Basics for Exhibiting at a Consumer or Trade Show

Businesses that exhibit at trade shows and consumer shows basically do so for 3 (three) reasons: Promoting their company or brand name; Introducing new products or services; and, Selling their products and services.

Participating in shows can be very rewarding. In the trade show environment, many companies book up to 50% or 60% of their sales through their exhibits. Whereas, in consumer shows companies can get great benefits with successful introductions and promotions - And, there are even some businesses that book almost all of their sales at shows.

This article is primarily written for those businesses that may be considering for the first time whether to participate in a trade or consumer show. Though, it may also be helpful to some people that work for companies already active in shows - Perhaps it can be of help to the employees of those companies that have a new responsibility of preparing and working at the shows.

Whatever your interests may be, I hope that you will find this information helpful. And, if anyone has any suggestions, comments or information that would enhance this article - Please do contact me, as it would be welcomed and appreciated

For sake of convenience to all readers, I’ve broken the information up into the specific activities (or steps) that would be taken in the consideration, planning and participation in a show. Thus, whatever your situation is, you will be able to either read this article in the order of the activities, or select that activity for which you may desire to get some information.

The activities are broken up into 10 sections. Click on any of the following according to your interests - Or, you can simply follow them through in order of each activity.

1.0 Deciding whether to exhibit at a show

1.1 Costs to factor into doing a show

2.0 Searching for shows

3.0 Choosing a show

4.0 Negotiating space at a show

5.0 Planning and preparations for the show

6.0 Travel and hotel

7.0 Sending samples and brochures

8.0 Arriving and setting up exhibit

9.0 At the show

10.0 After the show