You would be amazed at how many different conventions and trade shows are held across the country each year. Almost every denomination has an annual pastor’s convention, practically every state has an annual Christian education conference, and nearly every vocation includes some sort of trade show or occupational training conference. There is even a resource available in the library that lists every trade show or convention in the nation!

A number of great resources, published by Gale Research, are available at the public library:

• Trade Shows Worldwide
• Encyclopedia of Associations

One standard element of nearly every convention or trade show is an exhibit hall, where vendors set up booths to offer their products or services to those attending the convention or show. If you have determined that your book is geared specifically for the type of people who would attend a specific convention or trade show, then it may be fruitful for you to consider exhibiting.

Oftentimes, exhibitors are given first priority to be added into the schedule for a workshop as well. You would definitely sell more books if you did one or more workshops during the event, so that should be your first goal when considering the time and money you will invest at an event like this. Keep in mind that you would need to contact someone in charge of the exhibits or workshops well in advance to see about booking a workshop, since that piece of the puzzle is predictably booked up well in advance of any deadlines given for exhibitor participation.

Make sure you establish a professional booth so that people will take you seriously, and offer some workshops or free resources to draw people to your booth.

Have a drawing for a free copy of your book at your booth and note that the winner need not be present to win. This will help you build your mailing list much more effectively than just having a clip board out and hoping people will sign up.

If you can find a convention or trade show established specifically to equip and train up the people your book is specifically written for, then you should seriously consider making this type of an event a yearly function.

Chime in — what trade shows have been “hot” places for you to promote your book?

Related article:

• International Christian Retail Show – a great place to promote your new book