Joe Dirt: So your gonna' tell me that you don't have no black cats, no roman candles, or screaming mimis?
Kicking Wing: No.
Joe Dirt: Oh come on man. You got no lady fingers, fuzz buttles, snicker bombs, church burners, finger blasters, gut busters, zippity do das, or crap flappers?
Kicking Wing: No, I don't.
Joe Dirt: You're gonna stand there, owning a fireworks stand, and tell me you don't have no whistling bungholes, no spleen spliters, whisker biscuits, honkey lighters, hoosker doos, hoosker donts, cherry bombs, nipsy daisers, with or without the scooter stick, or one single whistling kitty chaser?
Kicking Wing: No... because snakes and sparklers are the only ones I like.
Joe Dirt: Well that might be your problem, it's not what you like, it's the consumer

I’ve done a few exhibit design meetings in my life time.  We talk about purpose and needs of the sales staff.  We talk of shipping and installation and dismantle commitments.  We talk about what looks cool and how to get the logo bigger.  

Have you ever asked your clients “What would do you want at my trade show exhibit?”

Isn’t that why you are there at the show?   You are there for the attendee.  To meet with them face to face, to look them in the eye and tell them what you can do for them.   To find a way to become their source for your products- to help you sell.

Have you ever asked “What would you like me to do for you at the Trade Show?”

My industry has a trade show and we go every year.  A trade show for trade shows.  For the last few years I have asked exhibit manufactures to have an I&D session during the show hours. Show me how the exhibit is put up and then show me how you tear it down.  This is important to me.  And no, not one exhibit manufacturer has done this. 

So how about asking your clients “What would you like me to show you at the trade show?”