As we finalize the details for the 2025 Garage Shed & Carport Builder Show, I am reminded of the first trade show I attended many years ago. That show was big, lavish, and very loud. It was held in Vegas and the sparkle was everywhere. This was in a time and in an industry where the men wore suits, the few businesswomen on the floor wore tasteful skirt and blazer sets, and the other women in the room wore far less, handing out fliers and luring attendees into their employer’s booths.
I am confident that a lot of business was accomplished at that show, but I know firsthand that it was much too big for real connections to be made in that space. There was just too much to see and do for anyone to see it all, much less “sit a spell” and have a conversation.
Over the years I have attended, exhibited at, and managed many trade shows. Some were massive like that first one I attended all those years ago, and some were small shows with craftsmen selling to collectors. The one thing they all had in common was the need for that connection.
Something those of us at Shield Wall Media are proud of is our connections and our ability to help those in the industry make their own connections. At this year’s show, you won’t find a lot of sparkle and fanfare like at my first trade show all those years ago. While it might be a little loud at times, I doubt it will be so loud you won’t be able to hear yourself think. What you will find at this year’s show is connections. From chats with your peers at the complimentary breakfasts before the morning sessions where you can connect with the industry experts, to conversations on the show floor where exhibitors can take the time to explain what they have to offer to help your business grow, it is all about connections. Be sure to join us Wednesday for the complimentary Happy Hour buffet where you can fuel up after a long day and make even more connections while listening to some great music brought to you by the James Radford Band.
This year’s event should be a great opportunity for building connections, and we have already made plans for next year’s show to allow for even more, as it will be held in conjunction with the all-new Rural Builder Show. Attendees and exhibitors will be able to have two shows in one venue with even more opportunities to grow their business. The 2026 event will be held in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, January 21-22. If you really want to continue the connections between now and then, be sure to attend the Post Frame Builder Show, ,www.PostFrameBuilderShow.com, June 25-26 in Manheim, Pennsylvania, and the Construction Rollforming Show, October 1-2 in Dayton, Ohio.
Speaking of connections, I would love to hear what you have to say about this year’s Garage Shed & Carport Builder Show and any other Shield Wall Media event. Don’t hesitate to find me on the show floor or reach out by email or phone call if you want to connect. If you would like information on being an exhibitor or have a great idea that might make our events even better, please be sure to reach out.
See you at the show!
Missy Beyer
Shield Wall Media Director of Events
