Are trade shows the magic beans?

Our youth send constant text messages.  Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn let people tell us what they're doing right now - if you care.  It's the evolution of how our society communicates.  It's like 24/7 reality TV and you're the star.  What could be better than that?  Is this the age of instant gratification and continuous connection? 

Dare I say cyber communication is normal.  In Magic beans, TV and the web Seth Godin said:

On the web, there are countless marketers just standing around waiting for someone to hand them the magic beans. And that's the problem.

...It requires too much thinking and not enough going out for dinner with clients.

A weakness in cyber communication is that it is not face-to-face. That weakness is a trade show strength.  Nothing is more instantly gratifying than being able to ask an expert as many questions as you want; to see, touch and use a product; and to know that someone cared about your needs.

So are trade shows the magic beans?  Well, I still see a lot of standing around at custom exhibits and not enough thinking.  Remember, expensive displays don't mean results,  and creative imaginations avoid trade show casualties.  Can you come up with a trade show strategy that provides instant gratification and a continuous connection for attendees?

Here's a magic bean for you. People still buy from people that they know, like and trust.  I still believe it's easier and faster to establish relationships if we are face-to-face vs. a cyber link. That means you gain more qualified leads and shorten your sales cycle.  How's that for instant gratification?