One reason to go to trade shows is meet potential clients, see what others are doing and get "Swag," for the office walls.
Another reason is the experience a different kind of environment. One where Flag Officers or Secretaries of a Department (NRO was next to us) come to your booth and ask what you do. They are accompanied by the "aide-de-camp," and some times the bomb dog is trailing behind.
This guy was my favorite visitor last week.