Internet may spell trouble for trade shows

The British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) has deferred its exhibition for 2013, saying the appeal of trade shows could be declining due to the internet.

Landscape designers would have attended the show. Photo: BALI
Landscape designers would have attended the show. Photo: BALI

The show, aimed at interior and exterior landscapers and designers, has been running for two years and took place at Stoneleigh Park in June this year.

The association said that market conditions meant there would be no 2013 show.

Wayne Grills, chief operations officer of BALI, said: "Indications from other industry sectors as well as our own suggest that the appeal of traditional trade shows is on the decline and that biennial events may be more useful in serving the needs of visitors and exhibitors."

Chris Carr, national chairman of BALI, said trade shows could be threatened by the accessibility of product information on the internet. "Researching product information is easy with the internet and will target what you need," he said. "But what it can’t do is show you the dream. In that respect, there is no substitute for seeing, feeling and experiencing a product and discussing the options with someone in the know."

The BALI show is organised by Brintex, which is moving BALI’s sister show PlayFair to co-locate with the Institute of Groundsmanship Saltex show for 2013.

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