Trade show performance evaluation based on stakeholder theory: A case study of trade shows in Changsha, China

Abstract

A performance evaluation index system is built in this paper with four dimensions (service performance, sales performance, behavioral performance, and social performance) and 14 criteria considering the requirements of key stakeholders. The BWM-CRITIC-TOPSIS model is then developed for a comprehensive trade show performance evaluation. An illustrative application is carried out based on four trade shows held in Changsha, China, to demonstrate the validity and acceptability of the proposed evaluation index system and model. Findings indicate that social performance is assigned the highest weight coefficient: it is considered to be the essential criterion that constrains the performance level. The evaluation results show that the overall performance levels of the sampled trade shows increased from 2022 to 2023 and have gradually recovered from the COVID-19 crisis. Their adaptability and flexibility in response to changing surroundings could be enhanced by meeting various stakeholders' expectations, which is also essential for improving their own resilience.