The Importance of Trade Shows

Vendors can make a lot of money at trade shows.

There are hundreds of trade shows throughout the world highlighting a myriad of products from electronics to gardening. The shows can be a major cash cow for vendors and provide important networking contacts and media exposure. There are many reasons why trade shows are important to vendors, distributors and the general public.

Definition

A trade show is an event at which vendors of a certain type of product gather to sell their wares either to the public or to distributors. The vendors set up booths where they can showcase their product, and people walk through the event getting more information about the product and buying it for a reduced price.

History

Trade shows have been around for centuries in one form or another. The tradition began when vendors first started congregating and selling their wares in public places. People would come and either purchase with money or barter with other items. This evolved into the modern trade shows we see today, and often vendors will barter with each other to examine and use each others' goods.

Types

There are three basic types of trade shows. There are trade shows that are specifically geared toward investors and distributors where the public are not invited. The goal is for the vendors to attract the attention of specially invited distributors and investors for the purpose of expanding their business and funding. There are trade shows focusesd on just the public. Here, vendors sell their wares to the general public walking through the show. The final type is a mix of the two. It usually has a day or two reserved for vendors and distributors and the rest of the time is open to the public.

Significance

Trade shows have become a popular medium for selling wares, and vendors will often travel across the country to visit several shows a year. It can be a significant part of their business, especially if they do not have a physical location such as a storefront. It has a built-in customer base since the people coming to the show are obviously interested in those types of products, and investors go with the intent of seeking new business opportunities.

Misconceptions

Many people believe that a convention is a trade show, but it is not. While a convention may have a vendor area, it is not the focus of the event. The goal of a convention is to attract large groups of people to the event. It often features talks, celebrities, autographs sessions and a vendor's area that is focused on the theme of the event.

References

• Trade Show Advisor: History
• Small Business Arena: Importance of Attending Trade Shows
• Post Magazine: Importance of Trade Shows