Trade show
A trade show, also known as trade fair, trade exhibition, or trade exposition, is an exhibition organized so that companies in a specific industry can showcase and demonstrate their latest products and services, meet with industry partners and customers, study activities of competitors, and examine recent market trends and opportunities.
In contrast to consumer shows, only some trade shows are open to the public, while others can only be attended by company representatives (members of the trade, e.g. professionals) and members of the press, therefore trade shows are classified as either "public" or "trade only". A few shows are hybrids of the two; one example is the Frankfurt Book Fair, which is trade only for its first three days and open to the general public on its final two days. They are held on a continuing basis in virtually all markets and normally attract companies from around the globe. For example, in the U.S., there are currently over 10,000[1] trade shows held every year, and several online directories have been established to help organizers, attendees, and marketers identify appropriate events.
History
[edit | edit source]Modern trade shows follow in the tradition of trade fairs established in late medieval Europe such as the Champagne fairs or the Skåne Market, in the era of merchant capitalism. In this era, produce and craft producers visited towns for trading fairs, to sell and showcase products. These markets were held annually or on several specific days a year, usually at geographically particularly favorable locations and in conjunction with a religious festival in order to benefit from the rush of the public. The tradition of fairs taking place in spring and autumn has been preserved in some cases until today. From the late eighteenth century, industrial exhibitions in Europe and North America became more common reflecting the technological dynamism of the Industrial Revolution.
In the late 19th century, the concept of annual industry-wide trade shows gained traction, spreading from European manufacturing centers to North America. By the 20th century, specialized companies came into existence simply to manage the trade-show industry, and permanent trade show grounds or convention centres were established as venues that featured a rotating calendar of trade shows.
In the 21st century, with the rapid industrialization of Asia, trade shows and exhibitions are now commonplace throughout the Asian continent, with China dominating the exhibitions industry in Asia, accounting for more than 55 per cent of all space sold in the region in 2011.[2]
Use
[edit | edit source]Trade shows play important roles in marketing as well as business networking in market sectors that use them. People will seek to meet people and companies at their own level in the supply chain, as well as potential suppliers and potential buyers.[3]
Generally there will be a central trade show floor with booths where people exhibit their goods or services, and throughout the day there will be seminars for continuing education on matters relevant to the industry, like best practices, trends, and regulation. There will also be some shared meals with keynote speakers, and social events in the evenings.[3] Booths range from simple tables to elaborate constructions.[4]
Trade shows often involve a considerable investment in time and money by participating companies.[5] The planning includes arranging meetings with other attendees beforehand and resources to follow up on opportunities that are created at the show.[6] Costs include space rental, booth design and construction of trade show displays, telecommunications, travel, accommodations, and promotional literature and items to give to attendees.[3]
In addition, costs are incurred at the show for services such as electrical, booth cleaning, internet services, and drayage (also known as material handling). This local spending on logistics leads cities to promote trade shows as a means of local economic development, as well as providing opportunities for local businesses to grow, and attract new businesses to come.[7]
List of major venues
[edit | edit source]| # | Ground | City | Country | Indoor floor area | Outdoor floor area |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hanover Fairground | Hanover | File:Flag of Germany.svg Germany | 496,000 m2 (5,340,000 sq ft) | 58,070 m2 (625,100 sq ft) |
| 2 | World Market Center Las Vegas | Las Vegas | File:Flag of the United States.svg United States | 460,000 m2 (5,000,000 sq ft) | 22,300 m2 (240,000 sq ft) |
| 3 | Messe Frankfurt | Frankfurt | File:Flag of Germany.svg Germany | 366,600 m2 (3,946,000 sq ft) | 96,000 m2 (1,030,000 sq ft) |
| 4 | Fira de Barcelona | Barcelona | File:Flag of Spain.svg Spain | 365,000 m2 (3,930,000 sq ft) | 50,000 m2 (540,000 sq ft) |
| 5 | Fiera Milano | Milan | File:Flag of Italy.svg Italy | 345,000 m2 (3,710,000 sq ft) | 60,000 m2 (650,000 sq ft) |
| 6 | Canton Fair Complex | Guangzhou | File:Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China | 338,000 m2 (3,640,000 sq ft)[8] | 43,600 m2 (469,000 sq ft) |
| 7 | Yashobhoomi | Delhi | File:Flag of India.svg India | 300,000 m2 (3,200,000 sq ft) | 71,000 m2 (760,000 sq ft) |
| 8 | Las Vegas Convention Center | Winchester, Nevada (Las Vegas) | File:Flag of the United States.svg United States | 297,000 m2 (3,200,000 sq ft) | |
| 9 | Koelnmesse | Cologne | File:Flag of Germany.svg Germany | 284,000 m2 (3,060,000 sq ft) | 100,000 m2 (1,100,000 sq ft) |
| 10 | Messe Düsseldorf | Düsseldorf | 262,740 m2 (2,828,100 sq ft) | 43,000 m2 (460,000 sq ft) | |
| 11 | McCormick Place | Chicago | File:Flag of the United States.svg United States | 248,000 m2 (2,670,000 sq ft) | |
| 12 | Parc des Expositions de Villepinte | Paris | File:Flag of France.svg France | 246,300 m2 (2,651,000 sq ft) | |
| 13 | Paris expo Porte de Versailles | 227,000 m2 (2,440,000 sq ft) | |||
| 14 | Feria de Madrid IFEMA | Madrid | File:Flag of Spain.svg Spain | 200,000 m2 (2,200,000 sq ft) | |
| 15 | National Exhibition Centre | Solihull, UK | File:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom | 186,000 m2 (2,000,000 sq ft) | 100,000 m2 (1,100,000 sq ft) |
| 16 | Messe München | Munich | File:Flag of Germany.svg Germany | 180,000 m2 (1,900,000 sq ft) | 425,000 m2 (4,570,000 sq ft) |
| 17 | Messe Nürnberg | Nuremberg | 180,000 m2 (1,900,000 sq ft) | 50,000 m2 (540,000 sq ft) | |
| 18 | Messe Berlin | Berlin | 160,000 m2 (1,700,000 sq ft) | 390,000 m2 (4,200,000 sq ft) |
List of major trade shows
[edit | edit source]Trade shows and stand design
[edit | edit source]A well-designed exhibition stand plays a crucial role in attracting attention, communicating brand identity, and engaging potential clients during trade shows. Beyond serving as a physical space, the stand becomes a strategic marketing tool that can influence perception, differentiate from competitors, and support lead generation. Elements such as visual impact, functionality, and visitor experience are key factors in maximizing return on investment. For companies participating in highly competitive environments, the quality and creativity of their stand design often directly affect their overall event success.[65]
See also
[edit | edit source]- Agricultural show
- Buyers Market of American Craft
- County fair
- Lead retrieval
- List of world's fairs
- Rodeo
- Sample fair
- State fair
- World's fair
- Hall of Nations
References
[edit | edit source]- ^ CIC Economic Significance Study Executive Summary p.5 http://www.conventionindustry.org/ResearchInfo/EconomicSignificanceStudy/ESSExecSummary.aspx Archived 2017-04-20 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ a b c Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ arabhealthonline.com
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Zonca, Craig Organisers claim big success at Rockhampton beef expo Archived 2021-12-09 at the Wayback Machine, Queensland Country Hour, ABC Rural, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 8 May 2015. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ it:Motor Show
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ The Fair was a success and they are already working for 2009 Archived 2008-05-15 at the Wayback Machine, Clarin, May 13, 2008
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ CeBIT End of Show Report 2007 Archived 2007-10-12 at the Wayback Machine, CeBIT. Retrieved October 19, 2007.
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value). Note: figures include attendees for the co-located International Exposition for Power Transmission.
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ KOLKATA INTERNATIONAL BOOK FAIR – A MELTING POT Archived 2016-03-13 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ SIMO e-life 2007 aims to become an annual point of reference for the video-games sector throughout Europe SIMO press release, July 25, 2007. Retrieved on October 11, 2007
- ^ About the 2008 Show Archived 2008-05-16 at the Wayback Machine, Sydney Royal Easter Show Website. Retrieved March 14, 2008.
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
External links
[edit | edit source]- Error creating thumbnail: File missing Media related to Lua error in Module:Commons_link at line 62: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). at Wikimedia Commons
Lua error in mw.title.lua at line 392: bad argument #2 to 'title.new' (unrecognized namespace name 'Portal'). Lua error in Module:Authority_control at line 153: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).