Not really judging elegance
As a company we don't do the suit & tie combo for work thing. Unfortunately lots of companies do expect it from their staff. A suit doesn't always look smart or businesslike, most of the ones I saw over the last few shows had seen better days.
You're right, trade shows work really well - we tend to get a few tyre kickers, cheeky student types* and brochure-collectors but, in general they're fun.
*I had one who wanted me to write a 2,000 word financial justification for the use of additive manufacturing in the fashion industry. When I asked if I could meet the buying committee or the main influencers for the purchasing project, he admitted there wasn't a purchase imminent, he didn't actually have a job in the fashion industry he just needed it for an essay on his business studies course.
(Captain Placid 24/7 ball gags, brownie mix and clown porn, Fri 27 Mar 2015, 8:34, 1 reply, 10 years ago)

I reckon that's an instance pass

(old man river possible lesbian, Fri 27 Mar 2015, 8:36, Reply)

It was an instant 'not going to happen, nice try though' from me.
He got quite uppity and was 'going to report the incident' to my boss. Who was standing next to me laughing like a drain.
(Captain Placid 24/7 ball gags, brownie mix and clown porn, Fri 27 Mar 2015, 8:44, Reply)

sounds like he's heading for a job in recruitment

(old man river possible lesbian, Fri 27 Mar 2015, 8:48, Reply)

a job in recruitment a shitload of debt and the dole queue with the rest of the tens of thousands of 'business studies' graduates the universities are churning out every year
(Captain Placid 24/7 ball gags, brownie mix and clown porn, Fri 27 Mar 2015, 8:51, Reply)

there's always KFC

(old man river possible lesbian, Fri 27 Mar 2015, 8:53, Reply)