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There is a variety of trade show and exhibtion venues in Port Elizabeth that provide options to cater specifically for your event. Your vision and help from industry experience can ensure for a smooth journey - from the initial planning to the final implementation.The thriving city of Port Elizabeth is a great location for a trade show, expo or convention. With its successful tourism and business industries, this city attracts crowds from far and wide each year. Trade shows are almost always a good way of promoting your business or industry and thereby attracting new clientele. However, planning an event on such a large scale can also prove to be a logistical nightmare.There is a small selection of exhibition venues in Port Elizabeth which are big enough to cater for large groups of people. A party with industry connections and experience to source and negotiate the ideal location for your event, might help to alleviate some of the pressure. The right venue can make or break an industry expo - here are some things to consider:

• Trade show theme - will your expo include all industry role-players or just one segment?
• Floor space requirements and dimensions - how many booths are you catering for?
• Target market - how many people do you estimate will come?
• Indoor/outdoor - will your expo be held indoors, outdoors or both?
• Facilities - are there sufficient restrooms and access points to accommodate everyone?
• Public transport - will attendees be able to use public transport to access the event?
• Parking - is there sufficient on-site parking and are there enough loading zones?
• Security - does the venue have enough exit points in case of an emergency?
• Technical requirements - will you require internet, lighting and audiovisual equipment?

Once you've given a lot of thought to exhibition venues in Port Elizabeth, you can consider things like catering, accommodation and suppliers. These aspects are often overlooked, but the reality is that people are far more likely to attend an expo where food and beverages can be purchased. It is also convenient if the expo is convened close to hotels and other tourist attractions, making it a definite weekend stopover point.Will your trade show incorporate workshops and demonstrations? These are a sure way to attract the public and get a buzz going. If this sounds like a good idea, perhaps an exhibition venue in Port Elizabeth with sufficient breakaway rooms is a good option.Port Elizabeth is no stranger to hosting well-attended trade shows and expos. Examples of Port Elizabeth trade shows in 2010 include the Eastern Cape Industrial Trade Show, the Homemakers Expo and the Craftwise Craft Expo.Don't delay; trade shows require a lot of advance planning - many successful large-scale events are planned up to a year in advance. Fortunately, you don't have to carry the responsibility alone.