Young professionals make intensive use of the Internet for information and networking. About 88 percent use a social networking Web site regularly. Facebook is the most popular for respondents, followed by YouTube and LinkedIn. In addition, 78 percent get exhibition information from Web sites, while just 60 percent get it from publications and journals.

Overwhelmingly, they prefer to be reached and marketed to via e-mail.

When it comes to face-to-face interaction, 35 percent said that they attend exhibitions with the primary goal of networking, while 45 percent said that social functions are the most important part of the exhibition. Most said they would participate in first-time-attendee programs, if offered. n