Trade Show Branding: Top Giveaways Travelers Often Forget

While there was a large decline in travel between 2020 and 2022, data indicates that most businesses are now traveling again. More than two-thirds of businesses with yearly revenues under $1 billion anticipate raising their travel spending.

At your next event, keep these guidelines in mind to be the exhibitor that saves the day by handing out frequently overlooked products. Everyone might be a little forgetful when it comes to traveling. Continue reading “Trade Show Branding: Top Giveaways Travelers Often Forget”

Opportunity Still Knocks When Exhibiting at Trade Shows

Trade shows continue to be a fantastic way to promote your products and services and attract new customers. However, picking the right event isn’t always easy. Before selecting a trade show that best meets your exhibiting needs, it helps to be aware of all the different types that are available and make sure your attendance will be worthwhile in terms of both time and money. Here are a few of our best tips to help you choose the right trade show! Continue reading “Opportunity Still Knocks When Exhibiting at Trade Shows”

We’re here for you

We understand the uncertainty you may be experiencing at this time. As always, we’re committed to being responsive to your needs. We encourage you to take time to research online for your upcoming trade shows and conferences. With 24/7 access to our website, you have a safe, secure and convenient way to:

View all our trade show products online
Chat with us online or via email
Search for upcoming trade shows

Continue reading “We’re here for you”

Here’s Why You’re Not Getting Enough Trade Show Booth Traffic

After months of planning, trade show day is finally here! You’re excited to meet and greet with attendees and hopefully capture a few more leads to boost sales. Yet here you are, standing in an empty trade show booth while attendees simply walk by without even a slight glance.

If you’ve ever been in that situation, chances are you wanted a magic wand to transport you somewhere else – somewhere far, far away. The expense of exhibiting at a trade show is enough to make you frustrated, adding in the lack of booth traffic is down right depressing.

Here are the 4 most common reasons why your booth traffic lacking and our best ways to turn that trickle of booth traffic into a flood.

Continue reading “Here’s Why You’re Not Getting Enough Trade Show Booth Traffic”

Trade Shows: Expectation vs. Reality

If you’re reading this article, chances are you’ve been to a trade show or consider them to be an important piece of your marketing puzzle.

Trade shows have been around for a long time – The Great Exhibition, held on May 1, 1851, to be exact. There is no doubt the main reason for a trade show is to provide value to both the attendees and the exhibitors involved. But have times changed? Has technology ruined the face-to-face value that trade shows provide to exhibitors and attendees?

Historically speaking, trade shows have always been a great way to enhance your marketing efforts and promote your brand, but have you ever found yourself asking the question:

Are trade shows even worth it these days?

Continue reading “Trade Shows: Expectation vs. Reality”

What is a Trade Show?

A trade show is an event created with the intent to bring together members of a particular industry to share, demonstrate and discuss their latest products and services. Major trade shows usually take place in large convention centers in populated cities and typically last several days. Local business to business trade shows are smaller and might be held at a local arena or hotel to allow area businesses to establish connections with local prospects.

The main purpose of a trade show is to bring members
together of a similar trade or industry.

Some trade shows, which could also be referred to as a fair, trade exhibition, or expo, limit attendees and exhibitors to only those of the industry. For example, the Consumer Electronics Show, tries to limit attendees to professionals in the electronics and technology fields. However, America’s Largest RV Show restricts attendance to industry members for the first few of days but then opens its doors to the public for the remaining time.

What Happens at Trade Shows

Trade shows provide an exhibit space for your company to showcase your products or services. Once at the show, you’ll receive a schedule of the days happening, such as workshops or presentations featuring speakers knowledgeable in your industry. There are opportunities to interact with the media during networking events to promote your business online or on TV. Private or VIP exhibitor events are also held (for an additional fee) and awards presentations on the last day crowning “Best of Show”.

Exhibiting at trade shows provide a different setting to meet potential new customers, reinforce existing relationships with dealers and distributors. It’s essentially the ultimate in networking events.

Attending a trade show allows you to become familiar with the latest and greatest in your industry. It also gives you the opportunity to snag some good deals with special “show pricing” or educate yourself on the newest trends coming up.

Costs to Participate in a Trade Show

The cost to exhibit at or simply attend a trade show vary greatly, typical expenses include.

For Exhibitors

Booth space rental fee
Design and production of a professional trade show display
Shipping costs
Costs to unload booth and move onto show flow, called drayage
Travel and accommodations for booth staff
Marketing materials, handouts, giveaways, samples, promotional items

For Attendees

Attendees still have expenses, but they are a fraction of what it costs to exhibit. Attendee expenses would include an attendance fee to get in the show, along with any travel and accommodations for staff in attendance. This is a fraction of the cost to set up a booth at the show so often times smaller companies choose to simply attend the show and network.

Popular Trade Show Venues

America’s 5 Largest Convention Centers to Host Your Next Event

- McCormick Place, Chicago, IL.
- Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL.
- Sands Expo and Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV.
- Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, KY.
- New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA

Find Trade Shows Now!

TOP 14 Notable Trade Shows happening this month:

Washington Auto Show
www.washingtonautoshow.com
APR 05 – APR 14, 2019
Washington, DC
Attendees: 950,000
Exhibitors: 125

National Association of Broadcasters – NAB Show
www.nabshow.com
APR 06 – APR 11, 2019
Las Vegas, NV
Attendees: 89,313
Exhibitors: 1,581

Craft Brewers & BrewExpo America®
www.craftbrewersconference.com
APR 08 – APR 11, 2019
Denver, CO
Attendees: 13,000
Exhibitors: 800

Fire Department Instructors Conference – FDIC
www.fdic.com/index.html
APR 08 – APR 13, 2019
Indianapolis, IN
Attendees: 28,061
Exhibitors: 821

Aviation Week MRO Americas
mroamericas.aviationweek.com/en/home.html
APR 09 – APR 11, 2019
Atlanta, GA
Attendees: 10,000
Exhibitors: 800

ISC West – Security Solutions
www.iscwest.com
APR 10 – APR12, 2019
Las Vegas, NV
Attendees: 36,771
Exhbitors: 1,009

Specialty Coffee Conference & Exhibition
www.coffeeexpo.org
APR 11 – APR 14, 2019
Boston, MA
Attendees: 8,025
Exhibitors: 425

American College of Physicians – Internal Medicine – ACP
www.annualmeeting.acponline.org
APR 11 – APR 13, 2019
Philadelphia, PA
Attendees: 10,000
Exhibitors: 325

National Science Teachers Association – Annual – NSTA
www.s6.goeshow.com/nsta/national/2019/index.cfm
APR 11 – APR 14, 2019
St. Louis, MO
Attendees: 14,000
Exhbitors: 500

Army Aviation Association of America – AAAA
www.quad-a.org/19Summit
APR 14 – APR 16, 2019
Nashville, TN
Attendees: 8,000
Exhibitors: 300

New York International Auto Show
www.autoshowny.com
APR 19 – APR 28, 2019
New York, NY
Attendees: 1,000,000
Exhibitors: 185

National Catholic Educational Association – NCEA
www.ncea.org/NCEA2019
APR 23 – APR 25, 2019
Chicago, IL
Attendees: 4,965
Exhibitors: 443

International Sign Expo – ISA
www.signexpo.org
APR 24 – APR 26, 2019
Las Vegas, NV
Attendees: 20,140
Exhibitors: 589

National Rifle Association – NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits
www.nraam.org
APR 26 – APR 28, 2019
Indianapolis, IN
Attendees: 87,154
Exhibitors: 838

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Our company is a family owned and operated company and as such, we have deep-seated family values and we focus on quality and on offering our clients a top choice of eye-catching and appealing tradeshow exhibits and displays. If you are interested in purchasing a portable pop up trade show display for your next trade show or event, contact us here!

Don’t forget to LIKE US on Facebook to see more of our portable displays and banner stand options!

21 Things You’ve Probably Done at a Trade Show (You Might Never Do Anywhere Else)

If you’ve ever been a trade show exhibitor, not just an attendee, there are some things that happen during the long trade show day you may never consider doing in any other business situation.

While many of these behaviors might seem normal to the seasoned exhibitor, others might as well be considered “weird” to anyone else who has never experienced the trade show floor. We decided it would be fun to collaborate and came up with short list of (funny) situations you may recognize. Check them out and let us know if you have more to add!

Wear the same outfit as your co-worker
Nonchalantly walk by another booth and grab anything on the table that appears to have a value (candy, hats, pens, mugs…)
Chat with an ungodly amount strangers, sometimes about nothing at all
Gaze over at the double-padded carpet in booth #828 because your choice of shoes were for fashion and not comfort
Party until the wee hours of the morning with co-workers and not ever talk about it after
Ask a complete stranger for a breath mint and blame it on the free coffee
Pretend the person you are talking to doesn’t need the breath mint more than you
Act completely interested in small talk for hours on end
Complain about how much you loathe setting up and taking down your booth
Be completely convinced that a 15 minute conversation will lead to your biggest sale
Explain, once again, to your family that it’s a “business trip” and not a vacation
Sneak off to the bathroom just for quiet time
Hide behind your booth curtain to scarf down your box lunch
Try and find a way not to stare at everyone’s name badge before introducing yourself
Convince yourself that the 228 business cards collected are solely interested in your business and not the giveaway
Re-introduce yourself to the same person three times
Politely take brochures from anyone and everyone walking by because you can’t say no then discard of them after the show when no one’s looking
Have a permanent smile on your face to the point your cheeks hurt
Stand awkwardly alone in your booth when your co-worker decides they want to walk around
Be shocked at how quickly your booth is to take down compared to when you set it up
Stress because you can’t find your business cards then remember throwing them in the bottom of your the display case at the end of your last trade show

10 Hot US Trade Shows in March

The best part about trade shows is there is one for any business! From beauty to health or merchandising, our Trade Show Calendar is by far the best tool to sort it all out. Quickly search by state, industry, dates and more to locate the best trade show for your brand. After you find the perfect trade show, make sure you’ll be representing your company in a big way. Check out all our trade show products and banner stands to insure you stand out in the crowd.

Consider checking out these trending trade shows happening this month:

Campus Market Expo
March 2-6, 2018
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas
Dallas, TX

www.camex.org

CAMEX is Campus Retailing’s Largest Educational Conference and Buying Expo! For 95 years, NACS has brought campus store professionals and vendors together to meet the needs of students, alumni, parents, and the campus community.

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International Beauty Show
March 4-6, 2018
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
New York, NY

www.ibsnewyork.com

IBS New York is the longest-running and the hottest event in beauty! Drawing 65,200+ beauty professionals who are interested in learning new skills, refining techniques and stocking up on their salon and professional needs. This is the audience you want to reach, and the attendees you need to meet!

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Seatrade Cruise Global
March 5-8, 2018
Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center
Ft. Lauderdale, FL

www.seatradecruiseglobal.com

Seatrade Cruise Global 2018 will welcome 11,000 cruise professionals with ideas and innovations from every aspect of the maritime industry. Exhibiting at Seatrade Cruise Global will enable you to get your brand, products and services in front of an audience looking for new solution providers and business partners.

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Natural Products Expo West
March 8-11, 2018
Anaheim Convention Center
Anaheim, CA

www.expowest.com

The 37th annual Natural Products Expo West & Engredea, the world’s largest natural, organic and healthy products event, experienced another record-setting year playing host to more than 80,000 attendees including industry pioneers and a new generation of innovators shaping the future of healthy products.

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International Home + Housewares Show
March 10-13, 2018
McCormick Place Exposition Center
Chicago, IL

www.housewares.org/show

The International Home + Housewares Show features more than 2,200 exhibitors and exciting educational content at the Design Theater, Cooking Theater and through numerous special displays and events! It’s your opportunity to join the world’s largest audience of home goods and housewares professionals.

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ASD Market Week
March 11-14, 2018
Las Vegas Convention Center
Las Vegas, NV

www.asdonline.com/about/show-overview/

ASD Market Week is the most comprehensive B2B trade show that brings the world’s widest variety of retail merchandise together in one efficient shopping experience. The ASD Market Week show floor is filled with quality choices at every wholesale price point buyers could want to find. ASD Market Week is held twice per year in Las Vegas and is truly the wholesale buying event that can’t be missed for any small to large sized retail, distribution, or importing business.

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International Pizza Expo
March 19-22, 2018
Las Vegas Convention Center
Las Vegas, NV

www.pizzaexpo.com

With nearly 500 exhibiting companies on the show floor, Pizza Expo is the place for independent and chain pizzeria owners and managers to one-stop shop for nearly any needed product or service — and see what’s new in the industry. Attendees can expand their knowledge on topics relevant to business success during Expo’s more than 90 seminars, workshops and baking demonstrations. They also can participate in pizza skills competitions and go to special events such as the Beer & Bull networking session and the Pizza Expo Block Party.

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ISA International Sign Expo
March 22-24, 2018
Orange County Convention Center
Orlando, FL

www.signexpo.org

ISA Sign Expo is the largest gathering of sign and graphics professionals—has the best exhibits offering new technology and helps sign companies make valuable connections. ISA Sign Expo is the most comprehensive trade show for the sign, graphics and visual communications industry, showcasing products from exhibitors in wide format printing, digital signage, vehicle wrapping, LEDs and so much more.

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Nightclub & Bar Show
March 26-28, 2018
Las Vegas Convention Center
Las Vegas, NV 89109

www.ncbshow.com

Nightclub & Bar Show is the nation’s most influential gathering of bar, nightlife, hospitality and beverage professionals, who annually come together in Las Vegas. This is the bar professional’s one stop shop to learn about new products, new technology and new trends in the industry. Take your industry knowledge to the next level in our comprehensive Conference Program, the only program designed to meet the needs and challenges of bar owners, operators and professionals looking to get ahead in the industry. Plus, Nightclub & Bar Show is notorious for throwing Parties!

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New York International Auto Show
March 30-April 8, 2018
Jacob Javits Convention Center
New York, NY

www.autoshowny.com

Ushering in the latest automotive trends, the 2018 New York International Auto Show will showcase an incredible collection of cutting-edge design and extraordinary innovation. More than four floors of displays from the world’s automakers will feature the newest vehicles and latest futuristic concept cars. Nearly 1,000 cars and trucks will be on display at North America’s first and largest-attended auto show dating back to 1900.

10 Major Trade Shows in February

Trade show season 2018 is definitely in full swing! And quite possibly the hardest decision this year might be choosing which trade shows your company would benefit from attending. If you ever unsure which trade shows are occuring in your area or accross the United States, you can always start your research using our Trade Show Calendar. You can narrow down your search by City, Country, Industry and even Month. Give it a try today!

Consider these TOP 10 trade shows happening this month:

Golf Industry Show
Show Dates: February 3-8, 2018
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
San Antonio, TX

www.golfindustryshow.com/trade-show

With hundreds of exhibitors spanning thousands of square feet of exhibit space, the GIS trade show gives superintendents, owners, technicians and other golf facility professionals the opportunity to network and discuss the latest products and services in turf and facility care. The show floor also includes special features such as Inside the Ropes, presentations from GCSAA TV, free education on the show floor, the New Product Showcase and the GIS Silent Auction.

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TCEA Convention & Exposition
Show Dates: February 5-9, 2018
Austin Convention Center
Austin, TX

www.convention.tcea.org

The 2018 TCEA Convention & Exposition brings thousands of educators together with the knowledge and resources they need to transform The 2018 TCEA Convention & Exposition brings thousands of educators together with the knowledge and resources they need to transform the future of teaching and learning. Campus and district-level administrators, curriculum and technology leaders, teachers, librarians, and champions of ed tech will all discover innovative ways to engage students, enhance curriculum, and increase productivity.

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National Pavement Expo 2018
Show Dates: February 7-10, 2018
Huntington Convention Center
Cleveland, OH

www.nationalpavementexpo.com/show/

For over 30 years, National Pavement Expo brings vendors and contractors together who make their living from asphalt and concrete paving, sealcoating, striping, sweeping, crack repair, pavement repair, and snow removal to network with other paving professionals, attend industry workshops, and learn new ideas at our leadership boot camp.

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OFFPRICE Show
Show Dates: February 10-13, 2018
Sands Convention Center
Las Vegas, NV

www.offpriceshow.com/lasvegas/

The OFFPRICE Show is the shopping destination for smart retailers who want fashionable apparel, footwear and accessories, at prices that can’t be beat. Find out what thousands of successful retailers know and register to attend our next trade show.

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MAGIC Marketweek
Show Dates: February 12-14, 2018
Las Vegas & Mandalay Bay Convention Centers
Las Vegas, NV

www.ubmfashion.com/shows/magic?q=shows/magic-february

Every February and August, the retail industry convenes in Las Vegas for the United States’ most comprehensive fashion marketplace – MAGIC. Here you will find the latest in apparel, footwear, accessories, and manufacturing. From the height of advanced contemporary luxury brands, to the latest trends in fast fashion, MAGIC fuels the business of fashion.

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ProGreen Expo
Show Dates: February 13-16, 2018
Colorado Convention Center
Denver, CO

www.progreenexpo.com

ProGreen EXPO is the only green industry conference in the Rocky Mountain Region of its kind. More than 6,000 green industry professionals gather every year at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver to gain vital knowledge and skills to improve business, educate employees and discover the latest information for the upcoming season. Since 1996, ProGreen EXPO has grown into the place where the green industry meets. Through education, networking, and skill-building, we ensure that our industry remains an asset to communities and an engine of job creation.

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World AG Expo
Show Dates: February 13-15, 2018
International Agri-Center
Tulare, CA

www.worldagexpo.com

We are here to encourage the newest conversations, inventions and innovations in the world of ag so that the dealer, the producer and the consumer can all come out on top. World Ag Expo continues to be a marketplace and a celebration of all things ag. When our exhibitors succeed, our attendees and farmers transform their operation, and consumers all over the world are positively impacted by the increased efficiency and the continuous re-evaluation of ‘what we’ve always done’.

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Toy Fair NY
Show Dates: February 17-20, 2018
Jacob J. Javits Convention Center
NYC. NY

www.toyfairny.com

Toy Fair 2017 opened its doors to thousands of registered global play professionals to explore a record-breaking 443,000 net square feet of exhibit space filled with hundreds of thousands of toys, games and youth entertainment products. Toy Fair is produced by The Toy Association™, Inc., the not-for-profit trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and bringing toys and youth entertainment products to kids of all ages. The Toy Association’s more than 950 members account for approximately 90% of the annual U.S. domestic toy market of $26B.

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Wedding & Portrait Photographers Int’l Conference
Show Dates: February 24-28, 2018
Mandalay Bay Convention Center
Las Vegas, NV

www.wppiexpo.com

The annual Wedding & Portrait Photographers Int’l Conference + Expo specializes in the creative and business aspects of wedding and portrait photography and filmmaking. Each year, thousands of professional and aspiring photographers and filmmakers attend WPPI to network, learn new techniques from industry leaders, build new relationships to grow their business, experience new products, gear, and solutions from the world’s top photo suppliers, improve their productivity, and enjoy the many attractions in Las Vegas.

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EXHIBITOR LIVE
Show Dates: February 25-March 1, 2018
Mandalay Bay Convention Center
Las Vegas, NV

www.exhibitoronline.com/live/2018/index.asp

EXHIBITORLIVE is the Trade Show and Corporate Event Marketing Conference. This five-day educational event features 180+ sessions and workshops with the industry’s largest exhibit hall, including nearly 300 exhibitors. This is where you will find the latest products and resources shaping the future of exhibiting and corporate event programs. The 6,000 exhibit and event managers, marketing experts and communications specialists who attend our show are serious learners who want to survive their job, improve their performance and master new strategic initiatives.