Jim Hisert just returned from the Photon PV Technology show in Northern California and described the ability to stretch out and enjoy each and every booth. I just returned from the Medical Design and Manufacturing show in Southern California and was amazed at the volume of people and the vast collection of booths.
Everything from tubing to components to test equipment to contract manufacturers and beyond. I spent the better part of two days there and didn't begin to see all the booths. There was also a West Pack packaging show, a Green Manufacturing Expo and an Automation Technology Expo. If you couldn't find what you were looking for here, you just weren't trying!
I too have wondered about the future of trade shows. With the ease of the Internet and ability to get information or products from anywhere in the world at the click of a mouse, it seems we were destined to be confined to our offices and computers. But in walking around the show and seeing the interaction of people and the scribbling of processes on paper to describe a problem and get some help, it was clear that there is still room for good old fashioned face-to-face contact.
As Jim stated in his blog, the combining of similar shows probably boosts attendance (not to mention scheduling it the week before school breaks across from Disneyland in Southern California in February). I would be interested to know whether you find trade shows helpful and whether you still plan on attending any in 2010?