Tradefair

A trade fair, trade show, or exposition is a temporary event where companies and organizations in a specific industry present products, services, and innovations to potential buyers, distributors, partners, and the media. It is primarily a business-to-business activity, though many events also welcome general visitors on designated days. Exhibitors set up booths or pavilions to demonstrate offerings, while attendees network, compare products, and initiate procurement or partnership discussions. Official programs often include product launches, press conferences, keynote talks, and business-matching services.

Participants typically include manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, retailers, service providers, industry associations, journalists, and prospective customers. The events provide opportunities for market research, brand exposure, lead generation, and relationship building. They are organized around industries or sectors and can vary in scale from regional fairs to large international gatherings.

Types and features vary, with international, national, and regional fairs; sector-specific events for technology, automotive, textiles, food, and more; and formats that combine exhibits with conferences, workshops, and awards. The venues are usually convention centers or large exhibition halls, and the fairs run for a few days, supported by sponsorships, memberships, and paid booth space. Economic activity generated includes direct participation spending, tourism, and media exposure for host cities.

History of trade fairs traces modern commercial exhibitions to industrialization and earlier mercantile fairs, evolving through international expositions in the 19th and 20th centuries into the diverse, hybrid events seen today. Digital components such as online catalogs, matchmaking platforms, and hybrid or virtual attendance have become increasingly common, expanding reach while retaining live networking value.