A hardware trade show gives companies the chance to view different products in a mall-type setting. These one or two day events connect buyers and suppliers from the hardware industry in ways they normally wouldn't met. The sales and product promotion for vendors at a hardware trade show is unparalleled. Buyers have their choice of hundreds of products.

There are three different types of trade shows. The first type in the industrial manufacturing trade show carries products for the manufacturing industry. The second type is an industrial commercial trade show that caters to the industrial and construction companies. The third type is a wholesale and retail hardware trade show, which are specialized for the retail industry.

1. Take a trip to a manufacturing hardware trade show.

2. Visit an industrial hardware show for commercial products.

3. Buy and sell retail hardware at a hardware trade show.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate industrial hardware tradeshows focused on manufacturing hardware

Industrial hardware trade shows provide industrial hardware and equipment used for manufacturing purposes. Hundreds of visitors and exhibitors attend these trade shows every year.

I recommend: The Wood Technology Clinic and Show is an industrial hardware tradeshow that specializes in wood working hardware. Browse the industrial hardware trade show guide at Intermat Expo. Intermat Expo provides many major construction equipment and industrial machinery companies. The Green Manufacturing Expo is centered on helping manufacturing companies become more environmentally friendly.

Find industrial hardware tradeshows for commercial hardware

Industrial hardware trade shows concentrate on commercial hardware supply. These are manufactures that supply building and small hardware items for use in industrial work and construction.

I recommend: Read the list of industrial hardware trade show services at ISH North America. Read industrial hardware trade show information at MATTECH. PCBC is the premiere industrial hardware trade show for home building hardware.

Visit a hardware trade show for retailers

Hardware trade shows for retailers have exhibitors that supply products to retail and wholesale companies. These products range from door knobs to power tools.

I recommend: Visit the National Hardware Show, Lawn & Garden World, the largest collection of retail and commercial hardware products. Browse the industrial hardware trade show directory for industrial hardware trade show advice and information for the Kitchen, Bath and Industry Show and Conference. Visit the Global Hardware Expo for a large retail and industrial hardware tradeshow with thousands of available new hardware products.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When you set up an exhibit at a industrial hardware trade show, always carry promotional gifts, free samples and plenty of business cards to give to prospective clients.