Trade Show InsightsNews, tips & tools to expand your knowledge of exhibiting

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Lately there’s been a lot of buzz online about whether or not trade shows are still relevant, both inside and outside the industry. Ironically, some of the external sources have been more positive than the insiders. Check out the second half of this video from Open Forum with two business consultants on trade shows. Note what they say at the end … it’s often not a matter of the show, but what you do with it!

There’s never a shortage of creativity at the EXHIBITOR Show in Las Vegas. Each year, the industry’s who’s who pull out all the stops to impress exhibit managers from companies large and small. Here are just a few examples from this year’s show.

This week, the exhibit world gathered in Las Vegas for the annual EXHIBITOR Show. Over the coming days, watch for some new discoveries from the show, but today we have some other industry news to cover.

The Center for Exhibition Industry Research has released a new report on how exhibits fit into the overall marketing budget. The study shows that although spending per exhibition is down, the overall percentage of marketing funds allocated to B2B exhibiting is up.

No doubt this week the big news revolved around the fate of the Trade Show Exhibitors Association (TSEA). First it was rumors, then there was a formal announcement on Tuesday that TSEA will be closing its doors.

Having been the primary association for exhibitors in the U.S. since it was formed in 1966, TSEA currently has about 5000 members. But lately there have been struggles, as evidenced by the cancellation of last year’s TS2 annual conference and trade show. So it’s no great surprise to hear that the association as we’ve known it is going away, but it’s perhaps the proposed solution that is causing the most controversy.

Prefer to listen to this article? Just click on the play button at the bottom of this entry!

Today is Leap Day, which brings to mind the famous quote from astronaut Neil Armstrong: “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” While it may be a stretch to say that exhibiting could offer a giant leap for all mankind, it can offer a giant leap for your business.

Next week is the annual EXHIBITOR Show in Vegas where the industry’s movers and shakers will be showing off what’s new in exhibit design, promotional tools, booth attractions, and lead management. I’ll be walking the show to discover and report back to you on what I find that can help you make a leap.