Are trade shows still worth attending when buyers can search for suppliers through Alibaba, Google, ChatGPT, and other online platforms?
For physical products, Renaud Anjoran believes they still offer considerable value, provided buyers arrive with a clear objective and understand how to assess the companies they meet.
In this listener Q&A episode, Adrian and Renaud answer Robert C’s question about events such as the Canton Fair, Global Sources, CES, and IFA.
Show Sections
00:00:10 – Introduction and Robert’s listener question
00:01:19 – Are trade shows still worth attending?
00:03:40 – Why in-person trade shows can beat online supplier searches
00:04:53 – Spotting trends and avoiding undifferentiated products
00:07:18 – Why an impressive booth proves very little
00:09:06 – Questions buyers should ask potential suppliers
00:09:32 – How to avoid being seen as a “tire kicker”
00:11:35 – Researching exhibitors before attending the show
00:14:11 – Manufacturer or trading company?
00:15:00 – In-house capabilities, customer fit, and production capacity
00:16:52 – How suppliers judge visitors at their booths
00:18:21 – How to present your company as a credible prospect
00:20:12 – Realistic forecasts, order values, and exaggerated promises
00:21:48 – Why the maturity of your product design matters
00:23:16 – Discussing first-order MOQs and longer-term volumes
00:24:39 – Final advice and the Agilian factory-tour series - watch the tour videos here
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