Please find some links and notes from the 2 Regular Guys Podcast.  We talked tradeshow preparation for 2018, the good, the bad and the ugly, from the perspective of the attendee and the exhibitor. But we’ll start the show with a conversation with Greg Kitson with Mind’s Eye Graphics, discussing the Orlando ISS Show, and Hurricane Irma.

Sponsored by: SGIA.org | 2017 SGIA Expo in New Orleans - Oct 10-12

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Thanks to Greg Kitson of Mind's Eye Graphics for giving us a full run down of the situation at this years ISS Orlando even that was cut short due to Hurricane Irma.

Tradeshow Preparation

Aaron: Let’s start by saying every owner and manager in our industry should attend at least one trade show each year. And most every vendor needs to do trade shows either in your region or across the country if you sell nationally.

Location

Terry: Attendees

Driving distance is a real plus, especially if you plan on purchasing equipment or supplies that will fit in your vehicle. Pickup a heat press or even larger equipment can save you real money. Most vendors do not want to take equipment home with them if they don’t have to.

Traffic and parking expense is something you should figure into your travel and expenses.

A destination like Orlando or Vegas gives attendees, spouses and families entertainment outside the show.

Aaron: Exhibitors

A location with direct flights is a plus.

Hotel rates can be a deterrent in a venue like Nashville.

A destination like Orlando or Vegas gives attendees a reason to not attend as much of the show as they might. That’s why exhibitors prefer the Indy’s of the world. Restaurants and bars near the convention center but nothing really to draw away attendees during show hours.

The Hall

Aaron: Attendees

Food onsite other than the $8.00 convention hot dog is always good, but attendees do have the option of going to nearby eateries.

Pickup access after the show can be as easy as driving inside the building to waiting in a long line to get close enough to load your recently purchased machine.

Terry: Exhibitors

I’ll list food here too since there’s no option of leaving for a bite during a show.

The DAX show provides lunch for vendors which is a welcome bonus on a busy show day.

NBM provides coffee and essentials like aspirin, airborne, hand sanitizer, etc. And on setup day they wheel in a keg of beer.

Drayage, electric, carpet, tables… these are usually ugly expenses no matter what location, but the attitude of those providing the services varies among venues. Exhibitors spend $1,000’s at the hall, beyond shipping there and back.

Let’s list bitter cold or sweltering heat as the ugly side for exhibitors. Only the attendees during regular show hours benefit from heat or A/C. During setup and tear down vendors are left to the elements outside when the bay doors roll up...