A few quick takes on the Vegas Show, 2017:
Good traffic for 1-1/2 Days Convention Hall was pretty good, very spacious Traffic slow 2nd day afternoon, good time for suppliers to walk the show and talk to other suppliers and competitors You’ve got to work that last half day and not expect it to come to you
Based on most feedback I’ve heard, those who stayed at the Westgate will gladly trade that in for Mandalay Bay
The Vegas Show is expanding to 2-1/2 day’s next year There will be a collective groan from many suppliers but a few will be OK with that Some companies were working their booths and entertaining guests right up till show closing Many thanks to Umeta of America for hooking up a bunch of Cleveland folks with some tasty German beer right up to the last minutes of the show!
Show will be taking place on Halloween next year Quite a few people groaning about that, especially those with small kids at home I just need to make sure someone hands out candy back home so my house doesn’t get egged
Checked in several times on the “classroom/conference “ area Attendance did not seem robust and I’m not sure what you can do about that Hard to leave the show when it’s in full swing
The Hall of Fame / Young Fastener Professional award ceremony was excellent I think it is one of my favorite parts of the show Great listening to the industry movers and shakers You shouldn’t miss this next year, it really is good Might start it at 3:00 or earlier so the event doesn’t end after show hours
If Show is 2-1/2 Days next year then the show needs new, fresh programming ideas We All like hearing the most current industry news from those people with the best, most up to date information And we like networking with industry peers more ideas on this later
Gotta stop now, time to catch a flight See you next year Vegas
Whoops, one last thing If I’m to believe what I heard in the aisles we will see lots of mergers and acquisitions in the upcoming months and next year Lots of money burning holes in corporate pockets Mentioned by at least 5 or 6 companies