In an era where virtual meetings, online ads, and LinkedIn campaigns dominate business development, you might wonder: are in-person expos still worth the investment? For brands in packaging, manufacturing, and CPG, the answer is a clear yes. B2B expos remain one of the most effective ways to connect with prospects, strengthen partnerships, and spot what’s next in your industry.
1. Face-to-Face Builds Trust
Emails and Zoom calls are convenient, but nothing replaces shaking someone’s hand and looking them in the eye. At expos, you’re not just trading business cards — you’re building real connections. These conversations often move faster and go deeper than anything online because they’re grounded in human trust.
2. A Live Test for Your Brand
An expo is the ultimate stress test for your brand. How does your booth stand out? How does your team explain your value in 30 seconds? The feedback loop is immediate. You can see firsthand what resonates, what confuses, and what makes people lean in. It’s free market research — and it helps refine your message for everything from sales calls to website copy.
3. See What Competitors Are Doing
Walking the floor is just as valuable as working your own booth. Expos give you a front-row seat to industry trends, competitor positioning, and new technologies. It’s a crash course in where the market is heading and where your company needs to focus next.
4. Relationships That Go Beyond Sales
Not every expo conversation is about closing a deal. Many are about strengthening partnerships, finding suppliers, or collaborating with peers. These relationships build resilience in your supply chain and help you absorb disruption when markets shift.
5. The Energy of Being There
Finally, there’s something about the energy of an expo that can’t be replicated virtually. The buzz of people exploring, learning, and connecting reminds us that business is a human activity. For teams, it’s motivating to be part of something bigger — and for brands, it’s an opportunity to show up with confidence and pride.
The Bottom Line
B2B expos take time, money, and effort. But when approached strategically, they deliver returns you won’t find behind a screen. They’re a place to build trust, sharpen your message, and strengthen your position in a competitive market.
✅ Heading to your next expo?
Admiral’s team has years of experience showing up strong at trade shows and helping CPG brands navigate theirs. If you’re preparing for an event and want to make the most of it, let’s talk.
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