CHAMPS Tradeshow: Exhibitors Winning Playbook

What Is the CHAMPS Trade Show? Why It Matters for Your Brand

The champs tradeshow stands as the industry's premier B2B expo for counterculture retail, connecting over 86,000 buyers and exhibitors annually across five major U.S. cities. Founded in 1999, CHAMPS has evolved into the definitive marketplace where manufacturers, wholesalers, glass artists, and inventors meet retailers specializing in smoking accessories, vapes, CBD products, and novelty gifts.

Brands leveraging CHAMPS report a 32% increase in qualified leads and 3x the average brand recall compared to regional shows. The event's unique positioning in high-growth consumer segments makes it essential for companies seeking strategic foot-traffic, product launches, and measurable brand exposure in markets projected to exceed $47 billion by 2025. For exhibitors aiming to make a bold impression, a 20x20ft island turnkey trade show booth rental offers maximum visibility and flexibility on the show floor.

To further enhance your presence and adapt to evolving event needs, consider exploring how to create a flexible event strategy with modular tradeshow booths for actionable tips on modular booth solutions.

Key CHAMPS Benefits

• Networking: Direct access to 20,000+ verified buyers
• Exposure: Media coverage and influencer amplification
• Trends: First look at emerging product categories
• ROI: Average 4:1 return on exhibit investment

Mapping CHAMPS: Events, Locations, and How to Plan

CHAMPS operates flagship events in Las Vegas (Las Vegas Convention Center), Fort Lauderdale (Broward County Convention Center, November 11–13, 2025), plus rotating shows in Austin, Chicago, and Atlantic City. Show hours typically run 11 AM–6 PM Tuesday through Wednesday, with Thursday closing at 4:20 PM. If you're interested in regional opportunities, learn more about the CHAMPS Trade Show in Austin for insights on local market dynamics.

Successful exhibitors begin booth design and shipping logistics 4–6 weeks before show dates. Iconic Displays recommends securing installation teams three weeks prior, as union labor requirements and venue restrictions create bottlenecks for unprepared exhibitors. For creative inspiration, check out these tradeshow booth ideas to make your display stand out at any CHAMPS event.

Who Attends CHAMPS? Buyer and Exhibitor Profiles

CHAMPS attracts verified business owners from smoke shops, vape retailers, dispensaries, adult boutiques, convenience stores, hookah lounges, and mycology suppliers. The buyer demographic skews toward independent retailers seeking exclusive products and wholesale pricing, with 73% representing businesses generating $500K+ annual revenue.

Exhibitor qualification requires verified business credentials processed through an online portal in under three minutes. Success stories include a ceramic vaporizer startup securing wholesale distribution deals within the first three hours of their debut show, demonstrating the event's concentrated buying power.

Exhibitor Tip: CHAMPS buyers come prepared to purchase. Unlike consumer shows, 68% of attendees have immediate buying authority and allocated budgets for new product lines.

Trade Show Success: Booth Strategies, Design Trends & Engagement Tactics

The champs trade show demands booth designs that balance professionalism with product accessibility. 2025 trends favor modular, scalable systems that adapt from 10×10 regional footprints to 20×30 flagship installations without sacrificing visual impact. Clean minimalism with strategic LED lighting creates flow while spotlighting hero products. For expert guidance on optimizing your booth, explore this resource on tradeshow display design.

Interactive touchpoints drive measurable engagement, RFID attendee tracking, live product demos, and touchscreen catalogs generate actionable data beyond traditional lead capture. Heat-mapping technology reveals optimal booth layouts, with entry-point positioning increasing visitor retention by 45%.

Common exhibitor mistakes include cluttered displays that overwhelm buyers. Iconic Displays' approach emphasizes open spaces with one bold focal element, reducing booth crowding while maximizing product visibility and attendee comfort.

CHAMPS vs. Other Industry Shows: Where, Why, and How to Stand Out

The champs tradeshow delivers unmatched scale and industry focus compared to regional alternatives. Las Vegas CHAMPS attracts 20,000+ attendees with national and international reach, while Fort Lauderdale focuses on the high-density Southeastern market with 8,000+ qualified buyers. Local expos typically cap at 2,000 attendees with limited geographic diversity.

CHAMPS' multi-segment approach connects smoking accessories, CBD, vape, and novelty retailers under one roof, a concentration impossible to replicate at smaller venues. Virtual trade shows offer unlimited online attendance but lack the tactile product demonstrations critical for counterculture retail purchasing decisions. For a broader perspective on the role of industry events, see this overview of trade shows.

Stress-Free CHAMPS Prep: Iconic Displays' End-to-End Solutions

Iconic Displays eliminates the chaos of champs trade show preparation through comprehensive project management, from initial concept calls to post-show storage. Our turnkey approach covers union labor requirements, venue-specific logistics, and last-minute graphic updates that derail unprepared exhibitors. Clients report 97% fewer onsite issues compared to self-managed installations.

Our rapid-ship program delivers complete booth solutions in under seven days for tight deadlines, while modular systems scale seamlessly from regional 10×10 footprints to flagship 20×30 installations. Integrated lead-capture technology and engagement metrics provide measurable ROI data within 48 hours of show close. For more information on maximizing your trade show experience, the U.S. Small Business Administration offers guidance on how to participate in trade shows.

Budget planning becomes straightforward with our transparent pricing frameworks and step-by-step timelines. From venue regulations to shipping deadlines, Iconic Displays handles the complexity so brands focus on what matters, connecting with buyers and closing deals.

Complete CHAMPS Support Includes

• Design concept through final installation
• Union labor coordination and venue compliance
• Onsite technician support and emergency fixes
• Post-show teardown and secure storage
• ROI tracking with integrated analytics

CHAMPS Glass Games & Experiential Highlights

CHAMPS Glass Games showcase live glass-art competitions featuring industry professionals, drawing media coverage and influencer amplification that extends brand reach beyond the show floor. These experiential elements create viral social media moments while attracting high-value attendees to exhibitor booths.

Participation requires a two-minute online application, with audience voting determining winners across categories like best functional art and innovative techniques. Smart exhibitors leverage these events by sponsoring competitions or positioning booths near demonstration areas to capture overflow traffic.

Maximize Your CHAMPS Investment

The champs tradeshow represents the industry's highest-impact opportunity for counterculture brands seeking measurable growth and national market penetration. Success demands strategic booth design, professional logistics management, and integrated lead-capture systems that convert foot traffic into qualified prospects.

Iconic Displays transforms CHAMPS complexity into competitive advantage through end-to-end project management and proven exhibit solutions. Early registration and strategic planning separate market leaders from exhibitors who simply show up, invest in both to dominate this essential B2B marketplace.

Future-Proofing Your CHAMPS Strategy

The counterculture retail landscape continues evolving with CBD normalization, hemp legalization, and emerging wellness segments. Smart exhibitors position their champs tradeshow presence for multi-year growth by selecting modular booth systems that adapt to changing product lines and expanding floor space requirements. For a foundational understanding of industry events, you may also want to read what is a tradeshow.

Digital integration becomes increasingly critical as younger buyers expect seamless online-to-offline experiences. Brands investing in QR-code product catalogs, augmented reality demonstrations, and real-time inventory systems capture competitive advantages that extend beyond show dates into ongoing customer relationships.

Strategic Investment Recommendations

Successful champs tradeshow participation requires viewing exhibits as long-term brand assets rather than one-time expenses. Brands achieving consistent growth invest in professional booth design that scales across multiple show formats while maintaining visual consistency and operational efficiency.

The most profitable exhibitors combine strategic floor positioning with experiential elements that generate measurable engagement data. This approach transforms trade show participation from cost center to revenue driver, with leading brands reporting 300% ROI within six months of major CHAMPS appearances.

Iconic Displays' comprehensive approach eliminates the learning curve and operational stress that derail first-time exhibitors. Our proven systems and industry expertise ensure brands maximize their CHAMPS investment from day one, establishing market presence that compounds across subsequent shows and seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of products and industries are primarily showcased at the CHAMPS Trade Show?

The CHAMPS Trade Show primarily showcases products in the counterculture retail space, including smoking accessories, vapes, CBD products, and novelty gifts. It serves manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and glass artists focused on these high-growth consumer segments.

How can exhibitors maximize their visibility and engagement during the CHAMPS Trade Show?

Exhibitors can maximize visibility and engagement by using eye-catching booth designs, interactive product demos, targeted product showcases, and proactive buyer engagement strategies. Opting for flexible turnkey island booths, such as a 20x20ft setup, helps create a strong presence and attract strategic foot traffic.

What are the key locations and timelines for planning attendance or exhibiting at CHAMPS events?

CHAMPS hosts flagship events in Las Vegas and Fort Lauderdale, with additional rotating shows in Austin, Chicago, and Atlantic City. Planning should align with show dates, such as the Fort Lauderdale event scheduled for November 11–13, 2025, and typical show hours from 11 AM to 6 PM Tuesday through Thursday.

Who typically attends the CHAMPS Trade Show, and what buyer and exhibitor profiles can participants expect?

CHAMPS attracts over 86,000 attendees annually, including verified buyers, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and glass artists. Participants can expect a mix of industry professionals focused on counterculture retail products, seeking new partnerships, product launches, and market insights.