Thursday night I left the house and went down to the local fairgrounds to walk through the annual Idaho Sportsman Show. This is one of over a forty I attend in the course of a year. Why? You may be asking, “What possible benefit could I gain from going to all these trade shows?”

Can you think of a better place to find out about products and services in a non-committal environment. Here I can quiz sales representatives. I can sample gourmet foods. Watch demonstrations on the latests and greatest gadget. My wife can get estimates on putting a hot tub in the backyard. Then if I am really lucky, I get to win a prize from one of the vendors.

Think about it, depending on the trade show. They are informative, entertaining, along with providing a nice little adventure in the world of possibilities.

January starts off the year where the Idaho Business League showcases local businesses. February has some smaller events in and around the state capital. March bursts on the scene with the Idaho Sportsman Show, and The Roaster Show. April offers us trade shows around home and gardening. Through the Spring and Summer months there is Farmers Markets and a few markets for fleas. September sees the kids back in school, then comes a trade show about computer and internet security. The year finishes off with one or two gift/craft shows.

Each trade show draws its’ on unique group of visitors. It is by watching the vendors and visitors, I can learn a lot about the economy before I hear about it on CNN. Over the last few trade shows I have gotten a sense of optimism that I haven’t felt in several years. I see it as a recovery from the recession.

What trade shows do you attend?

Tags: CNN, Idaho Sportsman Show, The Roaster Show, Trade Shows