A trade show is a large-scale event used to showcase specific products or services. Products are set up in booths while event planners are given a floor plan to map out the space. An event-planning trade show may showcase china, flatware, cuisine, wineries, and computer software. The networking benefit to a trade show is meeting with other event planners at the activities around the trade show. As an attendee to a trade show, you may be invited to a meet and greet, a cocktail reception, or a breakfast in the days before and after the trade show.

From a networking perspective, the events around the trade show are as important as the trade show itself. You will have a chance to be more social and interactive at a reception. While at the trade show, event planners will be focusing more on the vendor booths. Other events offered at a trade show might be conferences, seminars, and team-building exercises.

Utilize your time at a trade show and its events wisely. Your time should be spent engaging and interacting with other event planners and vendors. Trade shows are a time for event planners to meet and share in each other's expertise. You may be exposed to different ideas during this time. Keep a journal in your hotel room to chronicle event ideas you will be able to use at a later date.

Once mastered, networking can be useful for even the most seasoned event planner. You may find you rely on the people who become your network every day for various event-planning issues. Cultivating your networking contacts will integrate you into the community, boost your business, and may even attract other job offers. Most importantly, your business network may double as your support network. A support network is essential for a hectic, stressful, and emotional day in event planning.