Here in Chicago trade shows have been a hot topic of conversation as of late. In an effort to save money more and more trade show managers are moving their shows from high-cost cities like Chicago to lower-cost cities like Orlando or Las Vegas.

Michael Hart editor of Tradeshow Week discussed this recently on his blog “Behind the Story.” He notes “this is not the first or the last time exhibitors have had complaints about invoices from their service contractors…nor is it the first or last time a show manager has tried or will try to patiently explain the concept of drayage to a first-time exhibitor. But it is the first time in a while that a city with all that Chicago has to offer the tradeshow industry has not been able to deal with the objections and has lost shows that would have translated into $100 million-plus of economic activity.” He goes on to explain the importance of these relocations for the entire industry explaining “certainly it is bad news for Chicago… but it is also bad for other buildings and destinations that have similarly high costs (or at least costs that are difficult for exhibitors to understand).”

Adding to the story is Mayor Daley’s recent claim that it is not only the responsibility of the venues to try to cut costs to keep shows in Chicago – he says show management needs to make an effort to reduce expenses as well.

Having several clients in the trade show business we’ve seen first-hand how the economy has taken a toll on the entire industry. Show managers are making efforts across the board to reduce costs while still putting on the highest quality Show possible. Shifting printed items to digital-only and putting certain programs on hold until more funds are available are just some of the examples of ways show organizers are working to curb their spending so they don’t have to exponentially mark up the cost of exhibiting or attending. It is difficult to imagine how else show managers will be able to cut costs and still provide the same level of quality to their various audiences.

However it is difficult to argue that Chicago is not one of the greatest venues for a successful trade show (especially being Chicago residents ourselves). Great public transportation two large airports countless hotels and first-class trade show sites make for an ideal venue. And certainly Chicago is not the only city that comes with a heftier price tag but also better amenities. So is the higher cost worth it?

What do you think? Is it the job of the show organizer to reduce costs in other areas in order to keep their show in a more expensive location? If you are a trade show regular do you think it is worth it to spend more money on a Show that is in a top-tier venue?