While it's an easy argument to make that the Interwebs, in its relentless 'efficiency', has advanced the extinction of trade shows, the still-surviving need for human interaction, coupled with the desire to kick the tires of new stuff, assures the existence of such events—at least in the short term. This photo of a 1930s kitchen appliance expo confirms that comfy seating with a sales rep waiting in the wings is still the timeless formula for luring foot-sore customers into an exhibit booth.