ASD Market Week: Strategic Guide for Exhibitors Who Want to Win the Floor

What Is ASD Market Week, and Why It Matters for Serious Sellers

ASD Market Week in Plain English

ASD Market Week stands for "Affordable Shopping Destination", a biannual wholesale trade show held at the Las Vegas Convention Center (North & Central Halls) serving value-focused retailers nationwide. The show runs twice yearly with a consistent 3-day mid-week format, typically 9 AM–6 PM daily, designed for efficient buying and selling.

The attendee mix represents the backbone of American retail:

• Independent retailers and boutiques seeking competitive margins
• Ecommerce sellers (Amazon, Shopify, marketplace vendors) sourcing inventory
• Distributors, importers, and closeout buyers moving volume
• Corporate multi-store chains testing new categories

For exhibitors looking to make an impact, choosing the right 10x10ft turnkey trade show booth rental or upgrading to a 10x20ft turnkey trade show booth rental can help maximize visibility and engagement at ASD Market Week.

Core Product Categories and Show Sections

ASD Market Week spans 19+ product groups including general merchandise, gifts, toys, fashion accessories, beauty, wellness, convenience store items, and closeouts. The unified floor layout across two connected halls zones products by category, creating predictable traffic patterns that smart exhibitors leverage for booth placement strategy.

Two key sub-events enhance the main show: SourceDirect at ASD focuses on global sourcing and private label opportunities, while the Independent Retailer Conference provides education sessions. This integrated approach means buyers arrive with both immediate purchasing needs and longer-term sourcing strategies.

Is ASD the Right Show for Your Brand?

ASD Market Week works best for brands meeting these criteria:

• Wholesale price points support keystone or better margins for retailers
• Ability to meet minimum order quantities typical of smaller retailers ($500–$2,500 opening orders)
• Products positioned as "everyday value" rather than ultra-luxury
• Reliable shipping within 14–30 days post-show to support retailer cash flow

Tech accessories, wellness products, educational materials, impulse F&B items, and gift brands typically find strong traction. However, highly niche, ultra-high-end, or custom-only products may not align with ASD's volume-focused buyer expectations.

Key 2026 ASD Dates, Logistics & Deadlines Exhibitors Can't Miss

2026 Show Dates & Floor Hours (Spring & Summer)

ASD Market Week 2026 runs March 17–19 (Spring) and August 25–27 (Summer), with consistent 9 AM–6 PM floor hours. Move-in begins 1–2 days before each show, while dismantle must complete within 6 hours after Sunday's close. Registration and badge pickup open 2–3 hours before daily floor time, allowing early networking opportunities.

Venue, Hall Layout & Freight Realities

The Las Vegas Convention Center's marshaling yard requires strategic timing, target early morning move-in slots to avoid afternoon congestion. As a union labor environment, expect 1-hour minimum labor blocks and specific material-handling rules. Understanding drayage (freight movement from dock to booth) versus hand-carry limits prevents costly surprises during setup.

Exhibitor Deadline Roadmap

Most show services increase 10–25% after early-bird deadlines, making timeline adherence a direct ROI factor. Securing space 6–9 months out, locking design 90 days out, and shipping 14–21 days before move-in creates the foundation for stress-free execution.

Why ASD Market Week Is a Powerhouse for Retailers, and What Exhibitors Gain From That

What Buyers Come to ASD to Achieve

Buyers at ASD Market Week are laser-focused on finding products that deliver strong margins, reliable sell-through, and consistent supply. They attend to discover new lines, negotiate show specials, and build relationships with suppliers who can support their growth. For exhibitors, this means every conversation is an opportunity to open new accounts, secure volume orders, and establish long-term partnerships with retailers who value efficiency and value.

ASD vs Other Major Shows: Where It Fits in Your Annual Event Strategy

Positioning ASD Among National Trade Shows

ASD Market Week occupies a distinct position in the trade show landscape, emphasizing price-point accessibility and volume potential versus the more curated, design-driven approach of shows like NY NOW or the fashion focus of MAGIC. While Las Vegas Market and AmericasMart Atlanta serve broader wholesale markets, ASD specifically targets value-conscious retailers seeking everyday merchandise at competitive margins.

Side-by-Side Comparison for Event Marketers

Many brands pair asd market week with one complementary show for balanced calendar coverage, ASD for volume and value positioning, NY NOW for boutique market penetration. This dual approach maximizes market reach while managing travel and exhibit costs across different buyer segments.

For additional insights on planning your annual event strategy, see how to use a marketing calendar to organize trade show events for tips on optimizing your schedule and resources.

Planning Your ASD Exhibit: Budget, Booth Size & Logistics That Protect ROI

Building a Realistic ASD Budget

Effective asd market week budgets allocate costs across five primary buckets: booth space (30–40%), exhibit design/rental and graphics (25–35%), show services including drayage, electrical, internet, and I&D (20–30%), travel and lodging (10–20%), and promotions or sampling (5–10%). A typical 10×20 rental exhibit ranges $15,000–$25,000 all-in, while a 20×20 configuration runs $25,000–$40,000 depending on design complexity and service requirements.

Choosing the Right Booth Size and Configuration

Map annual revenue goals to booth size strategically: if ASD needs to produce 20% of new accounts, plan for at least a 10×20 with 2–3 staff members to handle traffic volume effectively. A 10×10 works for product testing or budget constraints but limits meeting space and demo opportunities. For brands seeking maximum impact, a 20×20 or larger booth allows for private meetings, expanded product displays, and more robust engagement zones.

Logistics Timeline & Shipping Tips

Book freight to the advance warehouse 14–21 days before move-in to avoid last-minute surcharges and ensure your booth materials arrive on time. Confirm all show services (electric, internet, cleaning) at least 30 days out to secure early-bird pricing. Prepare a detailed setup plan for your team or I&D crew, including labeled crates, floor plans, and a checklist of all booth components. Always bring backup graphics and essential supplies to handle unexpected issues on-site.

Booth Strategy at ASD: Designing for Foot Traffic, Orders & Long-Term Relationships

Layout That Moves Buyers from Browsing to Buying

ASD's fast-paced environment demands booth layouts that guide buyers through a logical discovery process. Even in a 10×10 space, create three distinct functional zones: an attraction zone at the aisle with hero products and bold graphics, a discovery zone featuring grouped assortments with clear pricing, and a dedicated order-writing area with seating and digital tools.

If you're considering a new booth setup, explore the flexibility of a 10x10ft trade show display or upgrade to a 10x20ft trade show display for more space and impact.

Open corners and 3–4 foot clear entries drive significantly higher engagement than closed-off designs. Avoid tall walls at the front, asd market week buyers scan quickly and move on if they can't immediately assess your offering. Keep sight lines clear to your best-margin products positioned at eye level in the discovery zone.

Must-Have Design Elements for ASD Buyers

Your booth graphics must communicate value propositions from 30–50 feet away. Include large, high-contrast logos with product category callouts and wholesale price ranges with MOQs clearly visible. Strategic lighting highlights new products and best-margin items without creating visual overload.

For exhibitors aiming to stand out, backlit displays and display lights can dramatically improve booth visibility and attract more buyers on the show floor.

Category-specific adjustments boost effectiveness: tech accessories need clear compatibility charts, wellness products require ingredient callouts and compliance information, while F&B items benefit from sampling stations and nutritional highlights.

Engagement Tactics That Work at ASD (Without Stunts or Gimmicks)

Schedule micro-demos every 30–60 minutes with a simple written schedule posted at the aisle. This creates predictable traffic spikes while giving your team structured break periods. Implement a quick buyer intake form with 3–5 questions to route visitors to appropriate assortments and margin tiers.

Equip staff with a 2-sentence positioning script and 90-second demo script. Keep product sampling to 30–60 second experiences that don't create lines blocking neighboring booths. Focus conversations on solving specific retail challenges rather than listing product features.

For more actionable ideas, check out 5 critical strategies to marketing your trade show successfully for proven engagement tactics and marketing tips.

Lead Capture, Orders & Post-Show Follow-Up: Turning ASD Traffic into Revenue

Setting Concrete ASD ROI Targets

Define success metrics before the show opens. Target 150+ new qualified leads for a 10×20 booth, with conversion goals of 15–25 new accounts opened within 30 days. Establish average opening order values based on your category, typically $500–$2,500 for most asd market week exhibitors.

Calculate ROI using this formula: total show revenue over 6–12 months divided by all-in show costs (booth, travel, staff time, samples). Successful ASD exhibitors typically see 3:1 to 5:1 returns when properly executed.

Lead Capture Systems That Don't Break Your Flow

Choose between show-provided badge scanners and your own tablet/CRM integration based on follow-up complexity. Create standardized lead forms capturing store type, sales channels, current categories, margin goals, buying timeline, and preferred follow-up method.

Most importantly, establish the next step before prospects leave your booth. Replace vague "we'll be in touch" with specific commitments like "I'll send your curated product proposal by Friday" or "Let's schedule a 15-minute call next Tuesday to review recommended assortments."

Follow-Up Cadence That Closes Orders

Execute a structured 30-day sequence: personalized recap emails with line sheets and show offers within 72 hours, phone calls or video meetings by day 10 to review recommendations, show special reminders with case studies by day 21, and final check-ins with surveys for non-buyers at 30 days.

Segment your follow-up intensity, the top 20% of prospects by potential volume deserve 1:1 outreach with tailored assortments and custom pricing discussions. Mid-tier prospects receive standard sequences, while smaller prospects get automated nurture campaigns.

For a broader perspective on trade fairs and their role in business growth, see this overview of trade fairs from Wikipedia.

First-Time Exhibitor & Advanced Strategy Considerations for ASD Market Week

First-Time Exhibitor Essentials

Rental exhibits work perfectly for first-time asd market week participants, custom builds aren't necessary to generate strong results. Staff one person per 100 square feet minimum, with 2–3 people ideal for a 10×20 to handle peak traffic periods and allow for breaks.

If you're planning a larger presence, consider the impact of 20x20ft trade show displays for maximum visibility and engagement at ASD Market Week.

Arrive at least 2 hours before show opening on day one, even with professional setup. Bring backup samples, printed price lists, power strips, basic tools, and snacks for your team. The Las Vegas Convention Center can feel overwhelming initially, so extra preparation time reduces stress.

For more tips on preparing for your first show, read 9 ways to prepare to market your business at a trade show for a comprehensive checklist and expert advice.

Common Problems & How to Avoid Them

Low booth traffic typically stems from poor aisle placement, closed layouts, or unclear category signage. Request corner or end-cap positions when possible, keep front areas open, and ensure your product category is visible from 50 feet away.

For additional guidance on business preparedness, the SBA offers a helpful resource on how to prepare your business for emergencies, which can be valuable for exhibitors planning for unexpected situations at trade shows.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of retailers and buyers typically attend ASD Market Week, and how can exhibitors best connect with them?

ASD Market Week attracts independent retailers, ecommerce sellers, distributors, and corporate multi-store chains focused on value and competitive margins. Exhibitors connect best by tailoring their messaging to these buyers’ needs, offering clear pricing, flexible order quantities, and engaging booth experiences that highlight product benefits and ease of purchase.

Which product categories perform best at ASD Market Week, and what kind of pricing and order quantities are expected?

Top-performing categories include general merchandise, gifts, toys, fashion accessories, beauty, wellness, and convenience store items. Pricing typically aligns with keystone margins or better, while order quantities vary but often accommodate small to mid-size purchases, supporting both independent retailers and ecommerce sellers looking for manageable inventory levels.

How should exhibitors plan their booth size and location to maximize visibility and engagement during ASD Market Week?

Exhibitors should consider 10x10ft turnkey booths for cost-effective presence or upgrade to 10x20ft for greater impact. Strategic booth placement near category zones with high foot traffic and clear sightlines enhances visibility. Planning for easy navigation and interactive product displays drives engagement and helps capture qualified leads.

What are the key benefits of attending the SourceDirect and Independent Retailer Conference sub-events within ASD Market Week?

SourceDirect offers exhibitors direct access to vetted retailers and streamlined ordering opportunities, boosting sales efficiency. The Independent Retailer Conference provides valuable insights on market trends and retail strategies, helping exhibitors align their offerings with buyer priorities and strengthen long-term business relationships.