Trade shows are among the most important promotional events of business growth and development. Trade shows are an international fairs, usually held annually, where the manufacturers and suppliers to present their products for display and trade. Trade show exhibits include both permanent fixtures and temporary stands. A trade show is characterized by exhibits, trade shows, displays, booths, interactive zones, and media spaces.

Trade shows are among the most effective ways of advertising, in fact almost all advertising campaigns are conducted on these. Trade show exhibits involve the movement of products or services from one venue to another, most often in exchange of money. Economists generally refer to such an event as a marketplace or network, which enables the exchange of business. In today’s economy, trade shows are more significant than ever, when it comes to showcasing products, brands and other businesses.

Trade show exhibits are usually held in different venues, including trade show booths, convention centers, expo centres, hotel lobbies, marketing and branding agencies, hotels, offices, and schools. Depending on the industry, there is also a need for additional space. It is preferable to have a large space for a big exhibit, but some exhibitors opt for a smaller booth, if they get a chance. The number of attendees is also very important – it is preferable to have at least a thousand attendees, but if possible much more.

To arrange a successful trade show, the following basic steps must be followed: prepare your booth, for instance; set up your marketing materials, such as brochures, business cards, letterheads, pamphlets, posters, and postcards. Have your visitors come to see your booth, and make sure that they leave with your marketing materials. Arrange for activities and entertainment, including salespeople, and provide quality customer service. Most importantly, invite only those attendees who are interested in the particular product or service you have on display. Let your competitors know that you will be having a trade show, so that they can prepare their booth, too.

In some cases, even after having a good first impression, the potential attendees may decide not to participate. Consider why they would be choosing to attend your event, and try to make them interested in your product or service. Trade shows are also good venues to meet potential customers face-to-face. This is one of the easiest ways to obtain referrals. After the show, arrange for a follow-up meeting, either in person or over the telephone.

Some booths manage to attract a lot of interested attendees, but there are also some that fail to attract any buyers, sellers, or distributors. It is very important to have a strong marketing strategy, and to plan everything ahead. Most often, a well-planned booth, well-chosen displays, high-quality marketing materials, and friendly and helpful staff are enough to attract a large number of attendees to your trade show exhibits. If you have dreams, then you might want to consider a career as an exhibitor at a trade show.