Last fall, BizBash Magazine identified the best trade shows in 2013 and gave a little blurb about each one. That got me thinking that there must be something special about the nine that were identified; especially when there is a lot written that trade shows are slowing down or dying.
Rather than put them in number order, I identified the month that six of the nine are held. This should give you food for thought as you complete your event planning cycle for next year.
January Shows
The International Gift & Home Furnishings Market
Location: Atlanta, GA
Attendance: 95,000
Exhibitors: 3,900+
Number of Days: 8
What They do Right
- Experts are on hand to discuss the latest product developments
- Exclusive varieties of products are showcased at this event
- Fashion shows are held
- Extensive foreign participation of 90+ different countries
- Special sections for kids and bridal dresses are also set up at the event
North American International Auto Show
Location: Detroit, MI
Attendance: 795,000+
Exhibitors: 216
Number of Days: 19
Technology Used: They offer virtual tours with video and photos, as well as,providing a mobile show floor map. They use Twitter and hashtags extensively, which can be displayed on iPad rentals and video walls.
What They do Right
- Feature worldwide vehicle debuts
- Welcome over 5,000 journalists from 60 countries, with 30% of journalists from international destinations
- Offer a media preview
- Provide an industry preview
- Work on CSR initiatives with a charity preview and
- Have a 9-day public show
PGA Merchandise Show
Location: Orlando, FL
Attendance: 41,000
Exhibitors: 1,100
Number of Days: 4
Technology Used: Extensively use YouTube Videos, Twitter and Facebook to convey information about their speakers and show information. They offer a “My PGA Show Planner” app that can run on mobile devices.
What They do Right
- One day dedicated to PGA Show Demo
- Show Exhibitors are Listed by Product Category
- PGA, LPGA Members and Allied Association Members register free of charge
- The registration for Non-PGA Members is nominal and a portion of the fee is donated to support We Are Golf
February Show
Magic Online
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Attendance: 345,000+
Exhibitors: 3,800
Number of Days: 4
Technology Used: Extensive use of social channels including YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and blogging. Extensive array of collective photos and videos.
What They do Right
- The largest global marketplace for contemporary men’s and women’s apparel, footwear and accessories
- Most comprehensive forum for fashion buyers and brands.
- Attendees can shop a portfolio of ten merchandised and curated shows across every category
- $200+ million in orders written daily
March Shows
Arnold Sports Festival
Location: Columbus, OH
Attendance: 175,000
Exhibitors: 800
Number of Days: 4
Technology Used: Extensive use of social channels including YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
What They do Right
- Arnold Schwarzenegger comes to this event every year
- Kids Fitness Expo is part of the program
- Educational Seminars about fitness
- Offer a 5K and Pump event to emphasis cardio and weightlifting
International Beauty Show
Location: New York, NY
Attendance: 60,000
Exhibitors: 500+
Number of Days: 3
Technology Used: Extensive use of social channels including YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Multiple photos and videos on their web site.
What They do Right
- Exhibitors provide discounts and special show pricing to attendees
- Attendees are invited to attend the Spa Show – free of charge – with an IBS admission ticket.
- 100+ hair, nail, makeup and business classes offered at the event
- 94% of attendees purchase products on the show floor and 84% participate in in-booth education
The net outcome? It really doesn’t matter where your trade show is (Detroit in January…yikes!) but it does seem to matter what time of year and providing new and interesting content to your attendees.
How SmartSource Rentals can Help
Thinking about renting audio visual equipment and securing trade show technology rentals for your next event? Look no further than SmartSource Rentals with 20 locations to serve you!
