Machine tool shows are trade shows at which numerous vendors display their products. Such shows are often attended primarily by professionals in the machining industry, but they may be attended by the general public as well. The main activities at such shows are the display of machines, the unveiling of new products, machine demonstrations, and dissemination of information. Vendors may also offer show-only incentives, conduct seminars or classes, and arrange giveaways or door prizes.
Those attending machine tool shows often must register in advance of the event, though some shows offer same-day registration. Once the attendee checks into the show, he will usually receive a package that includes a name badge; a map of the show hall that shows where each vendor's booth is located; a schedule of any classes, demonstrations, or special events; and, often, promotional items, such as tape measures or key chains bearing the name or logo of a sponsoring vendor.
Attendees will usually take a few moments before entering the show hall to identify the locations of vendors they especially want to see or to note the times of events they want to attend. Once he enters the trade show hall, the attendee's primary goal is to visit vendor booths where he can collect information about the vendors and about the machine tools they sell or service. Machine tool shows can be a good way to find out what new products are being offered and an efficient way to compare several similar machines offered by competing vendors.
At each booth, the attendee will generally be greeted by booth staff, asked about his needs, given relevant information, advised about specials offered on purchases made at the show, and asked for his contact information so that the vendor can follow up after the show. If the vendor has the machine at the show, or has parts made by the machine, attendees might be offered a chance to either look at these items or view an actual demonstration of the machine. If the vendor is holding a prize drawing, the attendee will be invited to enter his name.
Machine tool shows also often hold classes, group demonstrations, and special events, either in the trade show hall or in adjacent areas. These can include classes on industrial safety, presentations that focus on advances in machining technology, and group demonstrations of machines that are too large or too loud to run for individual attendees. Special events at machine tool shows can include receptions, dinners, concerts, and other entertainment events.
