As an outdoorsperson, being aware and keeping up with the latest trends is pretty important. As consumers, product awareness is super important when making decisions for new gear or learning about services. One helpful (and potentially fun) way to get connected with the industry is to attend your local trade shows.
I myself have attended trade shows in the past for my fishing needs. While we usually expect to gain industry knowledge and good deals from these shows, there were quite a few benefits that I didn’t expect. In this blog, I will discuss the benefits that you as an outdoorsperson can gain from attending these shows.
Product Awareness
I myself consider myself very well read when it comes to the fishing and outdoors industry. Though no matter how much you research, there is no substitute for human interaction. I can read forums and blogs as much as I can but it’s never the same as actually speaking to product reps and business owners. Retail workers while they may be knowledgeable about certain products may not have insight as the people who work with the products for a living. Sometimes you can find some products or services that you were never aware of. I’ve met some entrepreneurs with some very niche ideas.
What I recommend doing is to simply go to as many booths as you can with an open mind. Let them explain their product or service to you. There were a surprising amount of times where I ended up buying the product in the end, despite starting out mildly interested. In the end, even if I didn’t have interest in the product or service, it only cost me a few minutes of my time. Maybe I don’t need it immediately but perhaps I’ll remember that business if I need gift ideas for a friend.
Take advantage of this opportunity and try to learn something new.
The Seminars
Often at fishing shows, there will be some seminars given by experts. This is also a valuable opportunity to learn something.
No matter how good you may consider yourself, you will never be an expert at everything. The best way to be good at fishing (or anything really) is to be open minded. Every time I’ve attended a seminar, I’ve often learned something new even if it was only a minute of the entire presentation. Always ask questions if you can to pick the brains of these experts. Oftentimes, they give out a bunch of free stuff which is never bad.
The Spending Spree
My wallet really takes a hit after attending an outdoors show. However being prepared to spend money is a good thing.
There are definitely some deals that you can take advantage of. Products that are not commonly found in retail stores or haven’t even hit the market yet are worth checking out. Sometimes, especially with lesser known products, I buy a sample to try. If I find I need more of that particular product I will order some more in the future.
Though, definitely control your spending. As convenient and worthwhile it might be to buy products from the booths, don’t get too carried away.
Human Interaction
One things I look forward to at these shows is the human interaction. There are tons of people to meet and connect with.
In my daily life, I don’t interact with people much despite being pretty active on social media. However, almost every time I attend my local trade shows, I always run into people that I know from the fishing community. It feels great to meet people in the flesh as opposed to chatting with them through Instagram or Facebook. Sometimes you can get to know your favorite YouTuber or influencers more personally.
As mentioned before, I make an effort to chat with product reps and entrepreneurs. You would be surprised at what kinds of stories that people tell. I’ve even got to share this blog with some people as well. Building trust with local reps and business owners will pay dividends in the future. I’ve networked with many people in the industry and it makes doing business with them pleasant. Your friendly conversation definitely provides moral support to local businesses.
Though if a vendor appear to be very busy, try to be considerate and limit your chatting time. Overall human interaction is what makes trade shows fun for me to attend.
Get Out There!
As this is a Manitoba-based fishing blog, the best shows to attend are the Winnipeg Ice Fishing Show and the Manitoba Outdoors Show. They have a wide variety of local vendors and entertaining activities. By attending your local shows, it will keep them going and potentially attract new vendors.
Overall these outdoor shows provide rare opportunities for us consumers to really get to know the industry. You get to meet product experts, entrepreneurs and your local community. You fill your bags with the latest products and freebies. Rarely have I walked out of show thinking it was a waste of time. Keep an open mind and you’ll have a great time.
