Whether you're in the market to buy or sell printing products or equipment, take advantage of opportunities available in printing tradeshows. Attending the right shows provides you with valuable contacts and information you might not otherwise get. Nearly 80% of trade show attendees say visiting trade shows helps them make purchasing decisions, and more than 90% say trade shows impact their buying decisions because they offer the perfect venue for one-stop comparison shopping of the competition.

As a printing trade show visitor, gain access to the latest and most innovative equipment and processes, find new suppliers or customers and cultivate valuable networking contacts. As an exhibitor, claim all the benefits of attending as a visitor, plus display your own special products and services. As you research this potential goldmine, keep the following in mind:

1. Printing tradeshow costs can grow exponentially, so ensure you stick to your budget whether you attend as a visitor or exhibitor.

2. As a printing tradeshow exhibitor, know the average visitor will only spend less than three seconds looking at your display.

3. Follow up with prospects after a printing trade show in order of priority — hot, medium and cold leads.

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

Locate printing trade show information concerning upcoming events

Get the best printing trade show advice on what shows to attend by learning which shows other printing/publishing-related companies invest resources in.

I recommend: Consider attending the Graphics of the Americas tradeshow and The American Forest & Paper Association's Paper Week’s annual events to stay up with the latest paper and printing industry trends and techniques. If you want more events to choose from, consult show schedules listed in an online printing trade show directory like ExpoCentral or a print and graphic publication like Printing News.

Find a printing trade show source for displays and graphics

You're one step ahead if you can produce your own graphics in house, but you'll still find plenty of options even if you can't.

I recommend: If you don't possess the expertise to handle your own trade show graphics, rely on a company that specializes in them and can also help you with the display equipment you'll need like Blue River Digital or Tradeshowdirect.

Find printing trade show services that will improve your trade show's success

As a printing trade show organizer or exhibitor, consider printing trade show services that will improve your ability to execute and manage all aspects of your trade show and enhance the professional atmosphere for those attending.

I recommend: The Graph Expo in Chicago offers printing trade show services that you should look for in any trade show in which you participate. You'll make contact with book printers, publishers, graphic arts professionals and industry printing specialists. Upgrade your printing conference and trade show badges with Advanced Expo Solutions International. Whether you're a printing trade show organizer or exhibitor, check out the RegPartner hand-held barcode scanners for badges at NewLeads.

Take advantage of worldwide printing trade shows

Printing trade shows around the world give visitors and exhibitor an excellent venue to share technology and locate suppliers and vendors for their businesses. Consider making an overseas trip to get an edge up on your competition.

I recommend: Consider attending PACK PRINT INTERNATIONAL an International packaging and printing event that serves southeast Asia and beyond. The Drupa worldwide printing expo in Dusseldorf, Germany takes place every four years. It’s billed as the world’s largest and most important tradeshow for the printing and media industries.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Besides printing displays, create a printing trade show guide or brochure describing your company's services/products to distribute to visitors along with business cards and free giveaways like stress balls, pens or letter openers.