The Invisible Industry

Steve Jobs

Trade Shows Mean Business.

The convention and business events industry is a powerful economic engine. According to a 2023 Oxford Economics report, titled “Global Economic Significance of Business Events,” the industry:

• Supports millions of jobs.

• Delivers hundreds of billions of dollars in business sales.

• Propels the economy with a trillion-dollar contribution to the GDP.

Yet, despite the industry’s economic impact, its true size and scope is unknown by most people.

What is a Trade Show?

For those unfamiliar with trade shows, here is one definition: 

Trade shows are unique three-dimensional experiences where people mingle and network. They are business malls where companies display products and promote services. They are idea incubators for the cross-pollination of thoughts.

Trade shows engage audiences. They bring targeted buyers and sellers together in one place, at one time, and magically transform an empty convention center into a magnificent marketing extravaganza. These events combine elements of architecture, branding, education, networking, and sales. Trade shows feature new technologies, establish brands, and change the world around us.

Trade shows are industry-specific business malls, designed to connect people and sell products. They are mini-universities for advanced educational opportunities and the cross-pollination of ideas. In 2019, trade shows in the US attracted more total paying customers than did all of MLB. and more than the combined attendance numbers for the NFL, NHL, and NBA.