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October 30, 2006
Pack Expo picks up steam
Is the success of a show always an indicator of the industry it represents? After a slower first day, Pack Expo picked up steam on Monday and crowds in many of the main areas built steadily throughout the day. But it's not just the size of the crowd that matters...for many exhibitors, the quality of the crowd can be even more important. That's a lesson that has been hard for many observers to accept after the heyday of the late '90s and early 2000s. As total numbers dropped in most of the converting, packaging, and printing shows, many felt that perhaps the shows had peaked. But indications this week from Pack Expo are that the packaging industry is alive and well and robust growth is on the horizon.
As I get out in the market to talk about CMM 2007, I hear many supporters speculating that the health of the converting industry is likewise beginning to gain momentum and that the timing of CMM next June is perfect to capitalize on the trends of increased spending from exhibitors and attendees alike. As new owners of CMM, initiatives we have underway to bring running equipment back to the show floor through a variety of "Technology Centers" represent an important step in delivering the experience attendees tell us they want.
What do you look for in a show?
- Keith Hevenor
Editorial/Conference Director
CMM International
Posted by khevenor at October 30, 2006 09:41 PM
Comments
Shows have been and always will be that necessary evil. After 911, there was a dramatic drop in attendance at shows across the board. We have recovered, but not yet to the levels of pre 911. Because of the time and money to attend, there appears to be a more educated and project driven individual attending the shows. Attendance my be down or flat, but the quality of the leads are better. Better targeting of pre-show attendees has also produced a higher quality oppportunity, resulting in more business. With regards to tradeshows, it has taken more money and better planning to ahieve what we took for granted.
The result of a tradeshow is not indicative of the health of an industry. The core is the health of the industry associations. Involvement of association members and their creative inputs will make the show a success. PMMI is a great example
Posted by: Gary Saunders at November 27, 2006 05:28 PM
