Author: Oser Communications Group

What Are the Different Types of Trade Shows?

Written by Oser Communications Group on March 30, 2025. Posted in Trade Show.

When you hear the words “trade show,” what comes to mind? Crowded convention centers packed with flashy booths and salespeople? Exciting displays of new products and opportunities to learn?

Either description is accurate. Some are sleek and tech-driven; others feel like stepping into a giant marketplace buzzing with deals. However, if you’re considering exhibiting at a show, understanding the different types of trade shows can help you make the most of your time and budget.

Here’s a breakdown of the different types of trade shows and what makes each one stand out from Oser Communications Group, the leader in marketing trade shows.

Industry Conventions

In many ways, these feel like VIP parties for specific industries, from healthcare and hospitality to finance and fashion. The exhibits and educational events at these shows focus exclusively on that sector, and attendees include the biggest names, from major corporations to bold-print thought leaders looking for innovations and the next big thing.

These trade shows, especially tech expos, aren’t generally open to the public. People who go to industry conventions are typically decision makers and experts in their field who want to compare suppliers, so exhibits focus on delivering real value.

B2B Trade Shows (Business-to-Business)

B2B trade shows offer businesses the chance to connect with other companies. The vibe at these shows is less about flashy presentations and more about building relationships. Attendees go to these types of trade shows to form partnerships, make deals, find solutions to their problems, and explore new products and innovations.

Consumer Expos

Consumer expos and trade shows showcase products directly to the people who buy them, such as home shows, boat and auto shows, or camping expos. Visitors can browse displays, watch product demonstrations, sample products, and even purchase items on the spot. The crowds at these shows flock to interactive trade show booths, often looking for giveaways.

Industry and Consumer Trade Shows

Some shows appeal to industry professionals and the general public. They allow companies to interact with customers interested in their products and other industry professionals. This might mean making technical presentations to decision-makers and providing interactive demonstrations to customers, for example, generating a variety of leads and building buzz across multiple audiences.

Food expos are a good example of these types of trade shows. These events can attract everyone from chefs, restaurateurs, and food journalists to food lovers who just want to sample an array of delicious bites.

Match the Right Trade Show to Your Business for the Best Results

Trade shows create excitement for your products and services with your target audience — if you attend the right ones. All types of trade shows are unique environments, from high-energy networking hubs to strategic deal-making spaces, so know your goals to ensure you choose the right one.

Tucson, AZ-based Oser Communications Group can help you shine on the trade show floor. Get in touch with us at (520) 721-1300 to learn more about selecting the right events and types of promotion.

Trade Show Food Ideas That Will Win the Crowd

Written by Oser Communications Group on March 30, 2025. Posted in Trade Show.

Trade shows consist of a whirlwind of flashy booths, endless meet and greets, and enough swag to fill a suitcase (new tote bag, anyone?). But if there’s one guaranteed way to get people flocking to your booth, free food is the ultimate conversation starter.

A tasty treat can draw visitors in, spark conversations, and help you stand out in a very crowded event center. But what are the best trade show food ideas for attracting a crowd?

As a leader in trade show publications, Oser Communications Group has seen some clever and delicious ideas. Here are the best ways to win hearts (and stomachs) at your next event.

Food Ideas That Turn Your Booth Into a Hotspot

You could put out a bowl of mints and hope for the best, but no one will seek out your display for fresher breath. You need to offer food that no one else has. After all, there’s no contest between boring wrapped candy and mouthwatering finger foods visitors won’t stop raving about.

Here’s how to keep your booth buzzing with happy, well-fed guests:

Branded Treats

Custom cookies, cupcakes, or chocolates stamped with your logo are like edible business cards, only tastier. Bonus points for individually wrapping them so visitors can stash one for later and remember you when they snack on it back at their hotel.

Gourmet Popcorn

Popcorn stations are pure magic. Trade show guests love getting creative with flavors and toppings — think cheddar jalapeño, caramel drizzle, or even truffle parmesan. The best part? It sparks conversation while people build their dream snacks.

Hydration Stations

Talking and walking all day makes people thirsty, so turn hydration into a winning strategy. Bottled water is fine, but you can step it up with infused water, iced teas, or smoothie shots for a refreshing pick-me-up your visitors will appreciate.

Hearty Snacks

Trade show food lines are notorious for being long and overpriced. Offering more filling snacks — like mini sliders, sushi rolls, or charcuterie cups — keeps people at your booth longer and away from the hot dog stand. Plus, when others see guests strolling around with your tasty treats, they’ll start asking, “Where did you get that?!” and drive even more traffic to your display.

Healthy Options

Health-conscious visitors are always on the lookout for fresh snacks. Veggie cups with hummus, energy balls, or trail mix are easy wins. You’ll earn points if you include options for different diets since vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free snacks are often in short supply and always appreciated.

Make Your Food Offerings More Appealing

Whatever food you choose, keeping things clean and safe is key. Opt for individually portioned servings when possible, and if you have staff serving food, make sure they wear gloves. And don’t forget to keep perishables chilled, or attendees will remember your booth for all the wrong reasons.

Get More Trade Show Ideas from Oser Communications Group

From trade show food ideas to lead generation strategies, Oser Communications Group helps you get the most from attending industry events. Reach out to the Tucson, AZ, office at (520) 721-1300 to learn more about publication opportunities.

Five Essential Questions To Qualify Trade Show Leads

Written by Oser Communications Group on February 28, 2025. Posted in Trade Show.

Following up with futile leads wastes time. Save energy and money with a selective follow-up strategy. Experts in trade show advertising, such as Oser Communications Group, help you do just that with lead qualification services.

By asking leads the right questions, you’ll maximize the impact of each trade show. Here are our top categories of open-ended qualification questions.

1. Are You the Decision-Making Authority?

First, confirm that your contact is allowed to make decisions for the company. This way, you’ll know you’re talking to the right person. Pitching your service to an assistant won’t always impact the company’s leaders.

You’ll also waste time if you need to go through your pitch multiple times. By verifying whether you’re speaking to the decision maker, you’ll usually get in touch with the right person. At the very least, you can gain a better picture of their company structure and develop a strategy for expediting discussions with multiple people.

2. How Is Your Budget and Purchasing Timeline?

Ultimately, purchasing decisions depend on money. Buyers want to know early on what a solution will cost. Likewise, you’ll need to know whether you’re wasting time on a lead who won’t be able to afford your service.

The key to not sounding absorbed by money is to ask about their budgets before sharing your pricing.

You should also discuss their timeline for implementing your solution to see if your needs align.

3. What Pain Points and Business Challenges Do They Face?

Find out the specific problem that is driving your prospect to act now. Perhaps they’ve just lost their old vendor or recently stumbled upon your service.

Understanding whether their needs are urgent can help you adapt your sales plan better. Non-urgent prospects might need a little more convincing and education before they jump.

4. How Did They Find You?

Learn how a prospective lead heard about you to determine their familiarity with your brand. Those who already know your company are more likely to trust your services and customer experience. Make it a priority to educate new customers on why people love your company beyond a single service.

The golden ticket is a prospect directly referred to your brand. When past clients recommend you, new clients already trust your service a little more.

5. Is There Obvious General Interest?

Gauge how invested a prospective lead is in your service. Determine whether they feel a solution is required or whether doing nothing is an option. Sometimes, you may be able to convince prospects that not acting isn’t an option, but often, these half-hearted leads go cold.

Trust Oser Communications Group With Your Leads

Contact Oser Communications Group for guidance on lead scoring and prioritization. Our experienced team will help you with everything from engaging trade show attendees to developing your follow-up strategy and engagement plan.

Make the most of your next trade show by having a plan to nurture only the best prospects. Call us at (520) 721-1300 to get started on your customized strategy today.