Top Summer 2022 Experiential Events: Trade Shows and More
Summer is just right around the corner. As we draw nearer to the leisure season, we will see a vast influx of event-goers looking to immerse themselves in the latest experiences that experiential event marketers offer. From immersive tech events to comic conventions, there is a door of endless opportunities for brands to set themselves apart in the heavily saturated space of possibilities. This year started with a bang, as we witnessed some of the most popular events make a victorious return after we faced a drought in live events the last couple of years. Whether you are looking to find networking opportunities, learn about industry trends, connect with consumers, or indulge. This summer consists of a conference or event, essential for anyone looking to experience the latest immersive experiences.
In every industry, the issue is that there is always a long list of numerous conferences, trade shows, and conventions to choose from. Most importantly, the difficulty of knowing which are a good fit for your time and resources. At last, we enter a post-pandemic era, as restrictions are lifted around the country and the rest of the world. However, most events have seen a change in dynamics and how they are now operating. As a result, you will see many iterations of various experiential events that include in-person, virtual, and hybrid conferences. Therefore, FGPG put together a list of the most significant events returning for you to review and prepare for in Summer 2022. We will cover various industries and sub-sectors and provide insight for events you may attend this summer based on goals, audience, location, and more.
List of Top Events For Summer 2022: May-August
May
The National Restaurant Association Show
May 21–24, 2022
When it comes to delicious cuisine, the only thing that matches its importance is a show revolving around the world of food. The National Restaurant Association show is a large convention for the food service industry and provides all the latest insight into growing within this area of expertise. As the largest annual gathering of food service pros in the Western Hemisphere, the Show collectively attracts the people, ideas, products, solutions, and info that make up the entire industry spectrum. It is the industry’s largest event, with a projected 60,000+ attendees planning on experiencing the popular food industry show.
NRA 2022 Annual Meetings & Exhibits
May 27-29, 2022
During Memorial Day Weekend, the NRA Annual Show at the George R. Brown Convention Center, May 27-29 in Houston, Texas, expects over 80,000 attendees and showcases over 14 acres of the latest firearms and gear from the most popular companies in the industry. From immersive entertainment to extraordinary events, one of the most significant events will be taking place this month.
June
June 3, – 5 2022
The NAMM Show is one of the largest events taking place in June. NAMM is known as the place where professionals and students from the music, sound, and live event industries gather to see the latest product launches, network while listening to amazing live music, and attend free professional education. Attendees gather in Southern California to grow in their profession while having an unforgettable weekend filled with concerts, celebrities, and like-minded friends.
Thousands of brands showcase their latest products and technologies across music, sound, and entertainment technology. The NAMM Show offers the opportunity to interact with the creators of these innovations and demo the products yourself. Some of the world’s most excellent musicians, engineers, producers, and lighting designers walk the show’s halls each year.
June 22 – 25, 2022
VidCon is where the world’s leading digital creators, platform innovators, and their fans assemble in one place. If you are a big consumer of video, or consider yourself a video connoisseur, VidCon is the place to experience all of that online craftsmanship and astonishment in real life. Creators, fans, and brands are all packed into one event as you navigate the event’s immersive exhibits. Fans make new friends, creators expand their reach, and groundbreaking industry exchanges happen here. Located in Anaheim, CA, VidCon is a destination for all who dwell in the community of digital creators.
One of the most anticipated brands that we all hope to see at this year’s show is Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout by Mediatonic & Epic Games. The online obstacle course game has recently announced it’s going free on June 21, launching on all major consoles and the Epic Game store. Keep an eye out to see if this exhibit makes it to VidCon 2022 for a chance to experience its brand activation.
July
July 21 – 24, 2022
For the first time since 2019, Comic-Con returns to the San Diego Convention Center. Over the years, Comic-Con has become the central point for the world of comics conventions. The event continues to offer the complete convention experience: an over the top exhibiting space featuring comics and all aspects of the popular arts, including hands-on workshops and educational and academic programming such as the Comics Arts Conference; anime and film screenings; a masquerade costume competition with prizes and trophies; and Portfolio Reviews, bringing together aspiring artists with major companies.
The event has seen a fantastic array of comics and book publishers in its show over the years. Comic-Con has continually presented comic books and comic art to a growing audience. That love of the comics medium continues to be the premier comic book and popular arts style convention globally.
July 25 – July 31, 2022
For seven days, the AirVenture Show consists of thrilling aerobatics displays, informative programs and hands-on workshops, diverse aircraft spanning all eras of flight, evening programs, and much more. This international community of more than 240,000 members nurtures the spirit of flying through a worldwide network of chapters, outreach programs, and other events.
The EAA members and aviation enthusiasts, totaling more than 500,000 from 80 countries, attend EAA AirVenture at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where they meet and celebrate the future in the world of flight.
August
August 8 – 10, 2022
Wrapping up the summer is the MAGIC Las Vegas show. A high-energy fashion experience and home to the largest selection of trendy, young contemporary, modern sportswear, footwear, and accessories brands. The show joins a global audience of retail consumers– from big-box to boutique – with influencers, media, and industry leaders. MAGIC Las Vegas is a deeply rooted community, and a place brands and retailers call home.
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FG|PG was founded nearly 21 years ago. Today we’re one of the largest woman-owned, WBENC Certified, live, hybrid and virtual experiential agencies in the US. That trajectory isn’t accidental. It’s the result of a commitment to continually evolve, to never stop learning, and to always listen to our clients’ needs.