German Hanover Trade Fair Will Probably Suffer from War, SARS and General Economic Woes

The Hanover Trade Fair kicked off this week. The 6,000 exhibitors at the Fair are worried about the low attendance and weak buying interest seen during the Fair's first couple days.

The Fair has experienced declines in both exhibitors and attendees over the past several years as marketers and buyers have moved to other methods of doing business, including the Internet.

In past years, many local and state economic development organizations have exhibited at the show to gain attention from international companies that may eventually seek facility locations in their countries. I recall being a part of such missions back in the early 1980's. While it is not known how many EDO’s are participating in the show this year, my estimate is that far fewer from the U.S. at least are there because of the war and economic problems at home. More are also questioning the effectiveness of trade fairs as a source of economic development leads.

To many, the Hanover Trade Fair is a legendary institution. To many others, it is rapidly becoming a thing of the past, sorely in need of re-invention. Trade shows, like most things, have struggled in the past three years. How will they fare once the economy gains more steam? Will they return to earlier levels of popularity or will they morph into some new and better? The central question that most economic developers are asking is can they be re-done to make them a better source of business investment prospects.

Go here to read more about the Hanover Fair.