What Do You REALLY Want in a Trade Show?

QuestionMarkCartoonPeople In a recent commentary, we covered the new ASI Show in San Diego...providing our commentary and video on this inaugural event.

We received a few comments on the web site and many contacted us directly. Some took issue with one trade show producer and weren't too kind about it. The topic of trade shows are hot in our industry and we think there is much to be said about it. If you missed it, click here to see the story and our video rant on this topic.

Full disclosure here...I like trade shows. I believe good business is based on strong relationships. There really is no other way to build these relationships, other than face to face contact This is why I enjoy the smaller traveling trade shows like Showtime.

Years ago at an education session at the PPAI Expo in Dallas, I met someone who invited me into a networking group of industry leaders that changed my life forever. The relationships I built were actually the basis of creating FreePromoTips five years ago. Click here for an insiders look video at my groups PPAI Expo Breakfast. While much of it is my usual video stuff, I invite you to move forward to 3:30 for an interview with Pete Gleason. I believe this nicely sums up the value of industry relationships.

Because trade shows are a controversial issue, we would appreciate hearing your thoughts about them. What do you REALLY want in a trade show? What motivates you to leave your office for a show? What do you hate about trade shows? Are their too many trade shows? What is your favorite trade show? This is your opportunity to sound off! And trust me...trade show producers read FreePromoTips, so let your voice be heard! We invite you to post your comments below.

Click Here for My Video Rant on this Topic!

Jeff Solomon, MAS
FreePromoTips.com

Comments

0 #12 2010-04-15 03:42

I go to trade shows to
1) see, touch, and feel items
2) talk to supplier reps
3) take a break from the office to do a
bit of strategic visioning

Virtual trade shows don't cut it. Unless you can show me how to pick up a virtual mug to get an idea of the weight or I can feel the hand of a virtual shirt.
I believe ASI has undermined trade shows by oversaturating. Especially with the addition of the NY and San Diego shows. Choice is good, but too many choices is not.
That's my $.02 worth.

0 #11 2010-04-14 16:46

I am like a kid in a candy store when it comes to trade shows. I have been in the business since 1997 but I still get excited at every show I attend. I like to see the new items and get a chance to speak one on one with the supplier reps. I never fail to come away with at least a dozen good ideas. This year there were less shows in Louisville and it was hard for me to attend shows farther away so I missed out on some opportunities. I realize that this is because of the economy and hope that they return next year.

0 #10 2010-04-08 21:48

I look for good new items and good case histories. Samples are great as well but don't pick up as many catalogs, as most information is available on line.
What I, personally, don't need at all are "show specials". I purchase when a client has a need, not when I can get a deal on something. This is an end user focused industry, where we help our clients reach their goals, not where we sell whatever we can get a deal on. Others may disagree.

+1 #9 john amsterdam 2010-04-08 18:04

There may be too many trade shows and more people are sourcing on-line, but the only way to find new products is at trade shows. You can't google new promo products and expect much. Traffic has been declining at all the shows, but as a result, suppliers get to spend more time with the distributors who do bother to come to the show. And in my opinion, the
distributors who are attending are more experienced and professional than the multitude of folks at shows a few years ago. Also, while an picture may be worth 1000 words, an image can be deceiving and not really show the quality of an item. The only dependable method to gauge quality is with your hands and so far, we can't touch anything on-line. So, shows may be old school, but they are still very valuable.

0 #8 2010-04-08 17:27

The PPAI Expo is the premier event of the year. There is no comparison.
As far as I am concerned, the only shows necessary are the EXPO and my local regional shows. I do attend traveling shows once in awhile and I am always disappointed by what I find there. The ASI Shows I have attended have been poor imitations of the EXPO and they are too expensive to attend.

+1 #7 Patricia Beaty 2010-04-08 15:13

I love trade shows and attend all that I can whenever I Can. I love the ones that are on the weekends so I don't have to close my shop more than needed. The only comment I have heard from vendors is that the cost is getting so high because the people who set up the booths are so expensive and that causes them to have less to show and less samples, specials on hand. (in Ft. Worth the vendors are not allowed to bring their items in, they have to pay someone that is union to bring them in and the price is by the pound.) I love seeing new products and I think things are so expensive that they only bring what they know has sold in the past. New items may get left behind. I'll continue to go as often as possible for new ideas and
learning.

0 #6 2010-04-08 14:55

We wish there were some in Maine.

As for the ones in MA., we attend damn near all of them, as it's the only chance we get to see what is new and exciting. We use it as a chance to get new samples and catalogs as well.

We try and set up appointments for reps at these shows as well.

We find them very practical for US.

Skip

0 #5 2010-04-08 14:11

The ASI Show in my part of the country is my favorite. I don't go to the others. You can see a lot of suppliers and not travel far. I think the should have more presenters for education though.

-1 #4 2010-04-08 07:07

I love the PPAI Expo and the Vegas location. it is a little overwhelming, but I wouldn't miss it. I like Brand, which opened up some new business for me. I DON'T think the printers show should be there. We have too much ground to cover and most of us don't want to print. I think.

0 #3 2010-04-08 07:00

Too many shows!!! I feel sorry for the suppliers.

-1 #2 2010-04-08 06:50

I really can't get out to many shows since I am getting older and they are just too hard for me to attend. I do like the small shows in hotels. They are easy and productive. I have been to the show time show and it's very good.