Are you excited about the big event this month? Attending conferences and trade shows is a serious thing, no question. But hold onto your satchels and relax a little bit because today, we’ll find humor in the five real reasons why people go to these events. 

Trust me, you won’t believe some of these!

Reason 1: Free Food and Drinks

Now, we all know that business conferences offer an impressive spread. According to a recent survey, almost 8 out of 10 attendees admit that they come here for free food. 

No judgment, folks; free snacks are hard to resist, especially when the office coffee machine just isn’t cutting it.

Let’s face it. Some individuals attend trade shows solely to enjoy free food and drinks. They may not be interested in the products or services being presented, but they are eager to sample the refreshments that are being offered. 

Free food and drinks can be a strong incentive for some people, and this is why companies often provide such offerings at trade shows. For those who are budget-conscious, attending a trade show can be a great way to try new foods and drinks without having to spend any money. 

However, while free food and drink may be appealing, it’s important to remember that the primary purpose of trade shows is to make business connections and explore new opportunities.

Trade shows—where freebies rain from the skies!

Trade shows have become a hotbed of excitement and anticipation for attendees, and one of the biggest draws that keep people flocking to these events is undoubtedly the allure of freebies. 

From branded pens to quirky keychains and flashy tote bags, trade show organizers have mastered the art of enticing visitors with a plethora of giveaways. And boy do they entice them! 

The thrill of discovering what treasures await at each booth adds an element of surprise and delight to the entire experience. It’s like a treasure hunt where every booth offers a chance to score something cool or useful. 

Not only do these freebies serve as tangible mementos, but they also create lasting brand impressions, ensuring that attendees remember the companies long after the event ends. 

Beyond the enjoyment of collecting swag, trade shows freebies offer practical benefits as well. People attend these events with an eagerness to learn about new products and services. And what better way to familiarize oneself with a company than through their promotional items? 

These giveaways often serve as mini advertisements, showcasing a company’s logo or slogan creatively and memorably. Moreover, freebies can also be functional tools that attendees can use in their daily lives, such as USB drives, power banks, or even stress balls. 

As people navigate the booths, they not only gain knowledge about various industries but also walk away with handy gadgets that enhance their productivity or bring joy to their day-to-day routines. 

So, it’s no wonder why trade show freebies have become such coveted treasures for attendees seeking both novelty and practicality.

Reason 2: Job Opportunities

For some people, attending trade shows is a great opportunity to explore job opportunities. Companies and organizations at trade shows often have booths or tables set up to showcase their products and services. These booths can be a great place to network with potential employers and learn about job openings.

Did you know that traditional networking accounts for 46% of the most successful ways to locate work? 

In-person networking at conferences is one of the most important ways to find contacts—personal or business. And many conference attendees are secretly on the prowl for job prospects. It’s like a secret job fair where you can make connections while munching on a mini quiche. Sneaky! 

Who would have thought that conferences are as much about networking for jobs as they are about networking for business?

Reason 3: Selling Something

Yup, believe it or not, conferences are full of people trying to close deals. In fact, more than half of attendees confessed to using conferences as a platform to sell their products or services. 

It’s like witnessing an undercover trade show. So, next time you’re attending one, don’t be surprised if someone approaches you with an elevator pitch during the coffee break!

What’s the psychology behind selling at trade shows?

The psychology behind selling at trade shows is multifaceted. For one, you must understand that trade shows are a unique environment where buyers and sellers come together to conduct business. 

Many people attending a trade show are looking for something specific—they may be seeking a solution to a problem, or they may be looking for a new product or service to enhance their business or lifestyle.

From the vendor’s perspective, the goal of attending a trade show is to create connections with potential buyers and communicate the value of their product or service. To do this, vendors often use psychological tactics to attract buyers. 

For example, vendors may use color, design, and lighting to create an attractive and attention-grabbing booth. They may also use social proof, such as testimonials and reviews, to build trust with potential buyers and help them feel more confident in their purchase decision.

Another key aspect of selling at trade shows is the ability to communicate effectively with potential buyers. Vendors must be able to recognize and respond to the needs and wants of potential customers. 

This often involves active listening and the ability to adapt to different communication styles and personalities. Additionally, vendors may use various persuasion techniques, such as scarcity or urgency, to encourage buyers to make a purchase.

Reason 4: Seeing Famous People

This one’s a fan favorite! You’d be amazed at how star-struck some people get at conferences. It’s like they forgot to bring their business cards because they’re too busy hunting for selfies with keynote speakers. 

Surprisingly, only 2 out of 10 attendees openly admit that they specifically attend conferences just to spot a famous name. Really? This explains those long queues and persistent camera flashes!

Jaworski at the PBC&E? Come on!

Meeting Philippine basketball legend Robert “The Big J” Jaworski at the Philippine Business Conference & Exhibition (PBC&E) in 2003 was a surreal experience for me. As a huge basketball fan, I was awestruck by his presence, no doubt, and I almost forgot I had a job to do that day. Just to be clear, I wasn’t there because of The Big J. I was part of that year’s event’s team.

At that time, he was a senator heading the e-commerce committee in the Upper Chamber, and he was in the PBC&E to grace the ribbon-cutting of the e-commerce expo. He was gracious enough to stay awhile and talk to the already growing crowd, and his presence was truly inspiring. 

I could hardly contain my excitement as I watched him walk up to the hall, and I was even more thrilled to have the opportunity to shake his hand and speak with him afterward. 

Meeting Robert Jaworski was a highlight of my career, and his presence at the PBC&E was truly a moment I’ll never forget.

Reason 5: Escaping Office Work

You know that feeling when you’ve been chained to your desk for too long? Yeah, it’s a universal experience. In a recent survey, a whopping 87% of conference participants confessed that one of the main reasons they attend is to escape the humdrum of office life. Ah, the sweet taste of freedom!

People these days are always looking for a break from their daily routine of work and busy schedules. Many workers tend to feel stuck in a monotonous cycle where they are drained of creativity and enthusiasm. 

Attending seminars and conferences helps them take a break from their routine, explore new perspectives and ideas, and enrich their knowledge with different insights. These events are an excellent source of inspiration and motivation for workers who feel burned out from their jobs. 

By participating in various learning and networking opportunities, individuals can gain unique insights that help them elevate their career growth, learn about new technologies, and expand their industry knowledge. 

Whether they choose to attend seminars or conferences related to their field or personal interests, it provides a refreshing change of pace, and they come out rejuvenated to tackle their daily tasks with newfound energy and enthusiasm.

So, a gentle shout-out to team managers out there: Sending out your employees from time to time to attend trade shows and seminars can do your business more good than harm.

Mix, Mingle, Eat, and Dine

So, there you have it. The five secret reasons people attend business conferences and trade shows. From free food and drinks to scouting for job opportunities, selling something, seeing famous people, and simply getting a break from the office, there’s more to these events than meets the eye.

Stay tuned for more exciting insights, and remember, life’s too good to say no to free food and a free day from the office! Catch you later!