Trade shows are one of the most important events in any industry. The give companies the chance to get out there in a large space and tell customers exactly why their products are worth buying. For customers, it’s a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with some of their favorite companies. With great refreshments, contests, interaction, and most importantly, products, trade shows are the highlight of many industries in terms of reaching out and directly marketing to the people that they strive to please.

If your company has never participated in a trade show, they’re missing out. In terms of marketing opportunities, it doesn’t get any bigger than this. Trade show displays are seen by thousands, or sometimes hundreds of thousands, of people at one time. It’s an unprecedented opportunity to interact with customers who just by showing up to the trade show have told you that they are interested in what your company has to offer.

Take for example the massive Consumer Electronic Show that takes place each year. In some years, attendance has reached over 150,000. Imagine 150,000 people devoting an entire day or weekend to what you’re selling. Imagine thousands of customers stopping by your trade show display and asking you questions about your products. It’s a dream come true for many companies.

The initial expense of a trade show can scare some companies off but when you consider that you are passing up the opportunity to market to over 100,000 people in some cases, it’s easy to see why most companies overlook the cost and put more dollars into a trade show exhibit. Why put out all the effort and expense? Here are just a few big reasons why.

Over 80% of attendees are buyers

Trade show attendees aren’t there just for the pretty displays. They have the power to buy. If you make a great impression with your trade show display, offer engaging contests, and hand out top notch swag, you’re going to make a great first or continuing impression with the potential customers. Imagine directly selling to so many people at once, all of them in the mood to buy. It’s an opportunity not to be missed.

Get to know your customers better

A trade show is one place where everyone is there for the same thing. Customers actually want to know more about your products. They are in effect asking you to market to them so that they can buy. Unlike other forms of marketing, the trade show is one kind of marketing that customers want to have right in front of them. They’re not offended by it. They’re anxiously taking part in it. You can learn so much about customers during a trade show.

Touch base with customers and suppliers at one time

Forget using the entire year to set up time-consuming appointments with suppliers. Many suppliers are right there at trade shows eager to find the next big thing in your industry. You get in touch with all of them at once when you have a trade show exhibit. By far, this is one of the best ways to get your product on the map in a big way. Everything is happening in one place, at one time, and it saves so much time and dollars.

The list could go on and on. Trade shows are massive events these days and customers attend them voluntarily. They are asking you to show them a display they will remember and eager to try your products. Give them something to be happy about with a great trade show display.