The classification of trade fairs can be done on the basis of various parameters. Classification on the basis of intended target divides it into two different genres i.e.B2B and B2C.

A B2B trade fair is a complete business affair, which has a distinctive commercial feel to it. The main objective of the exhibitors at B2B fairs is to do as much trading as possible over the duration of the event. The visitors in such fairs are strictly trade visitors who have a very specific image of the products that they want to buy. These visitors generally have white collar jobs and are the representatives of their organizations. The purpose of their visit not only involves purchasing of a product but it also includes gauging market trends and new technologies. Hence, participation in B2B trade fairs is very important for big companies that want to analyze the market and are on the lookout for innovative solutions. As far as selling the product at B2B fairs is concerned, the selling process is very long and cumbersome. The business done is based on long term contracts and sometimes there are no immediate tangible benefits of the deals which are made. This makes B2B fairs complex affairs and a pre created action plan is needed before participation at such events, for long term success.

B2C trade fairs are very different from their counterparts and have a much more liberal and friendly atmosphere. As these fairs are intended for the consumers, the exhibitors at such events try to woo the visitors with attractive offers. Selling of products at these events is important but not the main goal of the exhibitors. The objective is to connect directly with the masses and show them the benefits of the products through face to face interactions. These interactions create a mental imprint of the product on the consumer and help in increasing the sale of products in the longer run. B2C trade fairs are generally bigger in scale then the B2B fairs and have more number of stalls and pavilions. These fairs have low entry fees as compared to B2B fairs, and hence are able to attract a larger visitor base. The deals made at B2C fairs do not reflect the true profit of the companies participating at these events. The goodwill which is created amongst the prospective buyers is the real profit for the exhibitors.

B2B and B2C trade fairs seem very different from each other but in reality they are the two faces of the same coin. If we look at these two genres of trade fairs in detail, we will see that they might have different ways of accomplishing their goals, but the objective of these events is the same I.e. “MAXIMIZE PROFIT”. B2B fairs achieve their goals with long term deals and B2C fairs create long term customers with short term deals.