From bending to cutting to polishing, there are a lot of specialties represented in a typical metalworking trade show. If you want to participate in a metalworking trade show, evaluate the amount of space you need for your metalworking trade show display. In addition to your square footage requirements and location preferences within the metalworking tradeshow space, ask about access to electricity, broadband and water as your needs require.

Secondly, set up your metalworking trade show display so your newest and most eye-catching products are easily seen by everyone who walks by your area. Finally, ask for metalworking trade show advice from colleagues who are experienced in the field.

1. Rent trade show equipment for each metalworking trade show.
2. Purchase a metalworking trade show booth if you plan to attend many tradeshows.
3. Find tradeshows or hire a professional metalworking trade show services company to plan your exhibit.

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

Rent your metalworking tradeshows equipment if you don't plan to attend many tradeshows

You can rent anything from a full pop-up trade show booth to video displays to display cases to best showcase your products. Good rental companies will give advice and help you select the type of displays and equipment you need for the type of metalworking tradeshow exhibit you want. If you're not attending many events, concentrate on the big annual shows.

I recommend: Depending on your business and location, consider the annual Metalcon International or METALFORM shows for maximum impact. Once you pick your show, The Godfrey Group has several exhibits for rent, some of which can be bent to mimic any shape you desire. If you need machine tools for your exhibit, but don't want to bring your own, try Climax Portable Machine Tools.

Purchase metalworking trade show equipment that fits your needs

Consider the benefits of purchasing the equipment you need to attend metalworking trade shows across the country. From full trade show booths to panels, purchasing the stands and equipment you need -- rather than renting them for each trade show -- may save you money in the long run.

I recommend: If you need machine tools for your booth, but don't want to take yours away from your business, consider some easily portable items from Southern Tool. For more traditional tradeshow items, San Diego Sign Company can provide you with everything you need to create a professional trade show booth, including pop-up displays and display panels. TradeShowDisplayDepot.com also has dozens of trade show booth options for you to choose from so you can create the perfect exhibit to enhance your products.

Find tradeshows or hire professionals to take care of the metalworking trade show planning

Avoid the stress of planning your metalworking trade show and trust a reputable trade show planner to guide you through the process. A qualified professional will pull everything together in a professional manner so you can concentrate on selling your products. Regardless, find tradeshows that suit your business.

I recommend: Go to MachineTools.com or tsnn.com to find metalworking tradeshows that meet your needs. If you want someone else to take care of everything, ExpoMarketing Group will be glad to handle your trade show preparation. Exhibe Corporation is a full-service trade show company that will handle everything from trade show paperwork and designing your exhibit to the installation and dismantling of your exhibit when the show is over.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Keep a notebook to collect information about your metalworking trade show preparation. Keep price lists, schedules and fliers in the book so all of your metalworking trade show information is in one location, creating your own metalworking trade show directory or metalworking trade show guide.