Tourism

At a time when global and local issues have taken a highly expanded outlook in search for critical solutions, generation of greater cooperation, establishment of new trends, and re-evaluation of progress for previous agenda among other aspects, the success that can be achieved from such gatherings are largely dependent on the their planning and organizing.  Efficiency in organizing these meetings facilitates establishment of the needed objectivity, energizing the attendants, and anchors better understanding and eventual achievement of the pre-stated objectives. In their view, Abbas and Lee (2006) concur with events planning scholars who indicate that a convention or a trade show begins and ends in the planners mind long before they take place. This paper therefore compares the core criteria for organizing successful conventions in comparison to trade shows. 

Conventions and trade shows
    To effectively analyze their organization, Lynn (2007) indicates that their strong characterization makes its critical to intrinsically understand them. Manfred, Wilhelm and Werner (2005) indicate that a trade fair takes the form of an organized exhibition where companies are able to display their products, services, and even their opportunity trends. The key aim is targeting increased publicity and ultimate higher levels of sales. Besides, they can be internal or external.

    Convention on the other hand constitutes a large gathering mainly of people with a common interest such as political, social, economical, or economical.  Notably, Manfred et al (2005) indicate that unlike the trade shows where decisions are made by the companies management and the cost met by the employer, convention decisions is a matter of deliberations and the delegates costs are individually met. In addition, Milton (2002) indicates that the attendance of the convention is highly voluntary and they seek to address specific issues in the society.

Comparison of trade show organizing and conventions
    As it came out in the differentiation of the two events, there is need to employ a highly specified orientation of the meeting to raise higher levels of objectivity.

a) The venue
    Manfred et al (2005) indicate that venues of trade shows and conventions are very critical in generating the holistic oversight of the expected outcomes. Events organizers should seek to locate the events in areas that have the correct appeal for the trade show or the convention. For conventions, it is critical that the selected venues have the holistic acceptance for such meetings. For instance, it is crucial that conventions that support democracy are held in the countries that are perceived to have high levels of democracy in their management. Trade shows on the other hand are more flexible as their venues are dependent on the target audience such as the consumers, other industries, the retail and or the whole sale Market. It is worth noting that the number to attend the trade shows is very critical thereby making accessibility a major consideration.
b) Incorporation of technology
    With modern technology changing with time, conventions require strong emphasis of its application. Application of the modern technology makes the event to not only become interesting but more emphatic on the particular issues being considered. Emphasizing that conventions are deliberations, modern technology ensures easier cooperation and contribution by all in attendance. Of particular importance for modern technology in conventions as Lynn (2007 indicates, is the ability to link other involved stakeholders to follow the proceedings with ease. On the other hand, trade shows require effective technological application but on a different setup in that they are not holistic discussions. Therefore, event visitor to a given stall, unlike in the convention, is addressed individually depending on the consideration of the company of the product and the inquisitive nature of the visitor (Andrs et al 2008). Other shows are designed in highly self explanatory models where pamphlets, pictures and hand outs are given.  

c) Setting stage for events and events timing
    In concurrence with Rob and Tony (2006), it is no doubt that the ability to set the correct tone for the events to take place is very critical is their missions are to be realized.  Both events require a highly energizing starting for the participants to start on a high note. Therefore, it is critical that events corresponding entertainments are selected to ensure that all are in the correct mood of the different agendas. Rob and Tony (2006) add that a further setup or the stage in the convention should reflect the agenda of the meeting. For instance the convention theme could be displayed in the major strategic areas of the delegates meeting place. Unlike the trades shows where the different companies present varied agendas and themes, the podium in the convention should reflect the common themes (Milton, 2002).
    It is equally critical that the events are carefully timed to reflect their essence or maximize their overall objectivity. Andrs et al (2008) indicate that through providing the correct time for the different meetings, the organizers are able to draw greater interest from the participants. On a higher note therefore, the correct timing facilitates coming up with the most effective recommendations towards a given issue of concern by the convention participants while the trade shows become self flowing.   

d) Incorporating a discussion for the convention delegates
    One of the most important aspects for trade shows and conventions is invoking the participants highly energized and fully participative towards the different activities in the events. Unlike the trade shows where the discussions only take place between specific companies and the attendees, conventions take this orientation to a much higher level. Therefore, Rob and Tony (2006) point out that with all the participants not being able to perhaps contribute on the podium, a criterion for discussion is very critical as it ensures holistic contribution by all.

    It is from the above consideration that this paper concludes by supporting the thesis statement, at a time when global and local issues have taken a highly expanded outlook in search for critical solutions, generation of greater cooperation, establishment of new trends, and re-evaluation of progress for previous agenda among other aspects, the success that can be achieved from such gatherings are largely dependent on the their planning and organizing. All the conventions and trade fairs requires strong and highly particularistic orientation in their organization. The organizers should therefore be able to facilitate harmonization of the objectivity from the beginning to the end while articulating high levels of participation.