The Value of the Trade Show

World of Concrete is one of the largest trade events for the construction industry held in Las Vegas each year occupying all three halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center and the exterior demonstration area.  For flooring professionals this show has developed into the trade show to attend for all concrete finishes.  Most coating manufacturers exhibit along with companies promoting stamped concrete, stained concrete, and polished concrete.
This year the attendance appeared to be lower and a few exhibitors were notable by the absence.  This is undoubtedly due to the depressed state of the construction industry, but maybe there is another reason. As always companies use this event to introduce their new products and demonstrate new techniques and applications.  Having said that, it was hard to identify any revolutionary introductions with all of the "noise".
What is the future of trade shows?  Do participants attend exhibits to learn about new products or is this information readily available on the web?  A few vendors who did not exhibit this year, attended the show to meet with their customers without the associated cost of exhibiting and commitment to the booth.
The true value of a trade show has become the relationship.  Selling products at a show where all of your competitors show their products is not memorable or an efficient way to gain commitment from your customers.  Maybe the future of the trade show combines the information availability of the internet with a industry social function that focuses on personal interactions.  Marketing is creating awareness and differentiating your company and your product, how can you accomplish this in a sea of sameness.