30–the percentage discrepancy in audience numbers between audited trade shows and unaudited events. Or the percentage revenue is down in the industry overall.

14–the minimum gauge of electrical cords or the average number of times a venue plan is redrawn by a show organizer before a show opens.

8–the number of square feet of your exhibit you should use as a standard for each hour of I&D time (on the up).

29–the average charge back by an exhibit supplier for a bottle of surface cleaner and roll of paper towels.

There are more, but this list is a start. Anybody ahve others?

TTSG

Networking, education and all things exhibits and events takes place this week. Today starts the formal classes (many started yesterday with some introductory classes) and events.

First up for me: Candy Adams (The Booth Mom) on Show Operations. Look for summaries and reports all week at this site and at my other portal, http://texastradeshowguy.blogspot.com/.

TTSG

Let’s take our current US President. It seems Mr. Obama doesn’t understand just how influential a few words can be when he says not to blow your money in Vegas.” The last time I was on the show floor at the LVCC the labor was still cursing the Chief Exec for his swipe at banks holding business meetings in Sin City. From what I heard, after Mr O’s comments, the bank (I believe it was Wells Fargo or Citi) took their meeting to San Francisco–and spent more money.

Truth is, Las Vegas is probably the best-equipped and cost-effective (in most cases) convention city in America. When the Prez (whether it is Clinton, Reagan, Bush or Obama) says not to go, many people swallow it whole. He doesn’t realize how many jobs, from forklift drivers to carpenters to hotel staff–depend on those convention dollars.

So, as an industry, we need to take the time to educate more of those who don’t know who we are and what we do. Or watch further damage be done to our economy by misinformation.

Here’s the whole story from Yahoo today:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_obama_las_vegas

TTSG

Really?

Seems the folks gathered in Las Vegas for this week’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) didn’t get that message. Or for the Mac event coming up in California later this month. Or the Builder’s Show. Or…wait, I think you all get the point.

While attendance numbers are down, the audiences at these shows (and putting on these shows) are sharpened. Where else can you see more people in less time and handle and try out the latest gear/software/ideas in one place?

The number of blogs dedicated to CES, the print and electronic (TV, web, radio) time devoted to this event is extraordinary. Now, granted, it is happening at a dead time of year (football season is essentially over), it is in Vegas, and the world is electronic and loves gadgets. But that is just the point: this show and many like it demand face-to-face interaction and interaction with products, services and between buyers and sellers.

So, again, what’s dying or is already dead?

TTSG

“ This is my third trek to SEMA in Vegas and a show I wouldn’t wanna miss! You’d never know about the economic woes from all the car-crazed enthusiasts from all over the world….the place was rockin!

Strolling down Hot Rod Alley, I saw why they remain loyal to their hobby. Who knew there was such a variety of tires and wheels? And the ladies displaying them were sure a hit, too. When it comes to restoration and restyling your ride, I guess not any old wax will do. It was like being in a sea of infomercials.

The need for speed is never going away and it was showcased well in the Racing & Performance section with the legendary Mario Andretti. Always fun to watch the media, what with the likes of Mad Mike, Chip Foose and Dennis Gage from our favorite automotive TV shows.

I spent most my time in the Truck, SUV and Off-Road section (naturally). I loved the newly engineered bike rack and series of locks that open with your car (ignition) key. Insert it, turn it once and it is programmed for that lock and key. Re-chroming for bumpers and grill guards–is that for real? Have to say, I loved the new Euro Series Ball Mount, but oh so suggestive—I couldn’t look at them with a straight face.

The enclosed outdoor tracks from Motor Trend and Off-Road Proving Ground by Toyota were a sight to see. As always, my all time favorites are the House of Kolor, West Coast Customs and, as always, checking out over 1,500 of the hottest customized vehicles around.

I would have to say the highlight of the show for me was rubbing wheels with Lyn St. James, racer; (Daytona, Indy 500, etc.) speaker, leader and author, at the annual SBN Speed Networking event. As I asked for an autograph (yes, I did), I thought of how my daughter would feel getting Carrie Underwood’s autograph. Ms St James & I chatted about our similarities in corporate America, the fact she is a Distinguished Woman from my alma mater, Northwood University, and about her new exhibit at the Women’s Museum in Dallas (opening in 2010 to honor women in racing). As we were chatting, a radio show host/producer interrupted us wanting to do a story on Lyn for the Today Show in New York. You better believe I stuck around for that conversation. I blatantly asked if he had room for me on that show. He said how about a spot on my radio show–I guess beggars can’t be choosers………

Meanwhile as I deliberate my own course for the future and wonder where this tumultuous industry is headed, it’s obvious after the SEMA show, all I have to say is: come on guys, start your engines ‘cause we are goin’ for a ride!”

Thanks, Jamey, for a great report from a fascinating show.

TTSG

We’re here with our client, Retalix, a provider of retail management software (from point-of-sale to supply-chain management) and hardware (their internal unit, StoreNext, supplies hardware and software solutions to smaller chains and standalone grocers and C-stores).  Retalix uses this show and the sister show, NACStech in the spring, to reach out to their existing and new C-store clientele.

Retalix uses a custom-built exhibit with a moudlar approach to showcase their solutions.  The six-station exhibit also includes a conference area for short meetings.  A second, rented space also serves a a meeting space for one day of the show.

Our duties here include the supervision of the set and teardown as well as the management of leads and the staff at this important show for our client.

More later as the show progresses.

TTSG

The latest news from the 2009 Exhibitor’s Show in Las Vegas as reported by my colleague, Jeff Vanden Hoek of Imagecraft Exhibits, reports that there are some notable trends in the exhibit world of which to take note.

“I did notice is that LED has taken over the lighting applications – thin is in. Several companies promoting super thin backlit graphics – probably 1/8″ thick.”

“Also, technology has made a huge push this year, vis a vis, animation, interactive games and presentations.”

“It seems as though the lines between exhibits and private events have blurred considerably. A good thing, I think.”

Thanks, Jeff. Great observations on a changing industry.

TTSG

The exhibiting company was MeWantCaffeine and this guy wandered the aisles before show hours, tanking up exhibitors and early show walkers with hot coffee.

Really, that is a tank of coffee on his back. The gent was armed with cups and cream and sugar as well and made sure his contacts knew who he was and where to find his booth.

They did all of it right: gave their contacts what they wanted and needed at the early hour, had a consistent image, and armed their strolling soldier with the messages that met their show goals.

Nice tune, easy to dance to, I give it an 85.

TTSG

With all of this talk about saving money yet still have a strong marketing presence, here’s an idea that seems to have resurfaced.

Motorola apparently just rolled in their 48-foot (or longer) tractor-trailer rig, dropped down the sides (and opened the doors) in their booth space at this show. this does the following:

• Saves on additional freight. After all, the truck is the freight.
• Saves on drayage. Well, I haven’t seen the bill; wonder how GES charged for this?
• Minimizes labor. Hire a spotter and some guys to roll out carpet.
• While you do have the tremendous up-front cost to design and build out the trailer itself, this is just one more stop on its tour.

It’s not entirely true that there wasn’t a set of booth properties in the space. On the other side of this photo were some kiosks and banners. However, the bulk of the exhibit was this trailer.

TTSG

I’ll be off to Vegas in a couple of weeks for the AWMA–a wholesaler’s show–at the Las Vegas Hilton. Right after that show the next week is GlobalShop and the Exhibitor’s Show. Earlier this year, Home Builder’s (IBS), Surfaces, National Grocers and the huge CES show all opened and called Vegas home for a few days. Some are there every year, others rotate in annually or every two years, but always seem to make it to Sin City.

Why is this? Well, accessibility of one: direct flights from just about anywhere. Cabs are plentiful as are rental cars and free parking.

Weather, particularly in January–where would you rather be in the Dead of Winter–heating the floor so tape will stick in Chicago or in a place where you might just go to the pool when your shift is finished?

Labor? Well, there are labor limits, but the pool is large and well trained.

Entertainment? Absolutely! Gaming, music, shows, natural wonders all close by.

Food? Lots to choose from and in a broad area.

Whatever the reason, commerce is alive and well in Vegas. Chances are you have at least one show there this year.

TTSG