A trade show is a stage-setting event in which firms present their products or services to prospective customers in a pre-formatted setting (usually a booth of a certain size which is located adjacent to other potential suppliers) The firms are generally in the same industry but not necessarily of the same nationality A distinguishing factor between trade fairs and trade shows is size A trade show is generally viewed as a smaller assembly of participants
a trade fair. or trade fair Temporary market organized to promote trade, where buyers and sellers gather to transact business. Trade fairs are organized at regular intervals, generally at the same location and time of year. They are especially common in Europe and Asia, where nearly every country has at least one major annual international exposition. They range in scope from those dealing with one industry or branch of industrial production to general exhibits of goods and merchandise. Trade shows and conventions confined to a single industry or even to a specialized segment of an industry have become increasingly common
- A convention at which advertising agencies or related companies show and compare products and ideas Companies frequently underwrite elaborate displays, receptions, presentations and giveaways for trade shows in their industry