Trade shows
Trade show terms

Trade show terms

Trade shows are events where companies gather to exhibit, demonstrate, and discuss their latest products and services. Trade shows serve as central forums for industry professionals to network, study market trends, observe competitors, and forge business partnerships. Trade shows are held in convention centers or large venues, lasting from several days to weeks, and can be restricted to industry members or open to the public depending on the event’s focus.

Trade shows are classified by audience and industry sector, including consumer shows for the general public, business-to-business (B2B) shows for industry professionals, and hybrid formats that blend both. Exhibitors set up booths or displays to attract prospects, conduct demonstrations, and distribute promotional materials. Attendees seek to learn about innovations, take advantage of special offers, and build industry connections.

The modern trade show functions as a strategic marketing tool, enabling companies to launch products, generate leads, and gather market intelligence. Trade shows often feature seminars, keynote speakers, and social events, providing educational and networking opportunities alongside product exhibitions. The evolution of trade shows has led to hybrid models, combining physical and digital participation to broaden reach and engagement[5]. The scale of trade shows ranges from local gatherings to major international exhibitions, with venues like the Hanover Fairground and Las Vegas Convention Center hosting some of the world’s largest events.

Floor plan

A floor plan is a scaled diagram representing the spatial arrangement of rooms, areas, and...

Audio-Visual integration

Audio-Visual integration is the process of unifying audio, visual, and related control technologies into a...

Sponsorship activation

Sponsorship activation is the process by which a brand leverages its sponsorship of an event,...

Sustainability

Sustainability is the practice of using resources in a manner that meets present needs without...

Logistics

Trade show logistics involve managing trade show transportation and coordination for exhibits to ensure the...

    • Custom Fabrication

      Custom Fabrication is the process of creating unique, tailor-made products or components according to specific...

    • Multi-Sensory Engagement

      Trade shows are a prime example of Multi-Sensory Engagement, as they offer attendees the opportunity...

    • Session Attendance Metrics

      Session attendance metrics are quantitative and qualitative measurements that track participant engagement and interaction within...

    • Booth babe

      A Booth babe is an attractive promotional model hired to draw attention to a company’s...

    • Brand ambassador

      A brand ambassador is a person who employed to positively represent a brand to raise...

    • Breakout session

      A breakout session is a smaller session, workshops, or meeting that takes place within the...

    • Convention center

      A convention center is a space used for conferences, trade exhibitions, conventions, and gatherings. A...

    • Exhibitor

      Exhibitors are individuals or businesses that demonstrate their goods or services at a trade show....

    • Floor plan

      A floor plan is a diagram that illustrates the layout of booths and other elements...

    • Name badge

      A name badge is a label that displays the wearer’s name, company name, and other...

    • Product demonstration

      A product demonstration is a promotional presentation of a product or service at a trade...

    • Registration

      Event registration is the collection of information about attendees for an event. Registration is a...

    • Trade show

      A trade show is a corporate gathering with exhibits where businesses display and demonstrate their...

    • Trade show display

      A trade show display is a form of exhibit used by businesses during trade shows...

    • Trade show vendor

      A vendor is a professional or corporation that offers a service or product at a...

    • Trade show visitor

      A visitor is a person who visits a trade show, typically with the purpose of...

    trade show magicians