CHICAGO — MINExpo INTERNATIONAL® was one of the most-awarded shows at the 2025 Trade Show Executive (TSE) Fastest 50 Awards & Summit, picking up three Grand Awards: The Fastest-Growing Non-Annual Show by Percentage of Growth in Exhibitors and Attendance in 2024; The Fastest-Growing Non-Annual Show in Sheer Numbers in Net Square Feet, Exhibitors and Attendance in 2024; and The Fastest-Growing Non-Annual Show by Blended Growth in 2024.
TSE’s Young Professionals Corner spoke with Katie Coon, the National Mining Association’s (NMA) Vice President of Meetings and Member Relations, about the show’s growth and her advice for events industry up-and-comers.
ANDREW: Could you walk through the history of this show and how it has changed?
KATIE: MINExpo INTERNATIONAL® is the world’s largest mining show and has been held every four years — with the exception of the 2020 show, which was postponed to 2021 due to COVID — at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) since 1996.
Our most recent show welcomed 45,000 attendees and more than 2,000 exhibitors from 148 countries who came to see more than 850,000 square feet of exhibits.
At our most recent show, we rebranded to give the show a fresh, new look and focused on the theme “IF IT’S MINING, IT LIVES HERE.”
To compliment that new branding and fresh focus, we featured a star-studded speakers series including leaders from outside of the mining industry who shared their unique perspectives, experiences and secrets for success.
ANDREW: How has the show changed through the years?
KATIE: Our industry is all about innovation and the show has mirrored that constant drive for continuous improvement that is an integral part of mining.
Each MINExpo, we hope that our exhibitors and attendees feel that their experience is even more valuable than the prior show, with enhanced opportunities to network, experience the technologies on display and hear new perspectives from outside speakers.
ANDREW: MINExpo INTERNATIONAL® won big at this year’s TSE Fastest 50 Awards & Summit. What do you think has driven its recent success?
KATIE: I think part of the show’s success has been the overall success story of the industry. Never before has there been a time in mining’s history that has been more significant than this moment right now.
Mining is driving so many discussions that are dominating the news — from energy security and national security to supply chains and manufacturing and infrastructure, it all comes back to mining and the products of mining.
As the industry’s importance increases, so does the importance of its biggest show.
ANDREW: What did you learn from the most recent edition of MINExpo INTERNATIONAL®?
KATIE: At our most recent show, the big takeaway was to never fear being bold or drawing outside of the lines.
We had bold new branding that, for the first time, really brought the NMA’s role to the forefront and we engaged speakers who have nothing to do with the mining industry — and it worked. Expect to see more bold moves in the future.
Related. Collaboration and a Committed Membership: Inside MODEX with Daniel McKinnon
ANDREW: What challenges has the show run into, and how have they been circumvented and/or avoided?
KATIE: The biggest challenge the show has encountered to date was COVID. Because of the sheer size of the equipment that is displayed, our exhibitors are on-site months in advance to assemble pieces for display and invest millions in shipping and assembly costs.
The go-no-go decision was a huge one. Then, when we decided to proceed with our 2021 show, we were the first major show to return to the LVCC, so it was imperative that we kept people safe.
We brought in testing and vaccine stations and a wide range of protocols and it ended up being a fantastic experience for all.
ANDREW: How do you think the events industry is changing?
KATIE: COVID’s remote work environment really changed expectations around the use of technologies and the value of in-person experience.
Without a doubt, virtual and hybrid events are here to stay, and last year we launched NMA TV, a live streaming platform to give those unable to attend a way to experience the excitement from the show.
Events professionals really need to think about smart ways to incorporate a digital attendee experience. At the same time, with a big equipment show like ours where major deals are made, there is no substitute to in-person … It really is more about how technology can enhance rather than replace.
ANDREW: What other advice would you give to young events professionals?
KATIE: For events professionals, I would encourage them to get out and see as many shows as they can.
There are so many different industries but, more often than not, good show ideas can be utilized across vastly different sectors.
To get more articles like this, sign up for TSE’s free Young Professionals Newsletter.
