Stats About Trade Shows: Exhibitors & Attendees

Trade shows have a rich history dating back to the 1800s, when agricultural fairs were held in rural areas to showcase cotton and livestock. Events like the Great Exhibition and the Columbian Exposition later drew global audiences, highlighting the power of face-to-face interactions to inspire new ideas.

Today, trade shows are the modern equivalent of these early fairs. They provide a platform for industry professionals to connect, network, and discover the latest innovations.Many people are unaware of just how impactful trade shows can be. 

Let’s explore some intriguing facts that might convince you to consider this dynamic marketing strategy for your business.

  • 92% of attendees visit a trade show to learn about new and exciting products and services.
  • 46% of trade show attendees are in executive or upper management roles.
  • An estimated 13,000 trade shows take place every year in the United States.
  • 52% of attendees are more likely to enter an exhibit if they’re offering some kind of giveaway or freebie.
  • 56% of visitors will travel over 400 miles just to attend a trade show.
  • 64% of trade show attendees are not current customers of the businesses on display.
  • 45% of trade show visitors only attend one exhibition every year.
  • Over 50% of the people at a trade show are there for the first time.
  • 79% of attendees believe going to a trade show helps them decide what to buy.
  • 75% of exhibitors predict a positive future for trade shows.
  • 88% of businesses participate in a trade show to raise awareness of their brand.
  • 81% of exhibitors use email to follow-up with leads from a trade show.
  • 83% of businesses say their top reason for attending a trade show is to increase their sales.
  • Trade show attendees will tell more than 6 people about their experience at the event.
  • Trade shows, exhibitions, and events bring in about $13.2 billion every year, and it’s an industry that continues to grow.
  • 72% of exhibitors are at the trade show to get new leads.
  • Attendees spend an average of 8.3 hours visiting all the booths and displays at a trade show.
  • 34% of exhibitors believe high-quality swag and giveaways drive more traffic to their booths or displays.

Sources:

  1. Spingo
  2. Lincoln West
  3. Nimlok
  4. Princeton Marketing
  5. Excalibur Exhibits
  6. Display Wizard
  7. Graphicolor Exhibits
  8. Certain
  9. Trade Show News Network
  10. Midas Promotions