A trade fair (trade show, trade exhibition or expo) is an exhibition organized so that companies in a specific industry can showcase and demonstrate their latest products, service, study activities of rivals and examine recent market trends and opportunities. In contrast to consumer fairs, only some trade fairs are open to the public, while others can only be attended by company representatives (members of the trade, e.g. professionals) and members of the press, therefore trade shows are classified as either “Public” or “Trade Only”. One of main part in the trade show is Trade show display.

Trade show displays are used for displaying products and services at various events. Mainly used for trade shows, they come in a variety of shapes and surfaces. There are custom trade shows made of panels, laminates and metals. There are portable displays that pop up and are ready in a few minutes.

Decorative truss is used at trade shows also. It can be custom made to fit your display needs and you can hang graphics and banners from them. Truss is also used in night clubs, stores, churches, concerts and as home decor.

Logo floor mats are used by all types of business and organizations as entry mats with a logo or message printed on them. Trade show exhibitors are starting to use them as cheap printed flooring, because they come in larger sizes too.

Exhibit booths use pipe and drape to delineate a section of flooring for trade shows. So companies exhibiting at trade shows rent a space (exhibit booth) and fill it with their displays for presentations. Many of which are the trade show displays talked about above.

Trade fairs often involve a considerable marketing investment by participating companies. Costs include space rental, design and construction of trade show displays, telecommunications and networking, travel, accommodations, and promotional literature and items to give to attendees. In addition, costs are incurred at the show for services such as electrical, booth cleaning, internet services, and drayage (also known as material handling). Consequently, cities often promote trade shows as a means of economic development.

Exhibitors attending the event are required to use an exhibitor manual or online exhibitor manual to order their required services and complete any necessary paperwork such as health and safety declarations. An increasing number of trade fairs are happening online, and these events are called virtual tradeshows. They are increasing in popularity due to their relatively low cost and because there is no need to travel whether you are attending or exhibiting.