Definition: Trade Show
A "trade show" or "trade fair" or "trade exhibition" is an event, where exhibitors offer their products to visitors under the regime of an organizer. The event has (1) a defined time frame, and is (2) produced periodically. Actors are accordingly (a) the organizer, (b) exhibitors, (c) visitors, all pursuing their own interests. A trade show aims at matching these interests.
There are numerous forms of such events (see table below), with the most important distinction in b to b events ("trade only") and b to c events ("open to public"). Hybrid forms occur especially in developing markets. Also some "trade only" exhibitions open for one or two days to the public like the automotive fair IAA in Frankfurt.
Trade Shows have numerous different forms
| Form of Trade Show | Feature |
| Regional, National, International Trade Fair | Origin of participants |
| General-, Industry-, Special-, Trade Fair | Amplitude of supply |
| For consumer goods, for capital goods | Type of goods |
| Export-, Import Fair | Direction of trade flow |
| Information show, Order show | Main intention participants |
| Consumer exhibition, Professional trade fair | Type of visitors |
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