ETPI’s marketing department intends to participate in multiple trade shows this year. While the marketing department has relied on some rules of thumb regarding choosing which shows in which to participate in the past, more rigorous analysis will be used this year. As the consultant, you will develop a multifactor analysis to determine which trade shows to participate in.

Location Planning

The marketing department has asked for a spreadsheet model to use in selecting locations for trade show participation. Management has dictated that no fewer than 3 and no more than 5 trade shows will be attended this year. Create a Pugh matrix/multifactor decision matrix spreadsheet for this request. For additional information on the decision matrix, see "What is a Decision Matrix? Links to an external site." from the ASQ.

Answer the following questions.

1. Develop at least 10 decision-making criteria for the following possible alternative locations:
   • Dallas, TX
   • Miami, FL
   • Seattle, WA
   • Phoenix, AZ
   • Indianapolis, IN
   • Columbus, OH
   • Washington, DC
2. 
   
3. Give three arguments for and against using this method as a decision-making tool.
4. 
   
5. Explain your recommendations and conclusions regarding trade show participation. Which trade shows should ETPI attend and why?