Trade show season is upon us, ladies and gentlemen.
As we start a new calendar year, trade shows in the apparel decoration industry are right around the corner.
As a company that attends several trade shows a year as an exhibitor in the industry, we here at DecoNetwork want to give you some advice on what the benefits are from attending.
1. Shopping
The No. 1 reason for attending a trade show for most business owners revolves around shopping.
Exhibitors are there to sell a myriad of products. From the latest greatest equipment, to services such as shop management software like DecoNetwork, trade shows are a great place to go shopping for your business.
At trade shows, you can expect to see the biggest names in the industry.
From the top embroidery manufacturers, to screen printing, DTG and DTF manufacturers, you will have an opportunity to meet face-to-face with exhibitors and get a first-hand look at the best equipment on the market.
You will also have an opportunity to check out apparel from all of the top manufacturers. From T-Shirts to headwear, you’ll get an up-close look at their apparel and can speak directly to reps.
2. Networking
Trade shows are a great place to network.
As a business owner, you will be surrounded by all of the types of people that make the industry successful.
From the manufacturers, to other business owners – both smaller and larger than yours – trade shows are a fantastic way to expand your network.
When it comes to the amount of businesses that will be in attendance, both as exhibitors and attendees, it’s in the thousands.
And while you might be there for the sole purpose of shopping, you shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to network.
Trade shows do a great job of getting like-minded business owners together for their Shop Talk’s and On-Site Learning events.
That will give you an opportunity to ask questions and receive feedback and tips from some of the most knowledgeable people in the industry today.
3. Education
The education that can come from trade shows is endless.
Education can fall into each of the first two categories. Getting caught up to speed on the newest equipment and networking is part of the education that you will get from attending a trade show.
But what you will also get is an opportunity to take classes dedicated to educating.
According to the Impressions website, their trade shows offer more than 40 seminars and hands-on workshops.
The list of seminars that you can choose from include:
- Screen Printing
- Direct-to-Garment
- Embroidery
- Digital decorating
- How to market your business
- How to maximize ROI
If you’re going to take the time to attend a trade show, we highly recommend attending some seminars so that you can further educate yourself on the industry.
4. Motivation
If you want to find a great way to get motivated about your business, attend a trade show.
Whether you haven’t been in business for very long, or a veteran of the industry, attending a trade show can be a humbling experience.
There are so many hungry business owners attending trade shows. Competition is growing with each passing day.
If you need a kickstart in the motivation category, attend a trade show and see how many business owners are in attendance trying to improve their business.
The last thing you want to do is get passed by. Sometimes all you need is to see someone who is outworking you and that will get you motivated to do more.
5. Newcomers
Trade shows can also be a great place for newcomers.
If you just launched your business and you don’t have any prior experience, attend a trade show to shop, network, educate and motivate yourself.
Talking to the right people and networking is crucial to making sure you business gets launched in the right direction.
Trade shows are also great for the people interested in starting a business, but haven’t taken that leap of faith just yet.
You will be able to see exactly what it will take to get your business started. Don’t hesitate to seek advice from some very knowledgeable and experience individuals while at trade shows.
Is there a list of shows I can get?