Surely it’s now time to dispel the myth that the internet will kill off trade shows. The organisers of Embedded World announced this year’s event was the most successful in the history of the show, with 22,262 trade visitors (up 17% on last year) and 872 exhibitors (9% more than 2011). Without doubt the show was well attended, and even with the new, more spacious layout the gangways were crowded. The student day attracted over 1000 students, but this didn’t turn into the “freebie fest” seen at other events that encourage student attendance: in fact the Thursday remained busy with trade visitors and most of our clients said they met some great potential customers on this day.