Thinking about ways to re-energize your local retail business? Retail trade shows may give you the boost you’re looking for. Spending time on the show floor can breed actionable ideas, and ultimately, boost your bottom line.
The top three reasons for attending a tradeshow, according to a Leightronix study are, to see new products, keep up to date with industry trends, and see many companies one at a time. Trade shows offer networking opportunities, industry knowledge from thought leaders, and business solutions to help you run your store.
Many retail owners skip out on trade shows, avoiding them like an unnecessary expense. However, this may be a mistake. With engaging keynote speeches and access to exclusive vendors – the best trade shows have resources bulging at the seams. We’re talking qualitative ROI here.
If you’re considering attending any trade shows this year, our tradeshow roundup will help you plan ahead for the upcoming season.
Retail Merchandising and Marketing Conference 2016
April 30 – May 5, 2016
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, Bonita Springs/Fort Myers, Florida
Registration: $150 – $695
The annual Retail Merchandising and Marketing Conference is sponsored by the World Alliance for Retail Excellence & Standards. The trade show floor is where attendees can learn about the latest in retail technology, B2C marketing concepts, and services. The conference offers a variety of educational workshops packed with actionable tips and tricks addressing all aspects of the retail industry. For details click here.
SPREE
May 23 – 15, 2016
Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
Registration: $0 -$250
SPREE, sponsored by the International Council of Shopping Centers, showcases all things considered for specialty retailers. For RMU (retail merchandising unit ) vendors SPREE is a unique tradeshow. Under one roof, these temporary retailers connect with vendors, service providers, and leasing companies. For details click here.
Internet Retailer Conference & Exhibition (IRCE)
June 7 – 10, 2016
McCormick Place West, Chicago
Registration: $410 – $1600
IRCE is designed primarily with the e-commerce retailer in mind. Conference sessions are led by industry experts, and cover topics that are relevant to newer online retailers as well as veterans. The exhibition hall offers an opportunity to network with other online retailers — something that can sometimes be difficult when stuck behind your computer — as well the chance to check out the latest products and innovations. For details click here.
Magic
August 15 – 17, 2016
Las Vegas, Nevada
Registration: Unknown
MAGIC is held twice each year, bringing more than 60,000 retail owners and managers together with designers, manufacturers, service providers and other industry insiders. Advertised as “the world’s largest fashion marketplace,” Magic exposes merchandisers to forecasted trends, allowing them to stay one step ahead of consumers. Unlike many fashion industry trade shows, Magic showcases several categories including: men’s, women’s, children’s wear, footwear, accessories, and materials sourcing. For details click here.
Miami Wholesale Show
August 21 – 23, 2016
Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami, Florida
Registration: Tickets still available
The Miami Wholesale Show, sometimes called the Miami Wholesale – Asia America Trade Show or AATS, brings together industry professionals from more than 40 countries around the world. This show typically includes more than 150,000 products on display on the trade show floor. Retail merchandisers and wholesale buyers meet with manufacturers and international sellers from around the world. If you miss the show later this summer, don’t worry as these shows are scheduled twice each year. For details click here.
Your competitors may be investing a few hundred dollars to attend these events, and then using the information they take home to boost their bottom line by thousands. If you aren’t attending conferences and expos, what opportunities are your competitors finding there that you’re missing out on?
There are tons of tradeshows throughout the year you can benefit from. Tell us the shows you’re looking forward to on our Facebook page or on the comments below.
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