Trade Show A-Go-Go

If you are reading on a smartphone, use landscape / hold phone sideways. 

The Big Apple: NYDLA.org/EVENTS

“A-go-go” is an adverb that means “as much as you like” or “to your heart’s content”. For example, you might say “food and drink à gogo”.

“A-go-go” is also used in the names of nightclubs, cabarets, and discotheques. For example, you might say “They danced all night at the Mistral à gogo”.

“Go-go” is an adjective that means “of or relating to discotheques or to the energetic music and dancing performed at discotheques”. For example, you might say “a go-go company is very energetic and is growing fast”.

Last week was a major ProAV Trade Show in Orlando. And, there was a minor trade show in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Attending both, for me, was impossible. So I had to pick one. One trade show would require flying, the other, driving. One would require me spending around $2,500 and the other around $50. One was one single full day, the other multiple days. 

Being in business since 1983, I have seen much. And I have attended every type of show, from CES in Vegas, to NRF in New York City. Trade Shows that have (literally) hundreds of thousands of attendees, to simply hundreds. And here is what I have learned:

Bigger is not better. Better is better. 

There are several reasons why attending a trade show can be beneficial. Here are some key reasons:

1. Networking opportunities: Trade shows bring together professionals, industry experts, and potential customers or clients from a specific industry or niche. Attending a trade show allows you to network with like-minded individuals, build relationships, and make valuable connections. These connections can lead to partnerships, collaborations, and future business opportunities.

2. Market research and industry insights: Trade shows provide an opportunity to stay updated on the latest trends, innovations, and developments within your industry. You can explore the booths and exhibits to gain insights into new products, technologies, and market strategies. Gathering market intelligence and understanding industry dynamics can help you stay competitive and make informed business decisions.

3. Brand exposure and visibility: Participating in a trade show allows you to showcase your products, services, and brand to a targeted audience. It offers a platform to create brand awareness and attract potential customers or clients who may be interested in what you have to offer. Trade shows often attract industry-specific media coverage, which can further enhance your brand visibility.

4. Product demonstrations and launches: Trade shows provide an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your products or services in person. You can showcase the features, benefits, and functionalities of your offerings directly to potential customers. Additionally, trade shows can serve as a platform to launch new products, generating excitement and buzz among attendees.

5. Competitive analysis: Trade shows offer a unique chance to analyze your competitors. By observing their exhibits, presentations, and interactions with attendees, you can gain insights into their strategies, product offerings, and market positioning. This knowledge can help you assess your own competitive advantage and make necessary adjustments to stay ahead in the market.

6. Education and learning: Many trade shows feature seminars, workshops, and educational sessions conducted by industry experts. Attending these sessions can expand your knowledge, provide insights into industry best practices, and help you acquire new skills. Learning from experienced professionals can inspire innovative ideas and approaches that can be implemented in your business.

7. Building customer relationships: Trade shows often attract existing customers or clients. Attending a trade show allows you to meet them face-to-face, strengthen relationships, and address any concerns or questions they may have. It also offers an opportunity to gather feedback and understand their evolving needs, which can be invaluable for improving your products or services.

Overall, attending a trade show can provide a range of benefits, from networking and market research to brand exposure and customer engagement. It's an effective way to stay connected to your industry, gain a competitive edge, and explore new business opportunities.

Trade Shows continue to exist, because they create value. You should go to such industry events. You should send people to such networking opportunities, if you cannot attend yourself. People still do business with people. The old adage: it's not what you know, it's who you know is very true. If you cannot attend a show yourself, send someone. 

Go. In person. If you cannot go yourself, send an ambassador to attend for you. The business of business is done by people. The size of the show, is not the factor. Big, small, attend them all. 

 Yes, “A-go-go” is an adverb that means “as much as you like” or “to your heart’s content”. Attend Trade Shows and industry events to your heart's content. Attend in-person, live. Trade Shows - they're good for you.

Hey North America: GetClickShare.com