In early 2009, the average price for gas in the United States was just $1.61 per gallon. Today, that's more than doubled; the mean price per gallon is now up to $3.25. With that in mind, it's understandable that the Recreational Vehicle (RV) industry has suffered over the past few years.

But today in Louisville, Kentucky, RV corporate leaders and dealers are meeting at the Kentucky Exposition Center to celebrate the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association's 49th annual national trade show and revitalize interest in the RV industry.  According to the Indianapolis Star, the trade show event was kicked off this morning with a speech by U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar. 

Most importantly, the trade show will focus on "an array of RVs that are smaller, lighter and more fuel efficient than past models." The updated RVs will be showcased by manufacturers who look forward to showing off their environmentally-friendly designs.

Congratulations! You have confessed your undying love to that special someone and now find yourselves counting down the days until the wedding day.

Those days tick by very quickly though. A year becomes months in the blink of an eye and then days before you even know it. Luckily, there's help...

2012 marks the 11th annual Hartford Bridal Showcase - a very well known showcase that has become the cornerstone of Connecticut and the Tr-State Area for the inside scoop on what's new and stylish in the industry.  The ticket price is a mere $8 for everyone and will have 100's of chefs, DJs, photographers/videographers, florists and much more. Expect promotional products to be in high supply, including custom imprinted food samples and promotional business card magnets. 

The Hartford Bridal Showcase is held at the XL Center in Hartford and takes place April 1, 2012 (Sunday) from 11am - 4pm. 

The International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA) hosted this year's expo event from November 14-18th at Orlando's Orange County Convention Center. Every year the IAAPA gathers people from across the United States to check out what is new in the amusement parks industry.

This year's event saw a three percent increase in attendance. "Exhibit sales, buyer attendance, education program participation, and total registration are all up from 2010, which speaks volumes about the strength of the industry and the expo's role as a global can't-miss event, " said Chip Cleary, IAAPA's President and CEO. "The buying, learning, and sharing of ideas that takes place here is simply phenomenal. The results for IAAPA Attractions Expo 2011 surpassed our expectations on several fronts."

Exhibitors from 32 countries gathered to display their products including innovative rides, attractions, water slides, mobile ticketing systems, inflatable devices, stage productions, arcade games and new food and beverage items. Next year's event is scheduled for November 12-16, 2012 at the same location. So save the date on your calendar!

Florida is a Southern U.S. state known for its citrus fruits. My favorite orange juices, for example, are shipped up north from the Sunshine State. That's why it's no surprise that each year, Florida Grower magazine hosts the Florida Citrus Show.

According to a press release, "The Florida Citrus Show features a comprehensive lineup of educational sessions designed specifically for Florida growers and packers interested in learning about the latest trends that directly impact their businesses." The annual event takes place January 25 - 26 in Ft. Pierce, Florida. At this year's event, attendees will learn about replanting groves, new techniques, and the economic outlook for the industry. 

But perhaps the most exciting part of the Florida Citrus Show is the fact that it includes a trade show "with nearly 80 suppliers exhibiting the latest products and service innovations."  For more information on the trade show, visit http://www.citrusshow.com!

On a rainy day, you dry them off. On a cold night, you share your bed. When you're down, they pick up your spirits. There is a reason why household pets are often referred to as "humankind's best friend." They rely on us and we rely on them. The relationship is a two-way street.

Show your furry one how much you appreciate them by attending the Pet Show and Expo in Edison, NJ on February 10-12, 2012. The show is expected to have many enticing features, including 150+ vendors, inexpensive ticket prices ($6-$20) a VIP group for those who want to pocket extra savings and animal shows all weekend. This is certainly a show that is fun for anyone - two legs or four!

If you're an exhibitor, be sure to have your promotional products on-hand. Dogs love custom imprinted frisbees and you'll love the inexpensive way to reach out to dog owners everywhere. 

If you're an orthodontist, you'll certainly enjoy 2012.

I can't promise that business will be booming or orthodontists will be in high demand but the 112th annual American Association of Orthodontists Annual Meeting is sure to be the biggest in its history. 

The annual meeting of orthodontists is being held in tropical Honolulu, HI at a location that is to be determined. These shows tend to feature professionals giving seminars and talks as well as the perfect opportunity to network with individuals in your industry.

In order to stand out at these meetings, be sure to have promotional products that carry your name well. For example, there are custom imprinted business card holders that will certainly catch your eye and leave you with carrying business cards without frantically searching for them. For others, there are custom imprinted adhesive pads that will have people using your product on a daily basis. 

The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) recently revealed the results from their 2011 Changing Environment of Exhibitions Study, which explores the industry's evolutions in providing key market insights. The results are astounding. The study found that exhibitions and trade shows are highly valued in achieving marketing and sales objectives in the B2B arena.

The CEIR surveyed marketing executives across the industry sectors in charge of marketing and promotions decisions. The response rate was 2.1 percent, totally 298 participating executives.

Study Highlights

*According to the study, 73 percent or more of executives polled rated exhibitions as highly valuable in helping their companies achieve the following marketing objective goals that they identified as a high priority:
    -Building or expanding brand awareness (83%)
    -New product or service promotions or launches (63%)
    -Reinforcing brand awareness (63%)
    -Promotions targeting specific business sectors (58%)
    -Existing product service promotions (45%)

*According to the study, 77 percent or more of executives polled rated exhibitions as highly valuable in helping their companies achieve the following sales objective goals that they identified as a high priority:
    -Existing customer relationship management/engagement (73%)
    -Relationship management/engagement with key accounts (67%)
    -Relationship management/engagement with prospective customers (64%)
    -Generating new sales order with existing customers (57%)
    -Generating new sales leads in general (56%)

*About 40 percent of executives indicate that they are participating in the same number of exhibitions today as they did several years ago. Looking to the future, 85 percent say they will maintain current levels or even increase the number of exhibitions they participate in.

This study is, of course, good news for the trade show industry, but the takeaway here is really for the business-to-business industry. Participating in trade shows and handing out promotional products not only helps with brand awareness, but also overall with key marketing and sales objectives.

If you're anything like me, you're desperately looking for a way out of spending 4+ months in New York during winter weather. I have annual remedies that range from hopping on a flight south to looking up .jpeg images of tropical regions.
Although I've never done it, many hop a flight with their golf bag and spend their time playing 18 holes (or more) in the warmth of the sun.
If you're looking forward to doing the same thing this year, might I suggest a change of pace: the Golf Industry Show.
Held at the Convention Center in famed Las Vegas, NV, the Golf Industry Show is one of the largest of its kind. The convention includes keynote speakers from the industry as well as exhibitors and distributors with hundreds of new and exciting promotional golf products. These might include custom imprinted golf tees, custom imprinted polo shirts and even custom imprinted golf balls. Best of all, there is exactly 129 golf courses in the Las Vegas area where you can show off your skills and new products.
The tradeshow takes place between February 29 and March 1 of 2012, leaving you plenty of time to find airfare, hotel and something to dust off your old clubs.  

On November 5, Trade Show News Network named the Winter Fancy Food Show as the fastest-growing association trade show, reflecting consistent increases in attendance.  That's according to a press release distributed yesterday.

The Winter Fancy Food Show, which is scheduled for January 15 - 17 in San Francisco, California, is sponsored by the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade (NASFT), and shares the top spot with the Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting and Food Expo. According to NASFT President Ann Daw, "This award is a true honor for our exhibitors, who consistently present new and innovative specialty foods and beverages to key buyers from around the world who use our show to start each year with great ideas and products.”

The show was picked from a group of 20 trade shows across a variety of industries.  The implication, therefore, is that the specialty food industry and custom food products are still being supported, even in a period of rough economic times.

Attendance at the Winter Fancy Food Show is expected to reach an all-time high this year.  According to the press release, "the show is expected to attract more than 17,000 buyers from across the U.S. and around the world. With exhibitors from 35 countries and regions and 80,000 products, the show is the largest marketplace devoted exclusively to specialty foods and beverages on the West Coast."

The good news is that there's still time to register; visit http://www.fancyfoodshows.com now for more details!

Sometimes, the idea of attending a trade show can be a little overwhelming.  How will I make a good impression?  How much literature should I hand out?  These are all questions that may be running through your head.  But if you follow these tips, you'll find that your trade show booth will be a success:

1.  Be inviting

At a lot of the trade shows I've attended, the most successful exhibitors are ones that invite attendees in.  Here's what I mean:  instead of standing behind a table, effectively cutting yourself off from the rest of the trade show, try eliminating the boundaries that a table creates.  You are the representative for your company or product, and you know it up and down.  Make yourself available; hop around to the front of the table and show everyone what you've got.  The trade show is meant to encourage interaction, not create limitations.

2.  Don't count on your brochure

It's a great idea to have some literature that will help reiterate your company, brand or product's message.  But many people count on their brochures to do all the talking.  Your literature should serve as supplemental information, not the only information.  Again, you know the details about your organization or item, so prove it.  Hand out literature only after an attendee has expressed interest.  You want to facilitate communication and a two-way information flow.

3.  Utilize giveaways

Making use of trade show giveaways is a fantastic way to bring the crowds over to your booth.  But make sure you're using them the right way; otherwise, potential clients may simply take your gift and run.  Handing out promotional keychains, for example, will certainly garner attention for your company or product.  But don't forget to imprint with your corporate name, logo, and contact information.  This way, your giveaway won't just serve as a freebie; it will also act as a business card!

Following these tips is a surefire way to ensure your booth at the next trade show is a success.  As you can see, there's no reason to feel anxious or stressed!  Just be yourself, be personable, and make connections.  Have fun!