Where should I host a trade show?

The best spaces to hold a trade show are usually those that can accommodate large numbers of attendees and business booths — for example, a large conference center, stadium, or arena. If you’re organizing a trade show on a smaller scale (such as shows focusing solely on local businesses or on a specific industry) you might explore smaller venues, like hotel ballrooms or town halls.

How do you lay out a trade show booth?

When organizing booths at a trade show, ask businesses to bring an array of marketing materials to decorate their booths and get creative with the visuals — such as banners, brochures, and flyers. You could also encourage brands to bring along merchandise, such as tote bags or pens, to offer to attendees visiting the booth, as well as devices like laptops or iPads for lead captures. Make sure to also leave plenty of space for guests to walk in and out freely.

How long does a trade show run?

A large trade show showcasing multiple businesses typically takes place over a weekend — this gives plenty of opportunity for businesses to run talks and presentations to engage with potential customers, while it also gives attendees plenty of time to explore the show. For a smaller trade show, this might take place over the space of a day.

How long does it take to plan a trade show?

Planning time will vary depending on the size of your trade show, but typically will take around six months to plan a budget, contact different companies, and begin to research venues. If you’re designing a custom-built space or company booths, then this may take up to a year.

How do I use Eventbrite to plan my trade show?

Just sign up to create your account — and then start creating your events. Trusted by millions of attendees and creators around the world, Eventbrite makes it easy to create, manage, and promote your events on the world’s largest events marketplace. From email marketing to social media integration, you’ll discover advanced tools designed to help you sell more tickets and grow your business — all in one place. Discover more on how to use Eventbrite .

Trade show planning: how to host a successful event

A trade show is an excellent way to showcase local businesses. Discover the tools you need to plan, run, and promote your trade show — all in one place.

How to host a trade show

Discover all the tools you need to make your trade show a success with Eventbrite.

Create your event page

Give attendees a flavor of your trade show by including details of the day — such as business-run workshops and in-booth presentations — on your unique event page.

Sell custom tickets

Whether you’re offering weekend tickets or industry discounts for attendees, you can create customized tickets for your trade show in minutes.

Spread the word

Connect with your industry and beyond with our advanced marketing tools — and reach more attendees with targeted emails and smart social media ads.

Expand your reach

Gain maximum visibility for your trade show — and connect with industry leaders, businesses, and attendees — on the world’s largest events marketplace.

5 trade show planning tips

From providing refreshments to creating venue maps, hear from our event experts on how to have a successful trade show.

#1. Decide on a venue

The first step: deciding on a venue. The best spaces for trade shows are usually conference centers or stadiums in cities with good transport links.

#2. Hire staff

Make sure attendees have a smooth experience by hiring staff to offer a helping hand — whether that’s running a customer service desk or assisting with navigation queries.

#3. Organize events

Whether your trade show is focused on publishing or food, invite brands to run workshops, product demos, and Q&As to engage customers with their products and services.

#4. Create maps

Large trade shows can be tricky to navigate — so help customers find their way with clear signposting and printed maps displaying the locations of specific businesses.

#5. Add extras

Small details — such as phone charging stations, water coolers, and convenient seating throughout the venue — go a long way to make both customers and businesses feel more comfortable.

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