As WESA and AETA prepare to debut in the Lone Star State, Dallas Market Center aims to impress with a bigger, bolder, and more engaging event.
Two enormous trade shows are on the precipice of big change. We’ve known since late 2018 about the Western & English Sales Association’s (WESA) momentous decision to relocate from Denver to Dallas. Then, the American Equestrian Trade Association (AETA) announced last May it would follow suit and a fresh wave of excitement flooded these retail communities.
In partnership with WESA and Dallas Market Center (DMC), AETA moved its International Trade Show—originally scheduled for August 2020 in the Philadelphia area—to its new permanent home at the Dallas venue for a combined, super-sized trade show January 14 – 17, 2021. Showcasing merchandise from leading manufacturers around the globe, this premier event will amass the world’s largest marketplace for Western and equestrian lifestyle brands, drawing thousands of U.S.-based and international retail decision-makers. The joint decision—regarded as a sign of unification within the industry amidst world-wide economic uncertainty—comes as both associations seek new opportunities for growth.
With the goal of helping retailers educate and impress their customers with fresh concepts and time-tested favorites, DMC staff is working overtime to deliver a more engaging, dynamic trade show and to ensure a successful experience for both associations.
Here, DMC offers details to help you prepare for this exciting new market experience in Dallas.
How will DMC plan to ensure a successful trade show for both organizations?
With its open floorplan, large common spaces, and more than 200,000 square-feet of exhibit space, DMC offers a superior facility for trade shows of this size and scale. Multiple escalators and wide entry points and hallways provide for more efficient flow, and Dallas’ central location, two international airports, and thousands of hotel rooms within a 5-mile radius of the Market Center make it a convenient destination for domestic and international travelers.
Information booths and daily orientation tours will be available to help attendees navigate the new venue and will highlight lounge areas, hospitalities, business support amenities, shipping services, and on-site catering options. Our expert staff and knowledgeable industry ambassadors will be positioned throughout the facility to answer questions, connect directly with retailers, and offer hands-on advice on new sales opportunities. Additionally, we’ve strategically organized the show into individual “neighborhoods” to help buyers discover new products while shopping by category.
We are very buyer-centric at DMC and have a vested interest in supporting retailers and helping both organizations grow. AETA and WESA’s success is our success.
We are very buyer-centric at DMC and have a vested interest in supporting retailers.
How can retailers best prepare for a successful transition to Dallas?
To secure the best rates, book your airfare and hotel accommodations well in advance. For fast, stress-free arrangements, DMC’s travel service will make your flight and hotel reservations free of charge (Market Travel: 214-744-7444; [email protected]).
Two floors of DMC’s World Trade Center will be dedicated to the WESA/AETA show—the 14th floor for permanent showrooms and the 11th for temporary exhibits. To ensure a smooth move-in and move-out experience, we have easily accessible docks, multiple freight elevators, and 24-hour secured trailer parking.
Permanent showrooms will occupy the 14th floor of Dallas Market Center.
DMC will offer an app you can download to receive information updates on your phone and other devices. (Search “Dallas Market Center” in the app store.) For a list of exhibitors, vendor locations, maps of DMC’s campus, and safety protocol updates to prevent the spread of COVID-19, go to dallasmarketcenter.com.
Will DMC offer any special group or reduced-rate shuttle services from airports and hotels to the venue? Do you recommend any other means of transportation?
Depending on traffic conditions, DMC is a 10-minute drive from Dallas’ Love Field Airport, and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is about 20 minutes from the venue. You can rent a car or take a shuttle bus, taxi, or Uber from either airport. We have 8,000 free parking spaces and designated pick-up and drop-off areas for Uber, Lyft, taxis, and other valet services. From both airports, you can also take a short train ride on the DART Rail System directly to DMC and within walking distance to many of our recommended hotels.
Our nine host hotels will offer free daily shuttle service to and from the Market Center:
- Continuous shuttles available from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and from 4 p.m. until 30 minutes after the day’s final event.
- On-call shuttles available 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What safety measures has DMC implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19?
For a comprehensive list of DMC’s safety protocols in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, go to dallasmarketcenter.com. We strongly suggest continuing to check our website for updates as the event approaches.
Where to Stay in Big D
Whether you prefer the convenience of a hotel close to DMC, are on a tight budget, or you’re interested in a unique experience in another part of the city, we’ve compiled a list of accommodations to help you find your ideal home-away-from-home in Dallas.
There are 10,000 three-star hotel rooms within a 5-mile radius of DMC with prices ranging from $125 to $399 per night. Serving as host hotel for WESA and AETA, Embassy Suites will offer retailers first access to special rates, followed by exhibitors and members of the press.
Host Hotels
DoubleTree Market Center
2015 Market Center Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75207
214-741-7481
Embassy Suites by Hilton Dallas Market Center
2727 N. Stemmons Freeway
Dallas, TX 75207
214-630-5332
Hilton Anatole
2201 N. Stemmons Freeway
Dallas, TX 75207
214-748-1200
Hilton Garden Inn Market Center
2325 N. Stemmons Freeway
Dallas, TX 75207
214-634-8200
Holiday Inn Market Center
4500 Harry Hines Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75219
214-219-3333
Le Méridien Dallas, The Stoneleigh
2927 Maple Ave.
Dallas, TX 75201
214-871-7111
Marriott Suites Market Center
2493 N. Stemmons Freeway
Dallas, TX 75207
214-905-0050
Renaissance Dallas
2222 N. Stemmons Freeway
Dallas, TX 75207
214-631-2222
Sheraton Suites Market Center
2101 N. Stemmons Freeway
Dallas, TX 75207
214-747-3000
Virgin Hotels Dallas
1445 Turtle Creek Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75207
469-359-7700
More Dallas Hotels
The Adolphus, Autograph Collection
1321 Commerce Street
Dallas, TX 75202
214-742-8200
Belmont Hotel Dallas
901 Fort Worth Ave.
Dallas, TX 75208
214-393-2300
Hotel Crescent Court
400 Crescent Ct.
Dallas, TX 75201
214-871-3200
Hotel Indigo Downtown Dallas
1933 Main St.
Dallas, TX 75201
214-741-7700
Hotel ZaZa
2332 Leonard St.
Dallas, TX 75201
888-880-3244
Hôtel St. Germain
2516 Maple Ave.
Dallas, TX 75201
214-871-2516
Lorenzo Hotel
1011 S. Akard St.
Dallas, TX 75215
214-273-3000
Magnolia Downtown Dallas
1401 Commerce St.
Dallas, TX 75201
214-915-6500
Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek
2821 Turtle Creek Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75219
214-559-2100
The Statler Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton
1914 Commerce St.
Dallas, TX 75201
214-459-330
Stay Alfred on Elm Street
1555 Elm Street
Dallas, TX 75201
866-232-3864
Stay Alfred at The Mayflower
411 North Akard Street
Dallas, TX 75201
866-232-3864
W Dallas—Victory
2440 Victory Park Lane
Dallas, TX 75219
214-397-4100
Warwick Melrose—Dallas
3015 Oak Lawn Ave.
Dallas, TX 75219
214-521-5151
For more information about Dallas Market Center, subscribe to the January 2021 issue of W&E Today or read more on our website.
