CHICAGO — Trade Show Executive (TSE) announced its Fastest 50 and Next 50 Classes of 2025. The shows on the Fastest 50 and Next 50 lists represent the events that experienced the highest levels of growth in 2025 compared to their last in-person edition.
While the final rankings have not yet been revealed, the Fastest 50 represents the shows that ranked No. 1-50 in the categories of growth by net square feet of exhibit space, number of exhibitors and number of attendees. The Next 50 represents those shows that were just on their heels, ranking in at No. 51-100 in the same three categories.
Each recognized show qualifies for one waived registration to the upcoming TSE Fastest 50 Awards & Summit, taking place April 22-24 in Baltimore at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor and Baltimore Convention Center.
You can view the full list of Fastest 50 and Next 50 honorees here.
Growth Rates Slowed Overall in 2025, but Fastest 50 Shows Stand as Exceptions
Throughout 2025, according to TSE Dashboard reports, growth rates in traditional metrics including net square footage, number of exhibitors, attendance and professional attendance saw declines in growth compared to their 2024 counterparts for all shows tracked by TSE.
Yet, a number of shows continued on trajectories of growth in one or more of these categories — standing out in a year that saw low growth rates across the board. This year 108 shows made it onto the Fastest 50 rankings, and 121 shows make up the Next 50 list.
Fastest 50 Stats
The Fastest 50 shows clocked in with averages of 122,034 nsf, 453 exhibiting companies and 9,251 attendees. The group overall notched 19% growth in nsf, 21.6% in the number of exhibitors and 17.8% growth in total attendance when looking YOY and excluding shows without consecutive two-year comparisons.
For the Class of 2025, 35 shows ranked on more than one of the Fastest 50 lists, and seven shows ranked on all three lists. Those seven shows were:
- Ai4
- Data Center World
- h+h Americas
- Manifest
- MAU Vegas
- National Catholic Educational Association Convention & Expo
- NRB International Christian Media Convention
Next 50 Stats
The Next 50 Class of 2025 shows came in totaling more than 23 million nsf, more than 67,000 exhibitors and 1.6 million attendees. Fifty-one percent of the shows were managed by associations, societies or other not-for-profits, while 59 (or 49%) were managed by independent organizers.
When looking at growth rates, the Next 50 reported a 7.5% growth in nsf, 7.4% growth in the number of exhibitors and 5.8% growth in total attendance. Just under half (47%) of Next 50 shows reported 2025 as their largest edition to date, and 36 of the shows were also on TSE’s Gold 100 Class of 2024, or for the year their show was last held.
Awards at the Fastest 50
The Fastest 50 honorees will receive their recognition plaques during the Gala Awards Cocktail Reception, while Next 50 honorees earn framed certificates. Show organizers will be invited to walk the red carpet and take photos with their recognitions.
During the Awards Gala Dinner, the Fastest 50 Grand Award winners will be revealed. These awards are based entirely on show data, and will recognize the fastest-growing shows across different recorded metrics and within their industry sectors.
Related. Trade Show Executive Trailblazers Nominations Open for 2026
The TSE Trailblazers will also be recognized during the Awards Gala Dinner, earning their crystal trophies and time in the spotlight for their innovative contributions to their teams. Nominations for the TSE Trailblazers program are open until March 9. Find the criteria and nomination form for this prestigious program here.
Registration is Now Open!
Registration for the TSE Fastest 50 Awards & Summit is now open. You can find registration and more event information here.
If you have any questions about TSE’s Fastest 50, please reach out to the team at fastest50@tradeshowexecutive.com.
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