'Please God not another trade show'

Tech professionals have hit out at the seemingly endless list of trade shows - from Comdex to CeBit, via Infosec and Storage Expo and hundreds of niche shows that clutter the calendar.

And the dislike expressed by many in the industry is seeing an increasing number of shows cancelling, being forced into smaller premises or partnering with other shows just to fill the exhibition floor.

But it's not all bad news - there is a suggestion that the importance of shows will return in line with budgets.

While 28.67 per cent of respondents to a silicon.com survey said they attend such shows because they are 'A day out of the office', exactly the same percentage of respondents said such shows were 'useful in 1999 when people had budgets'.

However, only 22 per cent of respondents said they don't go to such shows.

Furthermore, 17.33 per cent of respondents said such shows are a source of good leads and provide vital networking opportunities.

Only 3.33 per cent of respondents said such shows offer 'A chance to show off to your peers'.