Not sure when or where it will stop! :icon_scra
Me either.
IMHO ... I'm actually surprised that the booths are as cheap as you say. In my business we will pay at least $15k for a 10x10 booth at a show, then another $15-$25k just setting it up and staffing it (of course, those shows are rather huge ... so maybe it is all in proportion). And for that, we get what? Sometimes nothing directly at the show, but the investment is long-term (or at least that's how we calculate it). People need to see your name and/or product many times typically before they will purchase. People need to be educated if the value isn't apparent. And the more they see it, the more they associate themselves with it and built some form of trust via recognition.
If the businesses that present at the show expect to walk away making much money (if any) from the show itself, they will be routinely disappointed I believe. The show is a chance to show off your wares, bring awareness to your product/brand, make contact with the public, and demonstrate "how" it all works.
At the same time, people bring money to shows to spend ... and it's a lot more effective than the Internet or a showroom for that "impulse" buy because people are caught up in the moment and in the thrill
However, only few will make the "big" purchase at a show of any size -- especially in a day of self-research and Google. Show-folk at too often like carny in the old world and the claims are as big as elephants with a price tag to match. "Sales" are just a mark off retail back to normal, "special packages" (i.e. free dvd!) are nothing more than the videos available online for free download, and warranties are meaningless in too many cases.
While I do hope the "shows" exist, and personally make
every attempt not only to attend but also to purchase at least something of value. I also hope that the "shows" find out where their value is and set some realistic expectations. If a show is to exist for selling items and making money, then it should be a "market" more than a "show". One thing I do like in some shows is the professional demonstrations/training centralized and coordinated in such a way it adds value (and typically I'm sold on something even if I don't buy it at the show that day :help
.