Building Industry Trade Shows: Are They Worth It?

Are Trade Shows Worth the Trouble? This builder says there's nothing like an in-person event where you can learn from luminaries, talk with tool and material manufacturers, and network with your peers. By Fernando Pagés Ruiz Issue 328 - December / January 2025 Touch a Tool: Building industry events like the International Builders’ Show provide everything from seminars on how to manage your business’s cash flow to a chance to try out a new hammer.Fernando Pagés Ruiz makes a case for the value of in-person industry events for builders, contractors, and related professionals. Through personal stories and insights from tradespeople, he explains how building industry trade shows provide unique opportunities for learning, networking, and product discovery that online resources can’t match. From major national events like the International Builders’ Show to smaller local shows, each type of event serves different professional needs, whether through hands-on learning, product comparisons, or specialized training. The article includes a list of shows that outlines what they offer, where they’re held, who should attend, and associated costs—helping readers identify events that align with their professional goals. Make Trade Shows Part of Your Journey My journey into the building trades was unconventional, without a formal apprenticeship or trade school education. I took three essential steps. First, I learned on the job under the guidance of exceptional mentors. Learning Experiences...