Corporate event
Published on
December 5, 2025

Top 12 Tradeshow Management Companies for 2026

In the trade show floor, every second counts and every detail matters. In what seems like controlled chaos, behind the scenes, the best event management companies handle all the details unseen by most. Thousands of attendees move past hundreds of booths, so you can imagine the amount of logistics,  permit paperwork, and late-night troubleshooting it takes to design a memorable trade show.

According to Statista, the U.S. B2B trade show market reached $15.78 billion in 2024, finally surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Industry forecasts project growth to $17.3 billion by 2028, reflecting a strong momentum in the sector.

With that much at stake, choosing the right trade show management company goes beyond logistics: it's about turning your booth into a branded selling environment that leads to business.

In this TeamOut guide, you'll access the 12 top tradeshow management companies. From regional expos to international shows, and intimate events to large corporate conferences, you'll find what each partner has to offer your next event. Stay tunned!

In This Article
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Quick Reference: Top 12 Tradeshow Management Companies

Rank Company Headquarters Key Specialization Best For
1 TeamOut San Francisco, CA Corporate retreats & offsite planning Team-building events
2 Freeman Dallas, TX Large-scale exhibitions Major convention center events
3 GES Las Vegas, NV Global trade shows International exhibitions
4 Hargrove Lanham, MD High-profile events Complex, prestigious shows
5 Derse Milwaukee, WI Custom exhibits Brand storytelling
6 Alliance Exposition Washington, D.C. Hotel venues Conference-style expos
7 Jack Morton Worldwide Boston, MA Brand experiences Experiential marketing
8 MCI Group Geneva, Switzerland Association events Conference management
9 Impact XM Schaumburg, IL Consumer trade shows Full-service production
10 George P. Johnson Auburn Hills, MI Automotive industry B2B exhibitions
11 GMR Marketing New Berlin, WI Sports events Experiential activations
12 BCD Meetings & Events Global Hybrid events

1. TeamOut

Headquarters: Santa Monica, California

Key Specialization: Corporate retreats

Best For: Team-building events, small to large corporate retreats

Notable Clients/Projects: Annual retreats for companies like Open AI, Accenture, and Netflix

While most event management companies focus on trade show floor logistics, TeamOut takes a different path. We specialize in the events that happen around the trade show: the sales kickoffs that energize your booth staff, the board meetings where deals get closed, and the team off-sites where you strengthen company culture and get your next product launch refined.

After hosting 1,500+ corporate retreats and team-building events we learned that the connections your team builds off the trade show floor often matter more than what happens on it. A sales team that spent three days problem-solving together at an off-site performs differently than one that just showed up to work the booth.

Instagram: @teamoutcom
LinkedIn: TeamOut (YC W22)

What Clients Does TeamOut Work With?

Technology companies, SaaS businesses, manufacturing firms, and growing organizations that understand face-to-face time builds stronger teams. Our clients include companies like L'Oréal, Open AI, Airbnb, Reddit, PwC, Netflix, and Strava.

What Services Does TeamOut Offer?

  • Venue sourcing from 4,000+ vetted locations worldwide
  • Full-service retreat planning and logistics
  • Team-building program design
  • Transportation and travel coordination
  • Budget management and expense tracking
  • On-site support and execution
  • Activity planning and vendor coordination
  • Post-event reconciliation and reporting

Who is TeamOut Best For?

TeamOut is the ideal event management company and partner for organizations where trade shows and corporate event success depends on team alignment and fantastic execution.

If you're about to gather your sales team for an important industry conference or interested in designing client-focused experiences around the expo floor, TeamOut handles the logistics and event planning details.

With TeamOut, you can count on:

  • Transparent pricing
  • 24-hour quotes
  • An average discount of 10-30% on accommodations
  • Going from search to contract
in as little as 5 days
  • Finding venues
2.4X faster than traditional methods
  • A 95% of satisfaction rate that makes event planning stress-free (and efficient!)

2. Freeman

Headquarters: Dallas, Texas

Key Specialization: Large-scale exhibits

Best For: Large trade shows, global expos, event production

Notable Clients/Projects: CES (Consumer Electronics Show), National Restaurant Association Show, the NAB Show (National Association of Broadcasters), and Microsoft events.

Freeman has been in the game for nearly 100 years, and you can feel that experience the moment you work with them. They've handled everything from 200-person expos to massive shows with thousands of exhibitors spread across spaces the size of 11 football fields.

Take the National Restaurant Association Show, for instance. Freeman supported over 2,300 exhibitors in a space that covered 11 football fields, managing challenges like refrigeration, running water, and exhibitor placement. These details can make or break a food service expo.

Instagram: @freemancompany
LinkedIn: Freeman Company

What Clients Does Freeman Work With?

Freeman partners with major brands across industries: the National Restaurant Association, technology companies, healthcare organizations, and Fortune 500 corporations planning product launches and sales meetings.

What Services Does Freeman Offer?

  • Full-service expo management and transportation
  • Exhibitor booth rentals and custom builds
  • Installation and dismantling services
  • Electrical setups and hanging signage
  • Material handling and general installations
  • Exhibitor education and support
  • Freight coordination and logistics
  • On-site customer support teams

Who is Freeman Best For?

Freeman is excellent for expos ranging from a few hundred exhibitors to thousands, making them the go-to choice for large convention center events. If you're planning a major industry show that needs every detail handled on a professional level, Freeman's century of experience shows in their execution.

3. GES (Global Experience Specialists)

Headquarters: Las Vegas, Nevada (with global operations)

Key Specialization: Global events

Best For: Large-scale expos, international exhibitions

Notable Clients/Projects: CES, Comic-Con International, NAB, World of Concrete.

GES operates with a combination of creativity and logistics as a top event management company with global reach. They deliver tailored solutions for trade show services of every size, leveraging local teams across the U.S., Canada, Europe, India, and the Middle East. Their strategic approach shines in managing complex international exhibitions, where they apply their expertise in regional regulations and cultural nuances.

Instagram: @gesexperiences
LinkedIn: GES

What Clients Does GES Work With?

GES serves organizers, agencies, and exhibitors from Fortune 500 companies to associations and government agencies planning everything from medical symposiums to technology exhibitions.

What Services Does GES Offer?

  • Exhibition strategy and event logistics
  • Trade show design and creative development
  • Material handling and on-site management
  • Exhibitor services and support
  • Audio-visual and technical production
  • Registration and housing services
  • Show management tools and platforms
  • Sustainable event solutions

Who is GES Best For?

GES is ideal for event planners managing trade shows with an international presence or those who need exhibitor services in more than one locations. Their global network makes them strong for companies exhibiting at major venues like the Las Vegas Convention Center, Phoenix Convention Center, or international exhibition halls across Europe and Asia.

4. Hargrove

Headquarters: Lanham, Maryland

Key Specialization: Exhibit fabrication

Best For: Custom exhibits, large exhibits, event production

Notable Clients/Projects: Microsoft, Samsung, Honda, Verizon.

Hargrove brings headline-making event management experience, having produced every U.S. Presidential Inauguration since Truman, alongside global summits and brand activations. Now part of the Encore family, this powerhouse executes 1,300 trade shows and custom exhibits annually from their expansive 365,000-square-foot facility.

Their comprehensive services and attention to all the details place them among the best event management companies in the industry.

Instagram: @hargrove_inc
LinkedIn: Hargrove, LLC

What Clients Does Hargrove Work With?

Fortune 500 corporations, national associations, government agencies, technology companies, and brands that need events with significant visual impact and cultural importance.

What Services Does Hargrove Offer?

  • Event production and management
  • Trade show and conference services
  • Custom exhibit design and fabrication
  • Experiential marketing activations
  • Creative design and strategy
  • Material handling and logistics
  • On-site installation and support
  • Virtual and hybrid event solutions
  • Labor management and show services

Who is Hargrove Best For?

Hargrove excels with high-profile events where failure isn't an option. If you're planning a trade show that needs to make a statement, or you're managing an exhibition with tight security requirements, challenging logistics, or plenty of media attention, Hargrove's track record with presidential inaugurations and global summits speaks to their ability to execute under pressure.

5. Derse

Headquarters: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Key Specialization: Strategic experiential marketing

Best For: Corporate events, branded experiences, trade shows

Notable Clients/Projects: Johnson & Johnson, American Express, Hewlett-Packard.

Founded in 1948, Derse has evolved from a sign-painting business into a leading corporate event planning company, serving 500+ clients across 60+ countries.

What sets Derse apart is their strategy. Tey begin by understanding your event goals and extend to helping maximize ROI post-show, even questioning the value of attendance when warranted.

Instagram: @derseinc
LinkedIn: Derse

What Clients Does Derse Work With?

Lesaffre Yeast Corp., Samsung, Phillips 66, ABB, medical device manufacturers, food and beverage brands, and technology companies across various industries.

What Services Does Derse Offer?

  • Custom trade show exhibit design and construction
  • Rental exhibit solutions
  • Event planning and execution
  • Brand experience strategy
  • Marketing environments and permanent installations
  • Virtual and hybrid event experiences
  • Exhibit storage and management
  • Pre-show strategy and post-show analysis

Who is Derse Best For?

Derse is the answer for companies that view their trade show presence as part of a larger brand story. With visits to booths averaging just 90 seconds, Derse designs exhibits consider architecture and experiential elements, like smells, sounds, and everything that contributes to a better experience.

If you want a partner who challenges your trade show strategy and helps you think beyond the booth, Derse delivers.

6. Alliance Exposition

Headquarters: Washington, D.C. (with UK operations)

Key Specialization: Hotel shows

Best For: Hotel venue trade shows, regional exhibitions

Notable Clients/Projects: National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) events, MaximoWorld, Twin Peaks Idea Exchange.

Alliance Exposition is a niche leader that specializes in hotel-based exhibitions. With 400+ employees covering 1,000+ hotel venues across the U.S., they deliver thorough trade show services that transform hotel spaces into expo environments. As a trusted management company, Alliance bridges the gap between comfort and convention-center-style logistics.

Instagram: @allianceexpo
LinkedIn: Alliance Exposition

What Clients Does Alliance Exposition Work With?

FleetPride, ACE Summit, COExperience, MSBE Cyber Systems Symposium, Financial Managers Society, and associations that prefer hotel settings for their conferences and trade shows.

What Services does Alliance Exposition Offer?

  • Floor planning and design for hotel venues
  • Show production and planning
  • On-site support and shipping coordination
  • Exhibitor management and communication
  • Exhibitor furniture rental
  • Material handling services
  • Hotel venue coordination
  • Electrical and technical setup

Who is Alliance Exposition Best For?

Alliance is the go-to trade show management company for businesses looking to host expos at hotels. If you're planning a conference with an exhibition section in a hotel setting, or your association prefers the intimacy of hotel venues over big convention centers, Alliance brings practical knowledge that makes hotel-based trade shows run smoothly.

7. Jack Morton Worldwide

Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts

Key Specialization: Experiential marketing

Best For: Corporate brand activations, large corporate events

Notable Clients/Projects: Microsoft, Samsung, Google, Amway.

Jack Morton Worldwide is a leading experiential marketing agency, recognized for designing unforgettable experience brands beyond traditional trade show displays. Their services span event marketing, broadcast design, employee experiences, and digital engagements.

Clients seek Jack Morton when they want more than a booth: they want immersive moments that resonate long after the event.

Instagram: @jackmortonglobal
LinkedIn: Jack Morton Worldwide

What Clients Does Jack Morton Worldwide Work With?

Global brands including Hilton, Google, McDonald's, pharmaceutical companies, technology firms, sports organizations, and luxury goods brands.

What Srvices Does Jack Morton Worldwide Offer?

  • Brand strategy services
  • Experience innovation
  • Event marketing and production
  • Trade show displays and experiences
  • Broadcast design
  • Employee experience programs
  • Digital experiences and content
  • Sponsorship activation
  • Experiential campaigns

Who is Jack Morton Worldwide Best For?

Jack Morton excels when your trade show presence needs to be part of a bigger brand story. If you're launching a product that requires immersive storytelling, managing a multi-city tour, or creating hybrid events, Jack Morton brings creativity that turns exhibits into brand experiences people talk about.

8. MCI Group

Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland (with global operations including U.S. offices)

Key Specialization: Corporate event planning

Best For: Global corporate events, conferences, large congresses

Notable Clients/Projects: World Economic Forum, United Nations programs, various multinational corporations.

MCI Group unites multiple specialized agencies and offers global reach and strategy for corporate events where content and community are key.

Their expertise spans association events, conferences, and trade shows, while ensuring every detail is accounted for. MCI provides the support expected from top event management companies.

Instagram: @mcigroupofficial
LinkedIn: MCI Group

What Clients Does MCI Group Work With?

National associations like the National Association of REALTORS®, pharmaceutical companies, technology firms, professional organizations, and non-profits hosting conventions, trade shows, and conferences.

What Services Does MCI Group Offer:

  • Event strategy and planning
  • Conference and convention management
  • Trade show and exhibition services
  • Association management support
  • Hybrid and virtual event production
  • Registration and housing services
  • Sponsorship and exhibit sales
  • Marketing and communications
  • On-site management and execution

Who is MCI Group Best For?

MCI Group is the answer for associations and organizations where events serve a dual purpose: business development and community building. MCI drives measurable ROI for clients through omnichannel advertising and audience targeting. If your trade show or conference is about advancing an industry or profession, MCI understands that dynamic.

9. Impact XM

Headquarters: Schaumburg, Illinois

Key Specialization: Full-service event management

Best For: Corporate events, end-to-end event planning

Notable Clients/Projects: American Express, Titleist, and BMW.

With over 50 years of experience, Impact XM provides a one-stop solution for trade show services. It combines creative directors, carpenters, and all necessary disciplines within one team.

Their management company brings broad expertise that supports clients worldwide through every phase, from ideation to on-site execution, including digital engagements.

Instagram: @impactxm
LinkedIn: Impact XM

What Clients Does Impact XM Work With?

Consumer brands, B2B technology companies, healthcare organizations, and companies across industries that need full-service event production from concept to breakdown.

What Services Does Impact XM Offer?

  • Trade show exhibit design and fabrication
  • Event ideation and creative development
  • Full event production and management
  • Consumer trade show experiences
  • Digital event solutions
  • Brand activation campaigns
  • Material handling and logistics
  • On-site installation and support

Who is Impact XM Best For?

Impact XM is perfect for companies that want a true partner throughout the entire event lifecycle. From the first brainstorming session about what your booth should communicate to the final breakdown after the show closes, they handle every phase.

If you value having a single team that knows your brand deeply rather than coordinating between multiple vendors, Impact XM's integrated approach makes sense.

10. George P. Johnson Experience Marketing

Headquarters: Auburn Hills, Michigan

Key Specialization: Experience marketing

Best For: Large corporate events, global brand experiences

Notable Clients/Projects: IBM, Cisco, Canon, Intel.

GPJ’s roots in the automotive industry reflect their high standards in event management. As global leaders in experiential and corporate events, they provide thorough services with local expertise across multiple continents.

GPJ’s pioneering work in hybrid events makes them a go-to management company for businesses that combine in-person and virtual event planning.

Instagram: @gpjexperience
LinkedIn: George P. Johnson

What Clients Does George P. Johnson Work With?

Automotive manufacturers, technology companies, healthcare organizations, and global brands that need high-production-value events across multiple markets.

What Services Does George P. Johnson Offer?

  • Event strategy and consulting
  • Experiential marketing campaigns
  • Trade show exhibit design and production
  • Hybrid and virtual event solutions
  • Event production and management
  • Logistics coordination and shipping
  • Warehousing and storage
  • Setup and breakdown services
  • Global event program management

Who is George P. Johnson Best For?

George P. Johnson is the best choice for large brands seeking a seasoned production company that provides comprehensive logistics services. Their experience with automotive launches translates well to any industry where precision timing, excellent execution, and multi-location coordination are important. If you're managing a product reveal or need to coordinate several events at the same time across different time zones, GPJ has the infrastructure.

11. GMR Marketing

Headquarters: New Berlin, Wisconsin

Key Specialization: Consumer engagement

Best For: Promotional events, brand activations, retail events

Notable Clients/Projects: Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Sprint, Target.

GMR is an innovative leader in experiential marketing, putting together brands and culture to create standout consumer engagements worldwide. Since 1979, they have been designing experiences that span sports, music, and lifestyle events with solutions that resonate deeply with target audiences.

Instagram: @gmrmarketing
LinkedIn: GMR Marketing

What Clients Does GMR Marketing Work With?

Nissan, NFL, Hershey Company, Microsoft, Xfinity, FIFA, and brands that activate through sports, entertainment, and cultural moments rather than traditional trade show booths.

What Services Does GMR Marketing Offer?

  • Experiential marketing strategy
  • Sports and entertainment sponsorship activation
  • Trade shows and conferences
  • Brand activations and experiences
  • Event production and logistics
  • Hospitality marketing
  • Content production and amplification
  • Staffing and field management
  • Custom fabrication and consulting

Who is GMR Marketing Best For?

GMR Marketing excels when your trade show presence is part of a larger experiential campaign. They developed the GMR Brand Experience Index to crack the code for predicting brand experience ROI. If you're exhibiting at events like CES or industry conferences where memorable moments matter more than product displays, GMR brings creativity backed up by data-driven strategy.

12. BCD Meetings & Events

Headquarters: Global operations with offices worldwide

Key Specialization: Meetings & events

Best For: Corporate meetings, conferences, incentive travel

Notable Clients/Projects: Microsoft, BMW, Johnson & Johnson, and Pfizer.

BCD Meetings & Events provides event management services across digital, in-person, and hybrid formats. Leveraging the global reach of BCD Travel, their corporate event planning companies bring event planning and on-site management that ensures flawless execution across industries and geographies.

Instagram: @bcdme
LinkedIn: BCD Meetings & Events

What Clients Does BCD Meetings & Events Work With?

Multinational corporations, technology companies, pharmaceutical firms, and organizations that host corporate events, conferences, trade shows, incentive programs, and global meetings.

What Services Does BCD Meetings & Events Offer?

  • Strategic meeting management programs
  • Event planning and execution
  • Trade show and conference management
  • Venue sourcing and contracting
  • Hybrid and virtual event production
  • Registration and attendee management
  • On-site support and coordination
  • Event marketing and communications
  • Budget management and reporting

Who is BCD Meetings & Events Best For?

BCD M&E is ideal for companies managing complex event programs in multiple locations and formats. If you need a partner who can handle your trade show presence in San Diego, your sales meeting in Singapore, and your virtual product launch, all at once, BCD's global infrastructure supports that scale.

How to Choose the Right Trade Show Management Company

Choosing the best trade show management company means matching their strengths to your needs. Focus on these factors:

  • Industry experience matters. The best event management companies understand different sectors: healthcare and technology, for example, or how to organize large conferences. Don’t settle for general event companies; pick one familiar with your target audiences and event type.
  • Geographic reach impacts execution. Managing events across regions or countries requires professional service networks like GES, which ensure consistent quality for your next event. Local specialists excel in their markets but may lack broad event services for complex tours.
  • Service scope and capabilities must align. Be clear if you need full-service event planning, from production services to staffing, or help with certain elements. Trusted partners like Impact XM provide throughout support, covering all the details for memorable events.
  • Budget is about value, not just price. Low bids might exclude on-site support or quick troubleshooting, costing more later. Understand what’s included and expect a strategy that protects your investment in corporate events.
  • Past client insights reveal real performance. Look beyond portfolios and ask for references to evaluate how the company navigates challenges. The best companies help decide if attending a show is the right move, acting as a partner instead of just an event vendor.
  • Innovation drives success. With digital engagements and hybrid formats booming, leading experiential marketing agencies provide data analytics and tech solutions to maximize event impact.

Take your time choosing a tradeshow management company. you must find a trusted partner who manages events like an extension of your team. They must deliver event services that align with your goals and leave a positive mark.

Ready to Plan Your Next Event?

It doesn't matter if you're exhibiting at your first regional trade show or managing an international event program: the right partner makes all the difference. The companies on this list represent the best in the industry, each bringing their own expertise to help your brand stand out on the trade show floor.

However, remember this: trade show success starts before the booth goes up. If you're planning the sales kickoff that energizes your team, the customer appreciation event that deepens relationships, or the company offsite where your next big idea takes shape, TeamOut is a top choice to handle all of it, from A to Z.

We have a track record of organizing over 1,500 corporate retreats and events. With access to 4,000+ vetted venues worldwide, transparent pricing, and 95% client retention, we make event planning straightforward so you can focus on building the relationships with your team that drive your business forward. Book a free call with TeamOut today and take the first step towards the event your company deserves.

FAQs

What is a trade show management company?

A trade show management company handles all the details involved in planning, logistics, booth design and fabrication, installation, and on-site support for exhibitions and live events. These companies ensure a smooth experience by coordinating with venues, vendors, and exhibitors.

What services do trade show management companies offer?

Top event management companies provide comprehensive event services including booth construction, logistics coordination, exhibitor support, electrical and technical setups, staffing, marketing assistance, lead capture systems, and post-show analysis. Full service event planning companies also deliver creative solutions for both in-person and hybrid events.

How do I choose the right trade show management company?

Select a management company with strong industry experience relevant to your sector and geographic reach aligned with your event locations. Ensure their event services cover what you need, from production services to digital engagements, especially for hybrid or virtual events. Ask for references and case studies from similar corporate events to verify their track record.

How much do trade show management services cost?

Costs vary widely depending on booth size, design complexity, required services, and location. Small booth setups typically start around $10,000, while full service event budgets for large custom exhibits with extensive services can exceed $100,000. Budget estimates usually represent a significant portion of marketing spend and should include detailed quotes tailored to your next event.

What's the difference between event managers and trade show management companies?

Event managers tend to handle broader event planning across corporate events, intimate gatherings, conferences, and social events. Trade show management companies specialize in exhibitions, with expertise in booth design, expo logistics, event ideation, and production services. They have established relationships with venues and service contractors specific to trade shows.

How far in advance should I book a trade show management company?

Book 6-12 months ahead for most events to secure better venue locations, design options, and strategic planning time. Larger international exhibitions or custom builds may require 12-18 months' lead time. Experienced companies can still operate on shorter timelines but with fewer options and potentially higher costs.

About the author
Thomas Mazimann
Update on
5/12/2025
Thomas Mazimann, a French entrepreneur and former international kayaking athlete, transitioned from sports to tech after moving to the U.S. He co-founded TeamOut, revolutionizing team gatherings.

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