Trade fairs and shows are often important resources for companies trying to display new products or inform people of new developments in their industry. Rivals and potential clients will be able to view these innovations, but sometimes pamphlets, photographs and computer images are not enough to convince clients or investors that the new design is worth their time. Adding prototypes in the form of exhibition models to a display stand can help to bring in more viewers, and they can also be very useful when exhibitors want to demonstrate how their new product works.

Exhibition models are more than just simply prototypes of the product, although this can be one example of their role. These models can also be used to add drama and interest to a display, for example by creating a setting in which the new product would be used, or by setting a scene where the product is demonstrated.

Pieces of technology designed to help homeowners monitor their homes might have a half-scale garden with wall and the product being used – perhaps a camera display of that wall or of something interesting in the model garden. The models are created not to just aid a speech about the product, but also to demonstrate it to potential buyers. Exhibition models in shows and trade fairs serve the purpose of bringing in visitors to the stand, where the product or prototype can be discussed. In most cases, the models are there to help demonstrate and explain the model as well as provide a physical demonstration of its size and use. Companies find exhibition models do much of the work of selling for them, as the viewers can see, touch and study the model to their own satisfaction. They can also view demonstrations without having to engage with sellers, which can be a positive for some clients