I made a quick stop at this year's Remodeling Show in Chicago yesterday. For those of us who have been attending these events year after year, we might have noticed how much smaller the show is, how many fewer exhibitors there were, with smaller booths, and fewer attendees walking the aisles. So at first glance, some of those who chose to sit this one out might be congratulating themselves on not wasting their time or money.
On the other hand, I learned that one third of the exhibitors this year were brand new to the show. They'd never before had the chance to be visible in what used to be a crowded market with big players. The smart ones were enthusiastically engaging with some of the thousands of attendees who made their way around the exhibit floor, learning what challenges they face, and what interested them. They were starting conversations, rather than simply "having a presence" at the show. They were getting their money's worth from their investments.
There were others at the show who could not have appeared more DISinterested in having a conversation. Exhibit staffers engrossed in their smartphones, standing with their backs to the aisles, looking bored, or more focused on making dinner plans with each other than starting a dialogue with attendees. These are the ones who really wasted an opportunity.
Did you attend? Have any good conversations?
I noticed much of the same.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy meeting the new-to-the-show smaller vendors. Their enthusiasm usually connects much better than the old tired approaches/presentations I see from some of the regulars.
McCormick is a notoriously difficult place to exhibit and I heard many of the usual complaints. The 3rd floor of Lakeside Center isn't bad but the lower levels (where the conferences were) are down right cave-like.
As for traffic--while I heard many comment it felt "slower" than last year, several said they were very happy with the quality of leads they were getting from those who were in attendance.
Wasted opportunities indeed. There were quite a number of industry thought leaders at the show. You never know what a short chat or a chance encounter might bring in the way of new business and PR. I placed a very sizable order with a vendor I met at last year's show. Connecting with them again this past week, we are already planning on using their products again in our next whole house project--which we'll feature on our website and blog.
Thanks for the comment, Christopher ... glad to hear confirmation that even with a smaller, "slower" show, business is indeed still being done!
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