Cannabis Expo

It is not a coincidence that after Colorado legalized marijuana for recreational use that CDS Displays noticed a three time increase in clients who were participating in trade shows located in Denver. When Washington State followed, the number of clients participating in Seattle based trade shows has also doubled.

In addition to the many shows that have re-located to Denver or Seattle there are now many very large trade shows that are specific to the cannabis and marijuana business. CDS has also serviced companies that are officially “in the business” including EnviroGrow who provides technology for growers and Sprig which is a THC infused soda that can only be sold in states where recreational marijuana use is legal.

Party on Garth… Party on Wayne

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Photo from cesweb.org

People always debate about which trade shows are the largest in the US. The true answer to that question depends entirely on what factor(s) you are considering related to the size. For this article we decided to list the largest trade shows by three separate factors including attendance, square footage and number of exhibitors. Considering that it appears on all three lists, we would consider International CES (Consumer Electronics Show) the largest in the US. Please comment to let us know which list you would consider the most significant to represent the true largest us trade shows. You be the judge.

Largest Attendance

People love their vehicles. That’s why it might not be a big surprise that the trade shows with the largest attendances are mostly auto shows. Below is a list of the top 10 biggest trade shows based on attendance:

1. New York International Auto Show
2. Washington Auto Show
3. North American International Auto Show (NAIAS)
4. Airventure Oshkosh
5. Dallas Auto Show
6. National Farm Machinery Show
7. Philadelphia International Auto Show
8. Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX)
9. International Consumer Electronics Show (CES)
10. Miami International Boat Show

Largest Space (square footage)

Trade shows with large amounts of attendees require more space. When those shows also require products that are quite large, the space has to increase even further. Here is a list of the largest US trade shows that have one million square feet or more:

1. World AG Expo
2. Conexpo/Conagg
3. International Consumer Electronics Show (CES)
4. International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS)
5. Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market
6. International Construction & Utility Equipment Expo – ICUEE
7. National Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition – NBAA
8. Airventure Oshkosh

The Most Exhibitors

For a trade show to thrive, there have to be exhibitors. Those are the companies that make the show possible. These are the top ten trade shows with the largest amount of exhibitors:

1. MAGIC Marketweek
2. Process Expo (FPSA)
3. International Consumer Electronics Show (CES)
4. NY NOW – New York International Gift Fair
5. ASD Las Vegas
6. National Hardware Show
7. Offshore Technology Conference (OTC)
8. Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market
9. JCK Las Vegas
10. Conexpo/Conagg

The post The Top Ten Largest US Trade Shows appeared first on CDS Trade Show NEWS.

Photo from motivatedmodels.com

Exhibitors often ask for advice on how to stand out from the crowd when exhibiting at a Trade Shows. Here are some proven suggestions:

Colors – Every year the trade show industry associations do studies on what color(s) seem to get the most attention at Trade Shows. Every year the answer is the same, yellow wins. Followed by red and then orange. (see how that red caught your eye)

Sound – Any type of unusual sound or sound effects will do, but there are 2 sounds that really seem to grab people. The first is the sound of compressed air being released. This trick has been being used by Fun Houses for years to catch the attention of visitors. The easiest way to get this sound at your booth is by filling balloons. The next the sound (click click) of the prize wheel. Just know that having poor prizes on your wheel like 10% off your purchase or a t-shirt will loose the attention just as fast.

Smells – One of the most successful smells that we have seen is fresh hot popcorn. It reminds people of younger days and of a delicious treat of course. I have seen people wander the aisles blindly simply following their nose to find the popcorn.

Pretty People – Yes we are talking about Trade Show Models. It’s not just about women in skimpy outfits. Although, that definitely draws attention. It’s simply a fact that very attractive, even professionally dressed men and women will catch more people’s attention. This simple addition to your exhibit can provide you that extra moment that you need to stand out.

A Crowd – One of the best ways to stand out in a crowd is to create a mini crowd of your own. People always stop to see what they may be missing when a large group of people are lined up or gathered. So how do you start a crowd, we’ll make that the subject a future blog post and dig in deeper, but a celebrity is easily the #1 way to draw a crowd.

Big Bold Message – At most Trade Shows the exhibit booths look quite similar. Except for a handful of companies who really seem to get it, not many companies make an effort to stand out. All of the suggestions listed above will help you to stand out, but once you get noticed you better have something good to say. You display graphics should feature an offer, a promise or a major value proposition that is BIG and BOLD in their face. Don’t be Your at a Trade Show and that’s the name of the game. There is a reason so many trade shows locate in Las Vegas. You can’t help but notice that the Las Vegas Strip is littered with roller coasters, towering water fountains and live volcano’s. It’s bold, gets attention and it works.

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