The Center for Exhibition Industry Research: 312 808-2347, www.gotoexhibitions.com. Contact this Chicago-based nonprofit for helpful "how to" packages for first-timers.

Trade Publications: Tradeshow Week 323 965-5300, www.TradeshowWeek.com and Exhibitor Magazine, 507 289-6556, www.ExhibitorNet.com, cover the exhibition and trade show industry. Check out their valuable archives.

The Trade Show Exhibitors Assn., 703 941-3725, www.tsea.org, helps businesses that want to exhibit at shows.

The Exhibit Designers & Producers Assn., 404 303-7310, www.edpa.com, represents companies that manufacture trade show booths.

Trade Show Directories on the Web include www.tsnn.com, www.scheduleearth.com and www.expobase.com.