FAQ - trade shows and exhibitions

15 commonly-asked questions about exhibitions and shows. Updated when new common questions come in.

About this directory

Q1: How do you verify show dates?

We check the show operator's own official website first, then recent press releases, then trade publication coverage. If none of those are public, we mark the show "date pending re-verification" and don't quote it until the operator publishes.

Q2: Why don't you list every show in every category?

Some shows exist that don't serve our buyer base. We list shows where (a) the show has 2027+ dates confirmed, (b) the show has been verified live in the past 18 months, and (c) the show's vertical is one we cover. Some 5-10% of shows we evaluate don't make it into the directory on those criteria.

Q3: Do you take referral fees from show operators?

No. We list shows based on fit, not commission.

For factories attending shows

Q4: Which show should my factory attend first?

Three questions that drive the answer:

1. What's your target channel? (off-price / dollar / hardware / contract / hospitality)
2. Which shows have buyers from that channel walking the floor?
3. What's your budget for the first show?

For most factories new to US discount channel, the answer is ASD Market Week (Las Vegas, March or August).

For most factories new to design-led European markets, the answer is Heimtextil (Frankfurt, January) or Salone (Milan, April).

If you only have budget for one show your first year, do Tier 1 in your channel, not Tier 2.

Q5: How much does it cost to exhibit at a US Tier 1 show?

$15,000-30,000 all-in for a small-medium booth (9-12 sqm), travel for 2 staff, samples shipped. See the show prep page for a full breakdown.

Q6: Can I attend as a visitor instead of exhibiting?

Yes. Most Tier 1 shows have visitor registration with a fee ($50- $300 depending on show). Visitors can walk the floor, attend seminars, and meet exhibitors.

As a visitor you can:

• Survey competitors' booths
• Meet Tier 1 exhibitors (other factories)
• Identify potential co-exhibitors for your future booth

You cannot:

• Bring product samples for buyer distribution
• Set appointments with buyers (most shows segregate visitor and exhibitor meeting platforms)
• Be visible to discount-channel buyers (they don't walk the floor as visitors; they walk as buyers in pre-scheduled meetings)

Visitor pass is a good first move before committing to a booth.

Q7: How long does it take to see ROI from a trade show?

Realistic range: 3-9 months from show date to first PO. Many buyers who see you at a show are at the show for category research, not purchase commitments - their PO comes months later when their internal buying cycle aligns.

For brands sourcing at shows

Q8: Which show should my brand attend?

Different question than "which show should I source from". For sourcing, identify the dominant show for your category:

• Home decor / accent furniture - High Point (April + Oct)
• Housewares - Inspired Home Show (March Chicago)
• Lighting design - Light + Building (Frankfurt, even years)
• Hospitality design - HD Expo or BDNY
• Off-price / discount sourcing - ASD Market Week

Show attendance by buyer category is concentrated in 1-2 shows per vertical. Don't try to walk all the shows; pick the one for your category.

About specific shows

Q9: What's the cheapest show to attend?

For exhibitors: most Tier 1 shows have a small-booth option (under 9 sqm) for $4,000-8,000 booth-only, plus other costs. For visitors: most shows charge $50-200 for visitor registration.

Q10: What's the largest show by buyer count?

Canton Fair in Guangzhou is the largest by buyer count (~180,000+ international buyers per edition). The largest home and furniture- specific shows are ASD Market Week and High Point Market. Largest European show is Heimtextil.

Q11: How do closed wholesale markets work?

Orgill, Ace, Do it Best, True Value, NHPA: each is the annual trade convention for the respective hardware buying group. Only dealers of that group attend; only approved vendors can exhibit.

To exhibit, you need a current invitation from a member. Most factories get in by being recruited at one of the open shows (ASD, IHA, or the open hardware side of HD Expo).

Q12: Are trade show buyers different from online marketplace buyers?

Yes. Trade show buyers have decision authority, are often the category buyer for a retailer with $5M+ annual category budget, and are looking for category-specific sourcing. Online marketplace buyers (Alibaba/MIC) range from category buyers to small businesses to one-time import agents; less predictable quality of conversation.

If you can get to a Tier 1 show with good samples and budget to follow up, the quality of buyer conversation is much higher than what you get in the inbound flow of an online marketplace.

Q13: What about vertical-pure vs multi-vertical shows?

Multi-vertical shows (Canton Fair) have more buyers but lower buyer density in your specific vertical. Vertical-pure shows (High Point, Salone) have higher buyer density in your vertical but smaller absolute buyer count.

Multi-vertical works for generic product (furniture, home decor). Vertical-pure works for specialized product (kitchen knives, lighting design, plumbing fixtures).

For organizers

Q14: How do I get my show listed?

Email us at the address on the contact page with: show name, organizer, vertical coverage, official URL, and the 2027+ dates you want listed. We add shows when dates are confirmed and operator site is live.

Q15: How do I correct a listed date?

Email us with the show name, the listed date we have wrong, and the corrected date with source (your official site is best). Corrections take effect on the next weekly Monday update.