Before you start the research process for the best exhibit house, the best shipping strategy, the best hotels for the least money, and the best restaurants in your venue city you really need to do the Basic Best Research, that is the best show for you to exhibit at!
Before you sign up for a new show, do your homework. Contact your clients and a few exhibitors from the previous year to get their perspective on the show and why you should be there. Your clients, in all probability attend more than one show, and they will be flattered by your call to them for their input. Other exhibitors that are not your direct competitors are also a good source of information, as is, the after show document called the audit report with all the final numbers and statistics that most major shows have available. Additionally you may want to wait a year to exhibit and attend the conference as an attendee and experience the exhibits from the other side. I find that even better than taking a 10’x10 small exhibit space. If you normally have an island exhibit you will not get the real feel of the show as if you were there with a major display. A quick trip the week of the show may give you ideas on how to differentiate yourself from the competition.