EXPO GUADALAJARA

Since it opened in 1987 as the largest exposition center in Latin America, Expo Guadalajara has maintained leadership among both its national and international counterparts, in both attendance and occupancy rates. It hosts more than 120 events annually, including some of the most important industry-wide exhibitions in Mexico.

Designed to international standards, Expo Guadalajara was built on a single level and spreads over an area about a fifth of a mile (300 meters) on a side. It has kept pace with international design standards, instituting an award-winning quality control system in 1992 and enlarging and modernizing its facilities. Presently, about 500,000 square feet (45,000 square meters) in nine flexible modules can handle 50,000 visitors a day and accommodate expositions from small to gigantic. Furthermore, Expo Guadalajara goes a long way toward minimizing the planning and organizing hassles with its convenient one-level design, with 15 loading gates (which can accommodate 65 tractor-trailers simultaneously) that open directly to the exhibition floor.

A 75,000-square-foot (7,000-square-meter) auditorium was added in 2002. To that, add a plethora of telecommunications and office services and private negotiating facilities, plus a dozen coffee shops, snack bars, and a pair of fine restaurants, all of which contribute to making Expo Guadalajara an excellent setting for seeing, exhibiting, buying, and selling.

Nearly daily, a huge squadron of booths buzz with activity in the main exhibition hall. If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll catch one of the big fairs, such as fashion (January and July), ice cream (February), computers (March), handicrafts (June), furniture (September), jewelry (October), or books (November). Stop by the convenient food court (zona gastronómica) in the middle of the complex for a light meal or refreshment.

To reach Expo Guadalajara from Plaza del Sol, walk northeast along Avenida Mariano Otero, the street that borders the “back” (east) side of Plaza del Sol. After about six long blocks, after Hotel Expo Guadalajara, you’ll reach Expo Guadalajara, at the corner of Avenidas de las Rosas and Mariano Otero (Av. Mariano Otero 1499, tel. 33/3343-3000, fax 33/3343-3030, Mexico toll-free tel. 800/813-3000, www.expo-guadalajara.com, daily 9 a.m.–8 p.m.). Turn right and enter Expo Guadalajara via the plaza on the immediate right.