What are Trade Fairs?
A trade fair is also known as a trade show/trade exhibition/expo. The name may vary but the basic function of the activity represents a major industry marketing event. They are 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.
Trade shows and events have a detailed history of bringing together traders and customers, both B2B and B2C, under a single roof.
At the worst point of the economic downturn a high number of businesses chose to withdraw from exhibiting at shows internationally. As a result of most companies getting out of the perils of the recession the attractiveness of exhibitions is beginning to increase again too. It presents companies with the opportunity to generate brand awareness to potential customers that they might not be able to reach using other promotional methods.
Impact on companies
Exhibitions as marketing tools
Trade shows tend to be a celebration of success with successful companies exhibiting and successful companies visiting. Throughout the ages, trade fairs have been recognized as one of the most efficient and powerful tools for effectively doing business. They are a major portion of the marketing mix in the industrial