Page 53 - EDM Today Spring 2025

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EDM Today Magazine Statistics indicate that trade show participation is rebounding. A recent
While the benefi ts of video conferencing are numerous—and likely to remain a valuable tool for businesses well
into the future—it is clear that they cannot replace the power of a handshake. A recent study by the Las Vegas
Convention and Visitors Authority found that 91% of business travelers surveyed missed the face-to-face interactions
provided by in-person meetings and trade shows. Within that same group, more than half reported feeling burned
out from video conferencing.

survey conducted by the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry found
that corporate events were on track to reach record levels. Many companies
are reevaluating their trade show strategies and concluding that the investment
is justifi ed. They recognize that face-to-face interaction—closing deals,
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generating leads, and forming partnerships—cannot be replicated through
To some extent, there is also a fear of missing out (FOMO) factor, particularly
among exhibitors. Companies question whether choosing not to exhibit might
lead customers to assume they are experiencing fi nancial diffi culties. They
also weigh the impact on brand visibility when opting out of a major show.
Likewise, non-attendees may wonder whether they are missing out on special
show pricing or valuable networking opportunities.

At the time of writing, our industry faced signifi cant uncertainty due to ongoing global confl icts and trade negotiations.
Many companies are unsure how they will be affected and question whether they can afford to rely solely on their
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existing customer base and sales channels. Trade
show participation presents a valuable opportunity to
reach new markets, forge strategic partnerships, and
strengthen existing relationships.
Beginning September 22, 2025, the EMO Hannover
show will take place in Germany, offering North
American businesses an excellent opportunity to
diversify. For contract manufacturing shops, it
may provide a chance to build relationships with
companies planning to establish facilities in the
United States. For manufacturers, it offers a pathway
to explore new sales channels and alternative
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sources of supply for critical products.
The EMO show stands out as a uniquely global
event, offering exposure to one of the broadest
and most diverse audiences in the manufacturing
world. In 2023, exhibitors and visitors represented
136 countries—a testament to its unmatched reach.
With more than three months to go, early registration
fi gures indicate that EMO 2025 may set new records.
Of course, the question of ROI is unavoidable.
No one can guarantee the immediate impact of
participation—but that doesn’t mean the decision has
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to be a gamble. If your shop is already running at full
capacity and insulated from global trade disruptions,
sitting this one out might make sense. But if you’re
looking to fi ll machine time, enter new markets, or
position your business for long-term growth, the
potential payoff could far outweigh the risk.
In uncertain times, visibility, agility, and connection
are competitive advantages—and few venues can
deliver those like EMO. In a global market that’s
moving faster than ever, standing still may be the
biggest risk of all.
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EDM Today, Spring 2025 Issue