Is there a way to attend trade shows without being in 'the trade'?

Is there a way to attend trade shows without being in 'the trade'?

I would love to go to the stationery show at the Jacob Javitz Center, but its restricted to retailer/merchants... Is there a way to get by?

Re: Is there a way to attend trade shows without being in 'the trade'?

It depends on the show. Sometimes all you need is a business card and the admission price. Sometimes they want a tax ID or industry ID of some sort.