---
title: "conference and trade show: Definition and Meaning | NPSA"
description: "A conference and trade show is an event that combines education sessions with an exhibit hall where suppliers show products."
url: https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/conference-and-trade-show
publisher: National Portable Storage Association (NPSA)
phone: "(816) 960-6552"
email: info@npsa.org
---

Association and events

# conference and trade show

A conference and trade show is an event that combines education sessions with an exhibit hall where suppliers show products. NPSA holds an annual Conference and Trade Show for the portable storage industry, with networking, speakers and exhibitors. Recent shows have run about three days.

## Why it matters

NPSA describes its conference as three days of networking and educational opportunities, with a full trade show hall. The 2026 show was in San Antonio, and NPSA's site lists the 2027 conference in Las Vegas. Registration rates for members, guests and non-members differ. NPSA also says it is the only show of its kind dedicated to the portable storage industry. Operators go to meet suppliers, compare equipment and hear peers. A common mistake is to walk the hall without a plan. Pick the sessions and the exhibitors you need to meet before you go. Check the events page for current dates and rates.

[Read: All events](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/events)

Definition source: [npsa.org](https://www.npsa.org/2026-conference--trade-show.html)

## Related terms

[### exhibit hall An exhibit hall is the large room at a trade show where companies set up booths to show products and services to attendees. At the NPSA Conference and Trade Show, the exhibit hall holds supplier booths, and meals and some events happen in the hall too.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/exhibit-hall)[### exhibitor An exhibitor is a company that rents booth space at a trade show to show its products or services. At the NPSA Conference and Trade Show, exhibitors are suppliers and service firms that want to meet portable storage operators face to face.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/exhibitor)[### sponsor A sponsor is a company that pays to support an event or an association program in return for brand exposure. NPSA offers year-round sponsorships, event sponsorships and advertising, and it lists sponsors at levels such as Double Platinum, Platinum and Gold.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/sponsor)[### keynote A keynote is the main speech at a conference, usually given by a featured speaker to the whole audience. It sets the theme for the event. At the NPSA conference, keynotes are on the main schedule and are separate from smaller concurrent sessions.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/keynote)[### educational session An educational session is a talk, panel or workshop at an event that teaches attendees a skill or topic. At NPSA events, sessions cover industry topics and general business practices, and they run alongside the trade show, meals and networking time.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/educational-session)[### fall networking seminar The Fall Networking and Seminar is an NPSA event held in the fall, apart from the spring conference. It offers speakers, meals and time to meet other members in person. The 2026 event ran October 4 to 6 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/fall-networking-seminar)

[All 220 terms](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary)

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