Media and entertainment trade shows offer you unique opportunities to experience cutting-edge technology, network with industry leaders, and enjoy immersive entertainment. You’ll discover interactive demonstrations featuring XR technology, virtual production tools, and AI-enhanced workflows. From exclusive breakfast events to live performances with branded magicians and digital caricaturists, these shows combine business with entertainment. Exploring the bustling exhibition floors will reveal why 92% of attendees actively seek new industry innovations.

At a glance

• Interactive demonstrations showcase cutting-edge XR technology, virtual production tools, and AI-enhanced workflows for attendee engagement.
• Live entertainment features branded performances by magicians, digital caricaturists, and programmable robots throughout the trade show.
• Walk-in 360¬∞ booths offer immersive experiences with selfie robots and AR visuals for memorable photo opportunities.
• Technical showcases display latest innovations in 8K resolution, 5G applications, and immersive audio systems.
• Networking events combine entertainment with educational seminars, pitching sessions, and exclusive breakfast meetings with industry leaders.

About Media and Entertainment Trade Shows

While the concept of trade shows has been around for centuries, the media and entertainment industry has particularly leveraged these events to foster innovation and networking.

You might be surprised to know that the first modern trade show was held in London in 1851, attracting over 6 million visitors. Early trade shows were part of world’s fairs and farm shows, but the industry saw significant growth after World War II. The impact of these early expositions was substantial, with cities like Chicago and Atlanta realizing significant profits from hosting these events, including Chicago’s 1893 profit.

Today, live events, including trade shows, are an indispensable part of the media and entertainment landscape, contributing 38.6% to the net increase in M&E spending in 2023. In the United States, the trade show market is expected to exceed US$17.35 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.77%.

Event Overview

You’re preparing to host or attend a media and entertainment trade show, and understanding the event’s dynamics is vital. Let’s examine the attendee profile, which typically includes industry professionals with significant buying power, with 46% being in senior management positions and over 50% attending for the first time.

Locations like Las Vegas, Chicago, and Orlando are popular venues, offering a range of accommodation areas to cater to the diverse needs of attendees. Event planners can enhance the experience with LED light shows and other cutting-edge entertainment options.

Attendees often come from far away, with approximately 56% willing to travel over 400 miles to engage with new products and services. The U.S. meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions market is expected to grow due to the increasing young population with substantial disposable income, driving the demand for lifestyle shows and entertainment events.

Attendee Profile

As the media and entertainment industry’s premier trade show draws professionals from across the globe, you’ll find yourself among 24,086 attendees representing over 160 countries. Your fellow attendees are primarily decision-makers, with 82% having purchasing authority and 92% actively seeking new products and services. Many industry professionals attend to develop their accelerated path in creative pursuits through expert connections and guidance.

Leading companies like Amazon Studios and Disney are among the key participants, shaping the future of streaming and content creation.

You’ll be networking with professionals across these key segments:

1. 69% buyers seeking innovative solutions
2. 27% exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge products
3. 24% international delegates bringing global perspectives
4. 34% highly satisfied returning attendees

Whether you’re in broadcasting, digital media, or content creation, you’ll connect with industry leaders who share your passion for media innovation.

Location Details

Leading media and entertainment trade shows in 2025 will span five major global hubs, with events scheduled from February through July. The calendar kicks off at Barcelona’s Fira Gran Via with ISE 2025, followed by NAB Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

London’s Olympia will host MPTS, while Seoul’s COEX welcomes KOBA shortly after. The series concludes in Sydney with METexpo.

Each venue offers state-of-the-art facilities designed to showcase the latest in broadcasting, production, and AV technology. These strategic locations guarantee easy access for industry professionals across Europe, Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Australasia regions.

Accommodation Areas

While planning your attendance at media and entertainment trade shows, you’ll find extensive accommodation options across Las Vegas’s premier venues. The Mandalay Bay offers beachfront relaxation and a unique shark aquarium, while The Venetian boasts multiple halls and ballrooms.

The Wynn features luxury amenities with floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces. For downtown convenience, choose the Las Vegas Marriott with its LEED-certified facilities. The Mirage Convention Center provides state-of-the-art technology with fiber optics and LED lighting. Each venue sits close to the Strip, ensuring easy access to entertainment and dining options.

Event Types

At media and entertainment trade shows, you’ll encounter three primary event formats: exhibition activities showcasing the latest industry innovations, networking functions designed for professional relationship-building, and social events that mingle business with entertainment.

Exhibition activities let you explore product demonstrations and interact with vendors, while networking functions connect you directly with industry peers through structured meetups and casual conversations.

Social events round out the experience with performances, parties, and receptions that create natural opportunities for building lasting business relationships. Many trade shows enhance these social gatherings with tech entertainment acts including robot performers, technology magicians, and interactive illusions.

Exhibition Activities

Media and entertainment trade shows offer numerous exhibition activities tailored to captivate and engage attendees. You’ll find immersive experiences designed to showcase the latest innovations in broadcasting, production, and digital technology.

Interactive demonstrations featuring cutting-edge XR technology, virtual production tools, and AI-enhanced workflows

Walk-in 360° booths equipped with selfie robots and AR visuals for memorable photo opportunities

Live entertainment with brandable performances by magicians, digital caricaturists, and programmable robots

Technical showcases highlighting 8K resolution displays, 5G applications, and immersive audio systems

These activities create dynamic environments where you can experience tomorrow’s media technology firsthand.

Networking Functions

Successful trade show networking extends far beyond casual conversations, encompassing a diverse range of structured functions designed to foster meaningful industry connections. You’ll find exclusive breakfast events where industry leaders share invaluable insights, while AI and technology seminars at MPTS offer cutting-edge knowledge exchange opportunities.

The exhibition floor transforms into a dynamic networking space, with over 12,000 attendees exploring innovative solutions and forming strategic partnerships.

Don’t miss out on pitching sessions where you can present your projects to investors and production companies. These structured networking functions at events like Broadcast India Show 2025 and InterBEE 2025 create perfect environments for building lasting professional relationships.

Social Events

Trade shows come alive with an array of dynamic social events that combine entertainment, education, and networking opportunities. You’ll find bustling exhibition floors at major events like NAB Show, MPTS, and IBC, where you can experience product launches and live demonstrations. These venues transform into entertainment hubs featuring industry professionals’ performances, particularly at shows like NAMM.

From AI Tech Zones to virtual production workshops, you’ll discover interactive spaces designed for both learning and socializing. The exhibition areas serve as perfect settings for informal networking while exploring the latest technologies in broadcasting, audiovisual equipment, and media innovations.

Entertainment Solutions

You’re tasked with creating alluring booths, evening events, and matching entertainment to your brand’s message at media and entertainment trade shows. To grab attendees’ attention, you need to explore innovative entertainment solutions that engage, educate, and leave a lasting impression. From Light Angels and Ballerinas to digital illusionists performing across global venues, modern entertainment options can transform your trade show presence into an unforgettable experience.

Booth Entertainment

While creating an engaging trade show presence requires careful planning, the right entertainment solutions can transform your booth into a magnetic hub of activity. Integrate strategic elements that captivate attendees and create memorable experiences.

Deploy interactive displays like AR product demos, touch-sensitive panels, and VR experiences to showcase your offerings

Feature branded entertainment with multilingual hosts, digital caricaturists, and walkabout robots

Implement gamification through VR competitions, social media walls, and prize-driven challenges

Design comfortable lounge spaces with charging stations and video walls to encourage longer visitor engagement

Enhance these elements with themed environments and professional hosts to maximize your booth’s impact.

Evening Events

Evening events at media and entertainment trade shows present unique opportunities to forge lasting business connections while delivering memorable experiences. To maximize impact, consider booking diverse entertainment options through established agencies like CEA, which can provide everything from live musical performances to interactive technology displays.

You’ll want to align your entertainment choices with your event’s objectives, whether it’s networking, product launches, or awards ceremonies. With 75% of attendees having purchasing influence, these evening functions are pivotal touchpoints.

Consider incorporating LED performances, digital artists, or celebrity hosts to create an engaging atmosphere that reflects the industry’s innovative spirit while facilitating meaningful business relationships.

Entertainment Matches

Selecting the right entertainment for your trade show booth requires careful consideration of both your audience demographics and business objectives. With 92% of attendees seeking new experiences and 46% being senior management, you’ll need entertainment that’s both engaging and professional.

Consider CEA’s diverse portfolio of acts that can drive traffic and generate leads. From interactive robots and digital artists to cultural performers and specialty acts, you can create immersive experiences that convert your booth into a must-visit destination. Remember to align your entertainment choice with your brand message and target audience to maximize your ROI and boost those face-to-face networking opportunities.

Global Entertainment Booking Services

As global entertainment demands continue to evolve, CEA’s international booking services connect clients with world-class performers across continents. You’ll find our 30-year industry expertise reflected in our rapid response times and ability to navigate the $458.7 billion global market.

With offices in Las Vegas and London, we’re strategically positioned to serve your entertainment needs, whether you’re planning virtual experiences or live shows. Our network spans traditional performers to cutting-edge digital artists, offering solutions for every event type. We’ll handle everything from technical production to custom costumes, ensuring seamless delivery across international boundaries.

Our talented team of global talent scouts continuously searches for unusual and unique acts to expand our vast database of world-class entertainers.

Final thoughts

You’ll find success at your next media and entertainment trade show by carefully selecting entertainment that aligns with your brand message and engages your target audience. Don’t hesitate to work with professional booking services to secure top talent and manage logistics. With the right mix of interactive elements, technology, and live performances, you’ll create an unforgettable booth experience that drives meaningful connections and delivers measurable ROI.