So what's the difference between Expo and Convention?

LochNESS

Figured I might as well get something going here ... empty board ... great way to increase your # of posts ...

SportsModerator

post count padding?

LochNESS

Howdy! So the answer is???

My inquiry was genuine but I'll admit spontaneous. Saw an empty board, took action!

Count padding is just an excuse because it's awkward starting the first thread.

ShowCoordinatorTaryn

I'll bite...

Conferences educate

Trade shows provide a marketplace

Expos and Conventions are pretty synonymous and hover somewhere in between conferences and trade shows. My personal, professional opinion is that some conventions are simply providing a meeting place while I would say MOST Expos are driven by people who are very invested in the industry and want to both educate and actively promote the marketplace aspect.

ShowCoordinatorTaryn

And feel free to pad your posts here...we don't want things to be awkward ;-)

LochNESS

Now for a serious response:
Very interesting, thanks for your perspective! I've never exhibited, but I have attended many MANY conventions, expos and conferences. I've spoken on a panel a few times. I'm actually at a convention right now, LOL. I always leave feeling educated, but the method varies.

At conferences, the speakers educate me on sometimes abstract topics with often motivational or positive messages. I go home ready to work!
At expos, the sales and marketing reps educate me on their products, often new and upcoming, and I go home carrying tons of business cards and takeaway swag.
Conventions are different, usually a combination of vendors and conference-style panels, but I agree they definitely provide a meeting space. Networking, more specifically. Coin shows - like the ANA's World Fair - are often labelled as conventions but I liken them more to trade shows because it's all about buying and selling (and mostly between vendors, in my experience).

I only attended one real trade show, Summer NAMM (nat'l assoc. of music merchants) and I felt very out of place. Almost like going to a career fair with no resume I wasn't buying, and I wasn't selling. Coin dealers would call that a "tire kicker" but I had a great time and saw some AMAZING products.

ShowCoordinatorTaryn

Very interesting perspective. Thanks for sharing. I love going to Expos and coming away with swag! What topics do you speak about when at conventions? Sounds like you have a varied range of interests and hobbies.

LochNESS

Taryn,

So sorry for not replying sooner. I "subscribed" to this thread and yet, never realized I left you hanging until just now! Anyway, to answer your question...

I'm a musician by trade, so the topics I have spoken about [on panels] have been music-related.

I really have a limited range of interests and few hobbies. Music is my first love, and career. Numismatics is my #1 hobby.