The Greater Des Moines Partnership and the Institute for Supply Management of Central Iowa will combine their respective trade shows, Get Wired! and The Products Show, for the first time. The free event will be held Oct. 9-10 at the Varied Industries Building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Organizers call it the largest and most comprehensive business expo in Iowa. They say The Products Show, a staple of the Des Moines convention scene since the 1950s, provides buyers an opportunity to learn about new products and services from a variety of businesses, while Get Wired! is designed to connect local businesses, ranging in business sectors from financial services and office supplies to wholesale and industrial. Seminar topics include advice on how to strengthen organizations, create loyal customers and manage creative marketing on a tight budget. Also, information on updated OSHA regulations and insurance trends for small businesses will be available. The Des Moines Business Record spoke with Meg Fitz, special products manager for the Partnership, about why the two groups merged their shows and what goals they have for the combined exhibitions.

Q: Why did the two groups decide to merge their trade shows?

A: In the past, our shows have been 10 days apart and it forced some exhibitors to chose between the shows. We decided to capitalize on the synergy of both shows and join forces instead of competing with one another and bring new audiences to our shows.

Q: What do the shows offer to visitors?

A: A diverse group of exhibitors. We’ll also have some companies from Nebraska, Illinois and Minnesota. But about 85 percent of the show will be Iowa companies.

Q: How many people do you hope will attend the event?

A: We’re hoping for about 1,000 people. It’s hard to gauge since this is our first year.

Q: Describe your typical trade show attendee.

A: It varies from the general public to middle and upper management. Anyone who is involved in doing business will be interested in it. It’s a great opportunity for networking and the Partnership will host its Business After Hours event there on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m.

Q: Which seminars do you expect to be the most popular?

A: The marketing ones are always a hit. But so, too, are our manufacturing seminars. All of our presenters are dynamite, and we’re thrilled to have them on board.

Q: What are your goals for the show?

A: If our exhibitors are happy when they’re packing up at the end of the show, then we know we’ve done our job.