradition. At that time, spending in the industry totaled $20M. Last year, it was an astounding $1.2B.