These are multi-sport shows. But the bigger they get, the harder it is for buyers to see everything and for small exhibitors to stand out. The key people we needed to meet either weren't at the show or were tied up in meetings with bigger companies. We know now that any show we go to has to be of the proper scale. We get a lot of business, write a lot of orders and have the opportunity to display our work to the wholesale buyer.
Some shows try to be all things to all people.
Others try to serve niches. But specialty store buyers don't care to see product lines for sports they don't carry. As a result, new shows are constantly being started to appeal to narrowly defined retailer interests. When you look at each show individually, it serves its own specific and unique purpose. Some show attendees pick shows based on location.