What is a Trade Show?

If you’re in business, you need to show off your products and services. Trade shows give you a chance to get in front of colleagues and consumers to display your latest products and more. Find out what a trade show is and see if being an exhibitor at a show would be a good choice for you and your business.
Simply put, a trade show is an event which takes place to bring together company representatives from a particular industry to discuss, display and demonstrate their best services and products.

Trade Shows: What’s the Point?

The main point of a trade show is to let members of a trade of industry come together to showcase products and services. Trade shows are sometimes called trade fairs or expositions. In many cases, only members of the industry are able to attend. For example, you’ll only find professional motorheads at the SEMA Show. Book Expo America limits its attendees to pros from the publishing industry. Other trade shows and expositions, like SXSW (South by Southwest) are open to the public.
Trade shows can be busy and happening places. Though each show can be different, many shows feature:

• Exhibit space and exhibit booths
• Presentations and conferences
• Media engagement and interactions with members of the press
• Networking events
• Special events just for exhibitors
• Awards presentations

You’ll find that exhibitors set up booths at trade shows to connect with prospects, get sales leads, build relationships with distributors and dealers, and network with industry influencers and media.
If you’re attending a trade show, you’re likely there to become familiar with industry trends, take advantage of special show pricing and become an educated and engaged member of their industry.
There are many reasons why exhibiting at a trade show is a good idea for your business. Not only can you showcase and demonstrate the latest in your company’s products and services, but you can:

• Connect with prospective clients and generate sales leads. People attend trade shows to meet with companies in a specific industry. You won’t find a better audience for your products and services anywhere.

• Build your brand. Exhibiting at trade shows can help your company build and develop a brand. You can share what your company is all about with an invested audience.

• Get ideas from industry leaders. Interacting with a lead generating audience and networking with other exhibitors can help you gain additional insight into the products and services your business is offering.

Where are Trade Shows Held?

You’ll find trade shows scattered all across the country. National shows are held in major convention centers, while local and regional shows might be held at hotels or smaller venues.
Major venues for trade shows include:

• Georgia World Congress Center – Atlanta, GA
• International Exposition Center – Cleveland, OH
• Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center – Dallas, TX
• Kentucky Exposition Center – Louisville, KY
• Las Vegas Convention Center – Las Vegas, NV
• McCormick Place – Chicago, IL
• New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center – New Orleans, LA
• Orange County Convention Center – Orlando, FL
• Reliant Park – Houston, TX

If you’re in the exhibition industry, you’re likely familiar with the above venues.

Why Trade Show Logistics is Important

One of the most important parts of a successful trade show is having a great booth. Booths can be large and intricate with many parts. You might be wondering how you’ll get your booth to the show. Thankfully, R+L Global Logistics has the skills, expertise and services to get your booth there efficiently and on time.
R+L Global can help you manage your trade show shipping and logistics from start to finish. Our team has nearly 50 years of combined expertise and can offer you personalized service to meet your logistics need. Let R+L Global Logistics handle everything from packaging to storage to transportation. We can also help you navigate any unforeseen needs. R+L Global Logistics is prepared to handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on your presentation and getting the word out about your products. We are prepared to offer you products and services including:

• 24/7 Live, On-Call Personnel
• Domestic and International shipping
• Packing, Crating and Packaging
• Show-To-Show and Advance Warehouse options
• Truckload, LTL, Air and Ground Expedite services
• Warehousing and Storage
• White Glove and Debris Removal

You can measure the success of your trade show by your end results. If you return from the show with a list of sales leads and prospects, media mentions, orders or new networking contacts, you can consider the show a win. Let R+L Global Logistics be your trade show freight shipping partner and make the most of your time on the exhibit floor.