I have commented before, but I would like to hear current opinions on the subject of B2B trade shows.  I have been attending shows for over thirty years serving a wide variety of buyers of products an services in a host of diverse industries.    Changes have been impacted these events as markets grow or mature. For example, I have been to major national and international shows that have done quite well recently - especially those that focus on new exciting technologies like solar or wind energy, solid state lighting, etc.  Unfortunately, I have been to other shows that have been do not measure up to any acceptable degree.

Is there a trend?  Are the events crowded with excited folks looking to learn about new market opportunities and resources and eager to get some close up, hands on examination of products rare?  If so, does the current economic downturn get full responsibility?  Or does it seem that even before the recent business downturn in 2008, there had been a trend for fewer and fewer of the folks attending who would actually be responsible for designing systems with the products and/or purchasing, installing and maintaining them?  Is there something basic changing in the way B2B attendees experience and learn about products?    Or is it all have to do with poor management philosophy relative to training and education that no longer invests in the workforce in a reasonable way?   Are these events still vital?  What  do show managers need to do to make them so?