Summer camp, traveling circus or both?

At the beginning of this trade show season, I had an epiphany, or at least a thought worthy of Reddit Showerthoughts: The start of trade show season is like going off to summer camp. I have fond childhood memories of leaving my family behind and bunking in a cabin full of adolescents every summer – and trade show life parallels these experiences in my adult life.

There’s even cabins and bunk assignments. Though now they are booth locations in convention halls. We come from all over the U.S. to convene in one expo hall after another, one city after another, and we would have never met otherwise. Despite our varied backgrounds, we all share a similar experience during trade shows: Isolation from home, family and friends. These fellow campers become my family on the road.

And then there’s merit badges and skill ranks. Summer camp taught me how to dock, fall out and climb back in a boat. It didn’t get better than that to an 8-year-old. Ah, and the archery badges. I doubt my aim has improved much. At trade show camp, we earn airline miles and hotel points. Trading in my rowboat ranks for travel skills, I’ve learned to pack for two weeks in a carry-on suitcase.

Today, on what is the last day of the last trade show of the year, my coworker said “for me it feels like I’m in a traveling circus.” And I love it! Because of the various cities we visit in succession, with the same people, I can relate to the feeling of a traveling circus. In fact, I’m jealous I didn’t think of that one myself! Now I’m trying to figure out who I’d be in this traveling band of performers. Perhaps a magician…

Summer camp or traveling circus, one thing is for certain: We are a ragtag bunch who never miss an opportunity for a prank. I’ve had a plastic roach placed on my shoulder, rogue texts sent from my unattended phone and I even opened a candy box with a (very) realistic mouse inside. There’s nothing like my trade show circus camp family.

And now if you’ll excuse me, I’m due at the campfire for one last round.