Trade show
A trade fair (trade show, trade exhibition or expo) is an exhibition organized so that companies in a specific industry can showcase and demonstrate their latest products, service, study activities of rivals and examine recent market trends and opportunities. In contrast to consumer fairs, only some trade fairs 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 fairs 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 2500 [citation needed] trade shows held every year, and several online directories have been established to help organizers, attendees, and marketers identify appropriate events.
Trade fairs in history
Modern trade fairs follow in the tradition of trade fairs established in late medieval Europe, in the era of merchant capitalism. In this era, produce and craft producers visited towns for trading fairs, to sell and showcase products. From the late eighteenth century, Industrial Exhibitions in Europe and North America became more common reflecting the technological dynamism of the industrial revolution.
Contemporary trade fairs
Trade fairs often involve a considerable marketing investment by participating companies. Costs include space rental, design and construction of trade show displays, telecommunications and networking, travel, accommodations, and promotional literature and items to give to attendees. In addition, costs are incurred at the show for services such as electrical, booth cleaning, internet services, and drayage (also known as material handling). Consequently, cities often promote trade shows as a means of economic development.
Exhibitors attending the event are required to use an exhibitor manual or online exhibitor manual to order their required services and complete any necessary paperwork such as health and safety declarations. An increasing number of trade fairs are happening online, and these events are called virtual tradeshows. They are increasing in popularity due to their relatively low cost and because there is no need to travel whether you are attending or exhibiting.
Large trade fair grounds:
ground | city | indoor floor area | outdoor floor area |
---|---|---|---|
Hanover fairground | Hanover | 496,000 m2 (5,340,000 sq ft) | 58,070 m2 (625,100 sq ft) |
FieraMilano | Milan | 345,000 m2 (3,710,000 sq ft) | 60,000 m2 (650,000 sq ft) |
Frankfurt Trade Fair | Frankfurt am Main | 321,000 m2 (3,460,000 sq ft) | 83,700 m2 (901,000 sq ft) |
Las Vegas Convention Center | Winchester, Nevada (Las Vegas) | 297,000 m2 (3,200,000 sq ft) | |
Koelnmesse | Cologne | 284,000 m2 (3,060,000 sq ft) | 100,000 m2 (1,100,000 sq ft) |
List of major trade fairs
List reviewed on February 18, 2008.
Major Trade Show Organising Companies
Abraxys Ltd, Advanstar Communications, Allworld Exhibitions, Amsterdam RAI, ASP, Association of Korean Exhibition Industries, Brintex, Business Exhibitions Ltd, Centaur Exhibitions, Clarion Events, Crain Communications, easyFairs, ECI International Ltd, EMAP Communications, Fresh RM, Haymarket Exhibitions Ltd,
See also
References
- ^ "Participation Information". Farmonline.com.au. Retrieved March 14, 2008.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag "Euro Fair Statistics 2008" (PDF). UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. Retrieved 2010-05-10.
- ^ The figures of the 31st edition of Bologna Motor Show, International Automobile Exhibition, Bologna Motor Show, September 5, 2007. Retrieved October 19, 2007.
- ^ The Fair was a success and they are already working for 2009, Clarin, May 13, 2008
- ^ Cairo International Book Fair Attracts Two Million Visitors
- ^ China Import and Export Fair
- ^ CeBIT End of Show Report 2007, CeBIT. Retrieved October 19, 2007.
- ^ "We've moved some things around!". Events in America. Retrieved 16 September 2010.
- ^ "?". Comiket.cp.jp. Retrieved 16 September 2010. Template:Ja icon
- ^ "Taipei Computer Association: Perfect finale for COMPUTEX Taipei 2008 with exhibition size and number of buyers both achieving new heights". Computex.biz.
- ^ "CONEXPO-CON/AGG". conexpoconagg.com. Retrieved March 20, 2008. Note: figures include attendees for the co-located International Exposition for Power Transmission.
- ^ General Information - drupa Trade Fair
- ^ Ellie Gibson (May 23, 2005). "E3: Organisers report record attendance at 2005 event". GameIndustry.biz. Retrieved November 15, 2007.
- ^ "E3 Media and Business Summit 2007 website". Retrieved November 15, 2007.
- ^ "Messe Detail Liste". Auma.de. Retrieved 13 September 2010.
- ^ "Facts & Figures: Visitor's Statistics 2010" (Press release). Frankfurt Book Fair. Retrieved 2011-02-13.
- ^ "Abschlussbericht: Gamesbranche bleibt 2009 in Leipzig". Leipziger-Messe.de. August 24, 2008. Retrieved 16 September 2010.
- ^ "Gaems Convention zieht als GAMESCom nach Köln". February 25, 2008. Retrieved 16September 2010.
{{cite web}}
: Check date values in:|accessdate=
(help) - ^ IFA Statistics
- ^ "MINExpo Brings it All Togeather". Engineering & Mining Journal. 209 (9). United States: 30. November 2008. ISSN 0095-8948.
- ^ Exhibitors, NAMM website. Retrieved November 27, 2007.
- ^ Chico Concours d'Elegance
- ^ Fieldays 2007 Statistics, National Agricultural Fieldays Website. Retrieved March 14, 2008.
- ^ Report of Spielwarenmesse International Toy Fair 2009
- ^ photokina report 2008
- ^ Cosmit - Visitatori
- ^ "Post-SHOT Show Press Release" (Press release). National Shooting Sports Foundation. 2011-01-21. Retrieved 2011-02-13.
- ^ 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, Sydney Royal Easter Show Website. Retrieved March 14, 2008.
- ^ The Fair was a success and they are already working for 2010, Clarin, May 13, 2008
External links
Media related to Trade fairs at Wikimedia Commons Media related to Trade Fair Organisers at Wikimedia Commons