Library trade shows are a great way to reach your target audience when it comes to products and services for libraries, museums and other collection holders. Trade shows offer the opportunity for new customers as well as networking with other libraries and service providers.

After consulting a library trade show directory to find the next trade show that meets your needs, it's time to consider what information, products, merchandise and printed material will be necessary for a successful show. When choosing a library trade show to attend, consider the following:

1. Research library trade show information to make sure similar products or services will be offered at the same show.

2. Book ahead to ensure your business or service appears in the printed libraries trade show directory or mailer.

3. Consult other members in your field to get current library trade show advice and which trade show to best focus your efforts on.

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

Use online libraries trade show information to book space on the Internet

Online libraries trade show guides for national conferences allow for advance booking and preparation. Trade shows organized by national organizations are a good way to break into the trade show circuit and create networking opportunities for future trade shows and conferences.

I recommend: The American Booksellers Association offers links to national and regional tradeshows as well as a downloadable guide to library tradeshows. You can follow the links to region and book a booth. The American Library Association offers both conference and seasonal meetings that are attended from representatives across the country. Book online at their website.

Choose a local library trade show in your area

Most states have a library association for that holds annual conferences. By staying in your local area, transporting your trade show necessities including the printed library trade show guide, will be easier.

I recommend: Look for your local library association's trade show by using the libraries trade show directory on tsnn.com. The Connecticut Library Association holds an annual conference with exhibits and guest speakers. Workshops, exhibits and guest speakers are the focus of the Texas Library Association's annual conference.

Specialized libraries trade shows may be beneficial for your business

Believe it or not, there are specialized libraries with only certain types of information housed in them. You need to keep in mind the narrow focus of the trade show and choose the best libraries trade show services to fit your needs including the libraries trade show guide.

I recommend: Check out the annual conference of The Association of College & Research Libraries exhibit information. The ACRL focuses on the information needs of higher educational institutions. The Association of Christian Librarians has an annual conference as well as the Medical Library Association.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Seek libraries trade show advice from those who attended the same libraries trade shows the year before. This will help avoid pitfalls and bad exhibit or booth placement.