Summary
- The calendar of trade shows and fairs in Quebec in 2026
- The major recurring shows to know in Quebec
- Agricultural and regional fairs in summer and fall
- The exhibitor checklist before a show
- Standard dimensions of an exhibition booth
- How to choose and plan your shows
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Trade shows and fairs in Quebec in 2026 offer dozens of concrete opportunities to grow your network, generate leads, and build brand awareness. Whether you’re in manufacturing, food and beverage, tourism, or technology, certain events deserve a spot on your calendar starting now.
Most of these shows are recurring and come back every year around the same time. Knowing them lets you plan your exhibition strategy over the long term and optimize your booth investments.
This article brings together the calendar of the main 2026 shows, the major recurring events, an exhibitor checklist, and standard booth dimensions to plan everything with confidence.
The calendar of trade shows and fairs in Quebec in 2026
Here are the major confirmed events for 2026. These are recurring shows that come back every year, making them reliable benchmarks for building your exhibition calendar.
Confirmed shows from July to December 2026
| Show | 2026 Dates | Location | Sector |
| Saint-Hyacinthe Agricultural Expo | July 23 to August 1 | Espace Saint-Hyacinthe | Agriculture, food and beverage |
| Salon Tourisme Voyages | October 30 to November 1 | Palais des congrès, Montreal | Tourism, travel |
| ADM Montreal (PACKEX, EXPOPLAST, FabBatt) | November 11–12 | Palais des congrès, Montreal | Manufacturing, packaging, plastics |
| Expo Franchise (fall) | November 21–22 | Palais des congrès, Montreal | Franchising, business opportunities |
The major recurring shows to know in Quebec
Several of the major trade shows and fairs in Quebec come back every year around the same time. The Montreal International Auto Show is held every January at the Palais des congrès, and Expo Habitat returns in March. SIAL Canada, the country’s largest food and beverage show, takes place every spring in Montreal, while Salon Tourisme Voyages settles in there in the fall.
Knowing these annual cycles lets you plan your booth investments over two to three years, rather than show by show. A modular booth that adapts to different space sizes then becomes far more cost-effective than buying a new booth every year.
For example, a food company exhibiting at SIAL Canada and two regional fairs can design a single modular system, configurable as 10 ft by 10 ft for the fairs and 10 ft by 20 ft for SIAL. This multi-show approach offers the best return on investment over the medium term.
Since many of these events take place in Montreal, working with a booth manufacturer established in Montreal simplifies delivery and installation logistics.
Agricultural and regional fairs in summer and fall
Trade shows and fairs in Quebec number in the dozens, including numerous regional agricultural fairs held mainly in summer and fall. The Saint-Hyacinthe Agricultural Expo, now in its 189th edition, is the largest and oldest agricultural fair in the province.
These regional events are often underestimated, but they offer direct access to an engaged local clientele. For a business targeting regional markets, they rank among the most cost-effective opportunities of the year.
The total investment, including space, booth, and travel, generally stays under $5,000. A well-designed portable booth is often enough for this type of event, without requiring a large structure.
For a booth designed to travel from one show to the next, explore custom display solutions.
The exhibitor checklist before a show
A successful show is prepared well before the doors open. This exhibitor checklist brings together the points to check off to avoid costly oversights.
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Alt text: Desk with a laptop, a blank monthly calendar, and a handwritten to-do list
- Confirm your registration, location, and space dimensions
- Book your booth, furniture, and technical services like electricity and internet early
- Prepare and finalize your visuals and messaging, up to date and easy to read
- Plan transport, delivery, and setup of your materials
- Train staff on the show’s goals and the welcome pitch
- Arrange documentation, samples, and a way to capture leads
- Check the venue’s rules for setup, height, rigging, and teardown
To go further, check out our guide on preparing for your trade show participation, which details every step leading up to the event.
Standard dimensions of an exhibition booth
Understanding booth formats helps you choose the right space and plan your budget. Dimensions follow multiples of 10 feet, and the table below summarizes the most common formats.
| Format | Area | Type |
| 10 ft by 10 ft | about 100 sq ft | Linear, one open side |
| 10 ft by 20 ft | about 200 sq ft | Extended linear |
| 20 ft by 20 ft | about 400 sq ft | Island, four open sides |
| 20 ft by 30 ft and up | 600 sq ft and up | Island, major programs |
The most common format remains 10 ft by 10 ft. The most important distinction happens at 400 square feet. Starting at 20 ft by 20 ft, most convention centers classify the booth as an island, open on all four sides, which often unlocks hanging signs and tall structures. Linear booths, on the other hand, have only one side open to the aisle. A booth suited for conferences follows the same format logic.
How to choose and plan your shows
Given the sheer number of trade shows and fairs in Quebec, knowing which ones to prioritize makes all the difference. Start by identifying the shows where your target clientele is present, then ask organizers for statistics on previous editions, such as visitor numbers and exhibitor profiles.
Then plan your calendar for the full year rather than case by case. Book your spaces early, since the best locations go months in advance, especially for SIAL Canada or ADM Montreal. Also allow six to eight weeks for designing a custom booth.
For a complete overview of events, you can check the official directory of trade shows and fairs in Quebec. Finally, think about logistics between shows, such as storage, transport, and checking your materials from one event to the next.
Conclusion
Trade shows and fairs in Quebec in 2026 offer concrete opportunities to generate qualified leads and strengthen your brand. The key to success comes down to three moves: plan early, choose the right events, and invest in a booth that matches your offering.
Exhibitors who treat their trade show presence as a strategic investment get better results than those who decide at the last minute. A durable, flexible booth, designed to travel from one event to the next, makes a big difference over a full season.
To build your calendar and prepare for each show, let’s plan your exhibition strategy together.
FAQ
What are the main trade shows and fairs in Quebec in 2026?
Among the main trade shows and fairs in Quebec in 2026 are the Montreal International Auto Show, Expo Habitat, SIAL Canada, the Saint-Hyacinthe Agricultural Expo, Salon Tourisme Voyages, ADM Montreal, and Expo Franchise. The province has more than 90 shows and fairs spread throughout the year, across sectors as varied as food, automotive, home, tourism, and manufacturing, from one region to another.
How much does an exhibition space cost at a trade show in Quebec?
The cost varies depending on the show and the size of the space. For a 10 ft by 10 ft space, expect between $2,000 and $5,000 at a regional show, and between $5,000 and $15,000 at a major event at the Palais des congrès. On top of that come booth, transport, staffing, and on-site technical service costs, which should be planned for from the outset.
What are the standard dimensions of an exhibition booth?
Common dimensions follow multiples of 10 feet. The most widespread format is 10 ft by 10 ft, or about 100 square feet, followed by 10 ft by 20 ft. Starting at 20 ft by 20 ft, most convention centers consider the booth an island open on all four sides, which often allows for hanging signs and tall structures.
