4 Reasons Why Attending Fashion Trade Shows is Good for Business

Written by: Xiara Arroyo

Fashion trade shows bring with them information on the latest trends and are often accompanied by several amazingly informative seminars. The shows are jam-packed with different vendors, panel discussions, activities, keynote speakers, all to keep you engaged and busy. 

Planning ahead will give you the opportunity to fully benefit from the experience. Registration to these trade shows open weeks, if not months in advance, so make sure to get your credentials submitted to avoid any problems at the entry.

Once registered you can begin to plan your visit- schedules are often found on the site of the hosting trade show. Knowing how beneficial attending a trade show could be will help you create a substantial itinerary. Here are some benefits to attending a fashion trade show.

NETWORKING

We’ve all heard it before, networking and making connections is one sure way to grow your audience and position yourself to be noticed for potential opportunities. Find out who will be there and do research beforehand, write down questions, review the schedule and make a plan to optimize your day.

DISCOVERING NEW BRANDS

Trade Shows are essentially one big market, where everyone in your industry comes together in one place. You’ll be introduced to brands from all over you wouldn’t otherwise know of. As a stylist you’ll begin to note which brands will be good for respective clients. Different brands mean different styles, quality, expertise etc and you’ll be in the front row to it all. Keep a notebook handy to write down any brand names you might not get a chance to speak with personally, but would love to connect with.

INSPIRATION

Since you’ll be in a room with other fashion professionals and creatives you will be able to see first hand brand visuals and displays. From colors to style and everything in between something is bound to spark your imagination. Your wheels will immediately start turning as you think about what would look best on your top clients. Make it a priority to learn something new for every day you attend.

TREND FORECASTING 

Like runway shows, fashion trade shows exhibit in advance. This is important for both stylists and designers alike. Knowing what is being forecasted for upcoming seasons will be beneficial to how you conduct business. You’ll be able to get your clients in the next best trend before it happens.

As a stylist it is crucial for you to stay up to date on trends, styles, color palettes and seasonal shifts in fashion. When at a tradeshow you’ll be learning from the industries top trend forecasters, providing you with all the completed analytical research. One more task on your to do list checked off.

While attending trade shows keep in mind most individuals are there for business so be prepared to run into not so friendly individuals. You’ll run into sellers, buyers, marketers, speakers and so forth so be considerate of their times, as well as your own. Trade shows can be overwhelming and hectic for some and that doesn’t always come across the best. Stay professional, make your connections, get business cards, right yourself notes to remember who’s who.

Small reminder: you will want to make sure to eat and have comfortable shoes for all the walking you will participate in.