Destination Spotlight: Best Cities for Exhibitions

If you’re tasked with planning an exhibition, you’ve got a million logistics to juggle: venue capacity, budget, booth layouts, AV, attendee experience, and of course, location. But not just any location — you need one that’s easy to access, loaded with infrastructure, and bursting with local flair.

As a corporate travel advisor who specializes in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) travel, I’ve scoped out cities across Western Europe, the Caribbean, and Mexico that are actually built to host exhibitions. Here are my top picks for destinations that deliver serious ROI for event planners and unforgettable experiences for attendees.

1. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is a MICE darling, and for good reason:

• ✈️ Direct flights from major global hubs
  
• 🏢 Fira Barcelona — one of Europe’s largest exhibition centers
  
• 🍽️ World-class cuisine and after-hours networking spots
  
• 🌟 Bonus: Gorgeous Mediterranean views

Perfect for: tech, fashion, mobile, and medical exhibitions with an international pull.

2. Cancun, Mexico

Cancun isn’t just for beach vacations:

• 🗼 High-end resorts with built-in convention centers
  
• ✈️ Direct flights from North America
  
• 💎 Attractive pricing for large groups
  
• 🏖️ Built-in post-event R&R

Perfect for: hospitality, tourism, health and wellness expos.

3. Frankfurt, Germany

Known as Europe’s business capital, Frankfurt is ideal for large-scale global exhibitions:

• 🚪 Messe Frankfurt — one of the world’s top exhibition venues
  
• 🌍 Central location with high-speed rail + air access
  
• 📅 Hotels, logistics, and dining are highly MICE-optimized
  
• 🪨 Ideal for finance, tech, engineering, and manufacturing expos

4. San Juan, Puerto Rico

For U.S.-based teams, San Juan delivers an international vibe without the passport hassle:

• 🛬 No passport required for U.S. travelers
  
• 🏛️ Puerto Rico Convention Center is modern and flexible
  
• 🌟 Fantastic local flavor, culture, and hospitality
  
• 🌴 Caribbean setting with access to beaches and excursions

Perfect for: education, government, and medical-related exhibitions.

5. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is having a serious moment:

• ✈️ Increasing nonstop airlift from the U.S. and Europe
  
• 🏢 Flexible, tech-forward venues like FIL and Altice Arena
  
• 📝 Safe, walkable, and easy to explore
  
• 🎶 Culture, food, and architecture that wow your guests

Perfect for: innovation, sustainability, fintech, and creative industries.

Honorable Mentions:

• Mexico City, Mexico — Big, bold, and great for major consumer-facing expos
  
• Nice, France — Ideal for smaller, luxury exhibitions with a coastal vibe
  
• Montego Bay, Jamaica — Caribbean resort conferences with exhibition components

What Makes a City Great for Exhibitions?

When helping clients decide on a destination, I look for:

• ✈️ Easy access via major air hubs
  
• 🏨 Purpose-built venues near accommodations
  
• 💼 Hotel room inventory and group rates
  
• 💲 Affordability + value
  
• 🌟 Culture, cuisine, and attendee experiences

Attendees talk. A great destination doesn’t just boost attendance — it increases post-event surveys, brand buzz, and ROI.

Ready to Plan an Exhibition That Wows?

Let me help you choose a destination that fits your event goals, delights your attendees, and keeps your CFO smiling.