If there's one really awful trade show strategy, it's this:  Trying to exhibit at as many as possible. The truth is not all shows are suited for your company or organization, so outdoing your competition will only end up costing you more money.

To avoid this common pitfall, it's important to focus on high-quality conventions that will get you maximum exposure. But how do you find the best trade fairs in the country? The Trade Show News Network (TSNN) unveiled its list of the 2011 TSNN Top 250 Trade Shows in the United States yesterday. Shows were ranked by net square footage. Let's take a look at the top three events:

1. CONEXPO-CON/AGG
   
   The Las Vegas, Nevada trade show brings together professionals within the construction industry to take a look at equipment, technologies and services. Over 86,000 people attended the 2011 show.
   
   
2. International CES
   
   Our world is becoming increasingly focused on technology, so it's no surprise that the International CES made TSNN's list. The event is the top technology tradeshow worldwide, and attendees get a first-hand look at new technologies and innovations.
   
   

   

   
   
   
3. The January Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market
   
   According to TSNN, "AmericasMart encloses 7,053,000 square feet of space housing 4,500,000 square feet of product, which takes center stage as the chief attraction for retailers from every U.S. state and more than 80 countries worldwide attending its 13 annual markets."  The trade fair focuses on a variety of products from gifts and home furnishings to fashion and apparel.

For a look at TSNN's full list of top 2011 trade shows, click here. And remember, more is not always better! Focus on high quality shows and your target demographic to really make a difference for your company or organization.

While trade shows are very beneficial to those who do attend, many avoid conferences and tradeshows during the weekend. A weekend is an opportunity to rest up from the work-week, not a continuation of the already hectic work-week. Work-week tradeshows and conferences are hard to come by.

Those who are in the electronics industry and seeking such a tradeshow that doesn't interfere with the work-week or the sought-after weekend should check out the Del Mar Electronics Show. The Del Mar Electronics Show takes place May 2nd and May 3rd at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego, CA. This is a great way to meet like-minded people in the electronics industry while taking part in seminars and visiting world-reknowned exhibitors - including 3M, Duracell and Nemco USA. 

With less than a month until the Del Mar Electronics Show, now is the perfect time to pick out an exhibitor's space and to pick out promotional tradeshow items adorned with your logo.  

With the healthcare industry one of the strongest during this lengthy recession, it's a fairly good time to be an occupational health nurse. 

That is why visiting the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. 2012 Synposium and Expo might be the best idea for any occupational nurse. It is a three day conference and trade show that brings together all occupational nurses under the same goals and missions of the AAOHN: to routinely manage and care for others, to design programs to reduce negative lifestyles and endorce positive ones, recognize/avoid hazards in the workplace, etc. By bringing in similar minds, the minds of occupational nurses can mature and develop further than they can when not united.

If you want your product name/services to stick out, consider some custom imprinted Nurse's Week items. Although Nurse's Week isn't until May (May 6-12) these items will please the nurses you come in contact. Whether it is a promotional Nurse stress ball or a custom imprinted pill box, these items will be heavily used and endorsed by the nurses you meet.  

So head on town to Nashville, TN a the end of this month (April 22-25) for the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses Inc. 2012 Symposium & Expo. 

The Motivators website carries over 50,000 different promotional products with that number steadily climbing to 60,000 items. They all have different purposes and uses.

Did you know that we have items that could help dress your booth at your next trade show? The Trade show section of the Motivators company web has a wide variety of items, including custom imprinted table covers, custom imprinted trade show signs and even other ideas for promotional tradeshow giveaways. 

If you find yourself in the final stretch before a tradeshow and you're not prepared, consider a trade show package. There are six different combinations that give you everything you'll need to make a splash at your next tradeshow. These purchases insure that everything you order is delivered around the same time and that the imprint is similar for each. 

Browse these models a bit. For added savings, be sure to check out other promotional giveaways.  

It's officially trade show season, and exhibitors are understandably excited about showing off their new products and services.  But be careful; lots of companies overspend in preparation for the conventions and attend unnecessary shows with no gain.  Let's go over some common traps that companies fall into during trade show season:

1.  Too much space

According to CBS News, one of the most common mistakes exhibitors make is going too big.  Just because the booth next door to you is impressive in size, doesn't mean that yours is too small. "Money spent to make that booth look as elegant and professional as possible is generally better than money spent for more real estate and all of the additional expenses that come with it," says trade show veteran Michael Hess.  Therefore, instead of renting out extra space, make sure your trade show tent looks presentable and appealing.

2.  Too many representatives

You may be tempted to send multiple representatives from your company to exhibit at the upcoming trade show.  But remember:  The more people you send away from the office, the less work will get done at home.  Plus, expenses due to airfare, meals, entertainment, hotels, and transportation really add up.  Figure out how many people you can afford to send away, and stick to it.

3.  Too many last-minute changes

A big event rarely goes off without a hitch; there's always going to be something someone forgot to do, bring, or say.  But with proper planning, you can avoid making last-minute (and potentially costly) changes.

4.  Too many shows

Of course you want to show off your product or service to as many people as possible, but more shows doesn't always mean more sales.  According to Hess, "You should always question a show that will mainly put you in front of people you see in the normal course of business."  If your reps regularly see the dealers you'd see at a particular show, you might want to spend your money elsewhere.

5.  Too much inaction

Simply sitting at your booth is not the same as "having a presence."  You've got to engage attendees.  How you draw people in is your choice -- perhaps you want to include a sign-up sheet, or maybe you'd prefer to hand out trade show giveaways.  Do whatever you think will get attendees to act.

Before deciding when and where to exhibit, consider the reasons, the expenses, and whether or not you can afford to miss the show.  If attending is absolutely necessary, constantly keep an eye out for ways to cut waste.

Typically, my posts on the Trade Show Blog focus around one event that strikes my interest or something that I think is worth checking out. This post is only different because it highlights a large tradeshow city that is sure to make it big in 2012.

Boston, MA.

According to another Trade show posting mogul, Boston is going to be home of a lot of trade shows in the coming year. How much exactly? Enough to already show a 34% increase in hotel rooms at the two largest convention halls in the city (BCEC and the John Hynes) over last year's numbers. That number is steadily climbing and is sure to break other records.

Some confirmed trade shows include the the 2012 Biotechnology Industry Organization's International convention, the Penny Arcade Expo East as well as the National Cable & Telecommunications Assosiations' The Cable Show.  

Be sure to bring your promotional products to majestic Boston, MA. for a chance to hit new demographics. 

It's not enough to simply attend an event equipped with trade show giveaways and business cards; the staff you choose to represent you will make a huge impact on your success. No one wants to be bullied or annoyed at an exhibit, but they don't want to be ignored either. Find the balance. Here are a few key qualities you should look for in your staff to choose the right team to attend your next trade show:

• Knowledgeable - Your team should be knowledgeable about your business. Every member should know the ins and outs of how it works as it relates to the customer. Choose those who can explain what your company is all about in simple terms that potential business can understand. This group should also be able to communicate your unique selling proposition so that attendees can clearly see your value.

• Engaging - Look for employees who are outgoing but not pushy. Choose a team that is comfortable approaching people without making them feel pressured. They need to be more than just friendly; they need to engage people in conversation and make passers-by want to stop and chat.

• Approachable - Trade shows are often filled with tight schedules, tiring travel and lots of stress, but your team must never show misery. Make sure those you choose will keep a positive attitude and portray a welcoming energy that will make them approachable even under pressure.

At a trade show, the team that attends is the face of your company or organization. Make sure you're putting your best foot forward by choosing the right people for that team.

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.

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. 

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.