Economic Growth and Expansion Plans
Expo Guadalajara, located in Guadalajara, Jalisco, is striving to become a world-class fairground by focusing on innovation, sustainability, and internationalization. According to José Andrés Orendáin De Obeso, president of Expo Guadalajara’s Technical Committee, this strategy aims to boost industries, connect markets, and strengthen the fairground’s impact on regional economy.
Based on estimates from the Technology Observatory of the Center for Economic and Administrative Sciences (CUCEA) at the University of Guadalajara, Expo Guadalajara’s economic impact is projected to grow by 8.5% to 9% in 2025 compared to the previous year, when it reached an estimated 47 billion pesos.
Recent Events and Future Projects
By November of the current year, Expo Guadalajara hosted 69 exhibitions that attracted around 620,000 visitors and 12,000 exhibitors. Additionally, there were 29 conferences with approximately 108,000 attendees and 357 corporate meetings that gathered over 211,000 participants.
Expo Guadalajara is currently developing its second edition of México Hospitality Expo, scheduled for October 2026, and the first edition of the International Construction Week, taking place from April 14-16 in collaboration with IFEMA Madrid. The fairground is also working with other international partners to strengthen this strategic line.
Expansion Plan
As part of its growth strategy, Expo Guadalajara successfully acquired an additional 13,960 square meters of land in May last year. This brings the fairground’s total territorial reserve to 26,000 square meters within the Expo Abierta polygon.
A market study and needs assessment are currently underway to determine the optimal use of this space, with the goal of increasing competitiveness and expanding operational capacity.
If the Master Plan for Expansion of the Expo Guadalajara District is realized, the fairground will surpass 100,000 square meters of usable space, placing it in the “large fairgrounds” category globally, which accounts for only 6% of worldwide exhibition centers.
Infrastructure and Sustainability
Highlighting the year’s progress, Expo Guadalajara’s president pointed out several infrastructure improvements, including the installation of “rain gardens” capable of capturing 100,000 liters of water, the expansion of electricity generation through solar panels reaching 499 kilowatts (approximately 12% of the fairground’s consumption), and the renewal of air conditioning systems, lighting, and screens in the plazoleta.
Internationalization
In collaboration with the Guadalajara Convention and Visitors Bureau (OFVC), Expo Guadalajara has secured a growing schedule of international events, including ITB Americas 2026, the Best Cities Global Alliance International Summit, the World Fair Congress, and international conferences on human genetics, dermatology, physiotherapy, and the International Robotics and Automation Conference in 2028.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Expo Guadalajara’s goal? Expo Guadalajara aims to establish itself as a world-class fairground by focusing on innovation, sustainability, and internationalization.
- What is the projected economic growth for Expo Guadalajara in 2025? The economic impact of Expo Guadalajara is expected to grow by 8.5% to 9% in 2025 compared to the previous year.
- What recent and upcoming events has Expo Guadalajara hosted or will host? Recently, Expo Guadalajara has hosted numerous exhibitions, conferences, and corporate meetings. Upcoming events include the México Hospitality Expo 2026 and the International Construction Week.
- What are Expo Guadalajara’s expansion plans? Expo Guadalajara has acquired additional land to increase its total reserve to 26,000 square meters. A market study is underway to optimize space usage and expand operational capacity.
- What infrastructure improvements has Expo Guadalajara implemented? Recent upgrades include rain gardens, solar panel installations for electricity generation, and renewed air conditioning systems, lighting, and screens.
- What international events has Expo Guadalajara secured? Expo Guadalajara, in collaboration with the OFVC, has secured a growing schedule of international events, including ITB Americas 2026 and conferences on human genetics, dermatology, physiotherapy, and robotics.
