Machine tools trade shows bring tool manufacturers, distributors and customers together in a single location to exchange information about tools and related services. Trade shows are good locations to find new customers and introduce new tool lines to existing customers. The machine tools market is competitive, and displaying at a trade show can give your company a competitive advantage.

Machine tools are vital to a wide variety of business types, so you may want to display your products at trade shows for industries that utilize machine tools in addition to trade shows designated specifically in the machine tools field. Demonstrating your power tools and distributing related promotional items will help to spread the word about your company and products. To get plugged into the machine tools trade show circuit, consider the following:

1. Register to exhibit at a machine tools trade show.

2. Purchase advertising in a machine tools trade show guide.

3. Spread the word about your company at a machine tools trade show with promotional handouts.

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

Select a machine tools trade show at which to showcase your tools

Machine tools trade shows bring professionals together to learn about new tools and services. Exhibiting your new line of tools will help to maximize your exposure, and grow your customer list. You might also find business partners who can help to distribute your tools in new markets.

I recommend: The International Manufacturing Technology Show hosts tens of thousands of attendees who are interested in machine tools and industrial technology. Download a request form to reach this large pool of customers. The Pacific Coast Machine Tool Expo brings professionals from many fields together to exchange information about tool technology. This trade show offers virtual booths that remain online for 60 days after the event.

Advertise in a machine tools trade show directory to promote your business after the show

To give your business maximum exposure, purchase advertisement space in the machine tools trade show guide. Many potential customers will refer to the guide after the show is over to refresh their memories of various exhibitors. Register early to ensure that your information gets printed in the directory.

I recommend: The Gulf Coast Building & Remodeling Expo will expose your machine tools to construction companies and remodelers. Register early to show your products to nearly 50,000 potential customers. The Northwest Industrial Woodworking Expo brings together professionals from the West Coast and beyond. The organizers of this convention offer tips and tools for making the most of your exhibit.

Expose your brand by distributing promotional handouts at your next machine tools trade show

Customers enjoy receiving free goodies at machine tools tradeshows. Several companies can print your company's logo on nearly anything. Mini tools, keychains and bottle openers would be ideal for a machine tools trade show. No matter what you choose to distribute, make sure everything is covered with your logo.

I recommend: Pinnacle Promotions offers a wide variety of promotional items that can have your company's logo printed on them. The various tool keychains would be ideal for a machine tools trade show. Paragon Promotions specializes in advertising products. Select one or several different items, including levels and tool boxes, to distribute at your next machine tools trade show appearance.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Hundreds of vendors compete for customers at a machine tools tradeshow. Partner with a trade show consultant for machine tools trade show advice that will help to make your display stand above the competition's. A solid plan will bring more traffic to your display, and help you sell more tools.