road show

noun

|Updated on: 19 Jul 2018

Definition of road show

1 : a theatrical performance given by a troupe on tour

2 : a special engagement of a new motion picture usually at increased prices

3 : a promotional presentation or meeting conducted in a series of locations

See road show defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of road show from the Web

In previous bidding rounds, officials spent months hosting conferences, road shows and discussions with companies before issuing final contracts.

— Washington Post, "Iraq awards UAE, China rights to develop oil in northeast," 26 Apr. 2018
Since Khosrowshahi took over Uber in August, the CEO has been on a road show of sorts, trying to rehabilitate Uber’s image.

— sean o'kane, The Verge, "Uber wins the right to keep operating in London," 26 June 2018
The road show will stop at the Stony Creek Brewery in Branford from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday before heading to the Hearst Tower in New York from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday.

— kelli stacy, courant.com, "UConn Coaches Road Show Kicks Off; Geno Center Of Attention," 4 June 2018
In the end, the Warriors road show pulls in with so many ways of causing pain to opponents, so much talent in artful coordination.

— michael powell, New York Times, "That Warriors vs. Rockets Epic May Well Be Over," 15 May 2018
For a society that has long valued discretion, a road show promoting openness is a bit of an alien concept.

— Bloomberg.com, "A Wild Ride Behind the Scenes as Saudi Crown Prince Does America," 2 Apr. 2018
But organizers announced last year that the 2018 event will be its final run as a touring road show.

— nikki delamotte, cleveland.com, "Vans Warped Tour will feature Reel Big Fish, Bowling For Soup, Less Than Jake & more at Blossom Music Center," 2 Mar. 2018
The road show won't hit Houston city limits until February 5, 2019, so the group will have plenty of time to gel before Houstonians see them live at the Toyota Center.

— craig hlavaty, Houston Chronicle, "Classic-rockers Fleetwood Mac coming back to Houston without a longtime member," 25 Apr. 2018
Curb Candy remixes five moments from past works in a dream-like traveling road show, and Rink Life takes its inspiration from the roller rink to explore how people relate in an active space.

— oliver sava, Chicago Reader, "At Lucky Plush's 'Tab Show,' anything can happen," 25 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'road show.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of road show

1874

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Financial Definition of ROAD SHOW

road show

noun

What It Is

A road show is a presentation made about an investment opportunity usually given by a representative of a company at the offices of potential investors.

How It Works

Businesses must travel and meet with potential investors, partners and customers to gain their support. One of their key marketing tools is a powerful, succinct presentation of the business case for the product or investment opportunity. Road shows usually include a very high level version of the company's business plan, including the background of the company, experience of the management team, product features, analysis of the competitive landscape, and expected (and actual) results. The presentation is referred to as a road show.

Road shows are usually electronic presentations accompanied by physical samples of the product and the presentation itself.

Why It Matters

Businesses have very little time to make a sale with a prospective client. The decision to buy or invest is made during the first few minutes of a road show. At the same time, road shows are expensive to put together and undertake (i.e., multimedia, publications, travel, etc.). Therefore, the quality of the road show, in addition to the personnel involved, must be of the highest standard.

Source: Investing Answers