As we move into summer 2025, the trade show season is in full swing. As you’re preparing to attend trade show events with your brand this summer, there are a number of recent statistics to keep in mind to ensure you approach your appearances in the most effective way.

Some trade show statistics to pay attention to for the summer 2025 season are:

• Trade shows are the second most effective marketing strategy for lead generation, second only to your website – When it comes to generating leads, it (almost) doesn’t get any better than a great trade show appearance. Second only to your brand’s website, trade shows get attendees excited about your brand personality and what you have to offer. For this reason, lead generation should be a main focal point for your brand at any show you attend. Through networking, demonstrations, and immersive experiences, now is your chance to make an impact.

• 87% of trade show exhibitors use trade shows to keep their fingers on the pulse of industry trends – Staying ahead of the curve requires knowing where that curve is, and staying “in fashion” requires knowing what today’s fashions are really all about. As many as 87% of trade show exhibitors use trade shows not just to generate leads, but to get a close eye on where their industries are and where they’re going.

• More than half of attendees are more likely to visit a booth if a giveaway or swag is offered – While this statistic might not be too surprising, as many as 52% of trade show attendees polled said they were more likely to stop over at a particular exhibit if there is a giveaway or swag being offered. If you’re trying to decide if you should invest in swag or giveaway items for your brand, this is a statistic that will push you in one direction. A small investment is likely to pay for itself in potential leads and interest.

• The average trade show attendee spends just over 5 hours at the event on any given day – Every attendee walking the trade show floor has their own agenda, their own interests, and their own reasons for attending the event. One thing many have in common, however, is how long they’ll be spending there. On average, an attendee will be exploring the trade show for around 5 hours. This means that, particularly for larger trade shows, brands have a limited time to grab attention and engage.

With a few useful statistics in hand, your brand will be better equipped to make the most of their trade show experience. To learn more about the latest trends and statistics for trade shows in 2025, contact Lighthouse Exhibits.