In-person trade shows play a critical role in the way we forge connections, learn about market trends, and learn about the latest technology. There is huge power in collecting thousands of people from the same industry in one location at the same time. We believe that attending industry shows adds huge value to our research, as it provides the opportunity for us to interact with industry leaders and technology, learning about what is important and what the key trends are at a particular point in time. We can find out more about new and emerging technologies, what products are shipping right now, and what companies are piloting or prioritizing for the future. New product launches tell us a lot about where markets are going and we speak to companies about what their challenges and goals for the future are, both in the short and long-term.

What industry shows are we attending in 2026?

During 2026 our analysts will be at a whole host of industry shows, with the information gathered there supporting our research on a wide range of topics. Some of those we have attended and will be attending include:

• SPIE Photonics West, 20-22 January 2026, San Francisco, US
• CONEXPO-CON/AGG, 3-6 March 2026, Las Vegas, US
• LogiMAT, 16-18 March 2026, Stuttgart, Germany
• MODEX, 13-16 April 2026, Atlanta, US
• Hannover Messe, 5-8 April 2026, Hannover, Germany
• iVT Expo, 10-11 June 2026, Cologne, Germany
• Automate, 22-25 June 2026, Chicago, US
• IMTS, 14-19 September 2026, Chicago, US
• VISION, 6-8 November 2026, Stuttgart, Germany
• PACK EXPO, 18-21 October 2026, Chicago, US
• CeMAT Asia, 3-6 November 2026, Shanghai, China
• BAUMA China, 24-27 November 2026, Shanghai, China
• SPS Expo, 24-26 November 2026, Nuremberg, Germany

What do our analysts do at industry shows?

We use trade shows as an opportunity to identify new things, new places, and new topics that we could research. This is in addition to collecting information about where markets are right now, and where they are likely to go in the future. As an industry evolves, you have to evolve with it, and keep your finger on the pulse of emerging trends. Intelligence gathered during a trade show can include industry sentiment, pricing, customer shifts, and more. It’s also an excellent place to carry out physical research, as well as getting a general sense of what’s going on.

Of course, relationship building is also a huge part of in-person trade shows. While new technology means we are more connected than ever, it can’t replace the relationships forged by face-to-face conversations. Industry shows are the ideal forums to meet new companies, new people, and consolidate existing relationships. These are things you can’t really do from behind a desk or over a video call. It’s also a chance to ask really technical questions and find industry experts who can concisely answer them.

Trade shows bring the industry together under one roof

The great thing about a trade show is that it gathers such a wide and diverse pool of experts under one roof, so whether you are looking for information from engineering teams or sales, there will always be someone to talk to. It can also be valuable to get a variety of perspectives from product managers, senior leadership, and other key stakeholders, even if they are contrasting. Ask a single question to ten people, and you might get ten answers, but that doesn’t make any of them less valuable. It’s all about getting detailed product views, end customer views, design and engineering views, and finding out exactly how people are deploying new technology.

Take the very first trade show I attended after Interact Analysis officially launched in 2017 as a prime example. After speaking to a range of industry experts at the show, we concluded that mobile robots was a key emerging industry that needed to be researched. Fast forward almost a decade, and it has turned into a thriving industry and a fantastic topic for market intelligence. It just goes to show what a happy hunting ground trade shows can be for spotting the innovations of tomorrow. Remember, if a new piece of technology is about to completely flip an industry on its head in the next 12 months, then there are experts who are talking about it now. You just have to keep your ear to the ground.

How our trade show insights can benefit you

After a large industry show with strong attendance, we usually produce a detailed trade show report outlining the latest technologies, new developments, notable industry shifts, and what key companies are doing. We may also produce a short survey based on structured questions we ask around a particular topic while we’re there. The report showcases the latest and greatest in the industry, key trends, and any interesting observations we’ve made. To download our latest trade show reports, visit the Events section of our website here: https://interactanalysis.com/events/

As a recent example, CONEXPO/CONAGG is a leading international show for construction industries, showcasing the latest trends and innovations in equipment, products, and services. Our report on the 2026 show summarizes our key observations, with topics including; the pace and direction of electrification in North America; global ambitions of China‑based OEMs; how OEMs are approaching autonomy and automation; and themes shaping the construction equipment market. It is available to download here: https://interactanalysis.com/events/conexpo/

We don’t only attend and report on the large-scale, international industry trade shows. We also attend more focused shows that concentrate on a particular niche. Trade shows tend to be industry-focused or technology-focused, and we think it is so important to attend and conduct research at both.

In addition to trade show reports, which you can access free of charge, our clients can also take advantage of exclusive webinars. These provide direct access to the latest timely insights from our analyst teams, the chance to learn from them and to ask them questions about their observations from industry shows. You can find out more about these by getting in touch with us: Contact Us | Interact Analysis.

Our trade show reports and surveys also feed into future syndicated reports, short-term forecasts, and assumptions on bigger trends for the future. Analysts use the insights for market studies, trend analysis, and general discussion around the future evolution of technologies and markets. A lot of that insight can underpin assumptions within Interact Analysis forecasts, whether for the current year, next year, or long-term.

The value from these reports not only comes from the industry data and information from key vendors, but also from the timely nature of that information. In order to make a truly informed decision, you need access to credible, reliable, up-to-date information, which is exactly what Interact Analysis is built around. Certain companies are not able to attend the shows in person, so our reports become an even more invaluable insight into what is happening in their industry.

Providing expert insights at industry events

Interact Analysis does more than conduct research and explore the latest market developments at industry events. Our expert analysts also regularly give seminars, talks, and presentations at trade shows too. This represents a great opportunity to present our findings to an in-person audience, which is something we are increasingly being asked to do. The same goes for podcast interviews and conferences. Whether it comes via an invitation from the show organizers or by booking a spot ourselves, interacting with our people in real-life gives you a much stronger understanding of what’s happening in your industry. And, for us as market intelligence analysts, what better way to experience new technology than being able to kick the tires yourself?

If you need assistance in finding research that is relevant, analytical and granular, please speak directly to one of the experienced analyst team at Interact Analysis. For more information or to discuss your market intelligence needs please contact us.