Conference, Trade Show, Or Convention—Which Are You Really Planning?
When planning events with a large attendance by those in your industry or community, one of the most important first steps is to understand your specific type of event's needs and goals. To do this, you must begin by recognizing whether you are creating a trade show, a conference, or a convention. Why? Simply put, these three types of thematic gatherings have different approaches and different outcomes.
To help you get the most out of your event, start by considering the differences and similarities between these three basic categories.
Trade Show
A trade show is a chance for various businesses and organizations within your community to show off their latest endeavors. It will include many individual sales and demonstration areas purchased or sponsored by various organizations, which contributes to your event's bottom line.
Most of the efforts at a trade show are about getting the target audience excited about the future, rather than making too many direct sales at the moment. Because each dedicated area, or booth, is unique to each business, the trade show often has only loose thematic elements that tie sections together.
Conference
A conference is more thematically driven, and it tends to have more cohesion among its subjects. For instance, a conference of writers might focus on how to address current challenges within the writing field — such as writing for certain media, modern cultural changes, or the use of the internet.
Conferences are about exchanges of ideas, debates, and addressing challenges and finding rewards within the industry. Much less direct sales will occur, but the organizer has more control over the event's flow and subject matter.
Convention
A convention is usually a gathering of members of a community centered around a particular subject. The membership will be diverse, and it will include both sellers and buyers as well as other stakeholders.
As with conferences, annual conventions tend to have a common thread winding through the planned activities. It is more diverse than a conference, including both selling opportunities and thoughtful debate topics. Conventions are usually less formal than conferences, with more of a fun atmosphere. It tends to be more customer-driven than a conference, which is often organizer-driven.
When you understand the real activity and goals of your event, you can better tailor its planning. If you want to increase sales for you and your partners, for instance, you may take a trade show route rather than form a conference. On the other hand, more networking opportunities might be had during a conference that focuses less on sales and more on ideas.
Need help planning your event and reaching its targets? Begin today by consulting with a professional at a local event center in your area.