Pittcon 2013 Review

I've just returned to the office after a few days in Philadelphia for PITTCON 2013.  As I had suspected initially when the show location was announced, having the show here was a terrible idea.  All one had to do was stand outside waiting for a bus to one of the hotels and you could hear dozens of attendees and exhibitors complaining.  Before I get there, lets start with the good:

1.  Hotel selection - Being in a larger city, there were plenty of hotel options, many with top restaurants nearby and the bus service provided easy access to the show.

2.  Layout of the convention center - Many convention centers involve a long walk from the entrance to the halls.  This is especially tough if you are carrying materials from a cab/bus to the show.  The badge pickup was near the entrance and the hall entrance was close to the doors as well.

3.  Apples - Who doesn't look forward to the high quality apples each year?

4.  Side functions run by independent organizations or Companies - A special mention to the great events put on by ILDA and by Andwin Scientific!  These organizations are class acts and demonstrated why with great events and organization!

That being said, there were quite a few problems with having the show here:

1.  Weather - It's March in Philadelphia.  It doesn't take an analytical chemist to figure out that this could cause problems.  There was threats of snow in the area, which would have crippled travel.  It was very cold outside while waiting for a bus.  People were not happy.  I'm sure the show will correct this in the future....wait, its in Chicago next year (even earlier in the year too!) and back in Philly in a couple of years.  Please keep this show in New Orleans and Orlando where it belongs!

2.  Cost - As evident by the lack of traffic and the booth downsizing, the show has become to expensive to exhibit for many manufacturers and importers.  There is no real return on investment for many customers.

3.  Neighborhood - One of the highlights for me when the show is in Orlando is the I Drive area which, especially in March, is great to take a relaxing walk around.  There were many "suspicious" characters in downtown Philly, particularly at night.  It's tough to feel safe walking alone here.

4. Show Attendance - Purely dreadful.  I can count the companies on one hand of the ones I work with that were pleased with the turnout.  This show continues to see significant decreases in attendees every year. 

The positive of the low traffic for me was that I was able to spend significant time with key people from our distributors in their booths since they were rarely busy with their end user customers.  Personally, the show was a success for me as I was able to work with some of our key customers on some great ideas for product promotion.  Also, with the large amount of lab supply dealers in the area, I was able to double up on this trip and visit their facilities as well.

I always look forward to Pittcon every year (my feet don't, though!) and I will certainly be in Chicago...through rain, sleet, or snow next year.

In summary...let me mention this one more time...KEEP THE SHOW IN NEW ORLEANS AND ORLANDO where weather will not be an issue this time of year and attendance can again rise!

Until next time......

John

Top Ten Trade Show Locations

My next two trade shows this year are in Philadelphia and San Antonio.  This lead to an interesting discussion with a colleague.  We had a heated discussion as to where we preferred to go to trade shows at.  The debate started with a "big city vs. smaller city" debate and evolved to include whether or not we preferred the trips to be located in cities where we could also visit customers, but at the expense of more days away from home.  The end point was my top ten cities to visit for trade shows.

10. San Fransico, CA - the pro here is obviously the location and the lively downtown area.  The con here is that shows here are typically less attended due to the long travel and high prices.

9.  Dallas, TX - A great place to visit a trade show for me, especially if I want to tie in the trip with visits to our dealers.  Weather is usually good and there is some great Texas BBQ to be had!

8.  Houston, TX - Similar to Dallas with respect to accessibility to other customers.  Unique mall located near the Convention Center which features a few good places to eat/shop.

7.  Boston, MA - There is something to say about having a fresh, locally made Sam Adams beer.  The town is dripping with History and things to do.

6.  St. Louis, MO - Downtown St. Louis is one of the hidden jewels of the country.  For those who like to gamble, the casino is nearby, the bars and restaurants are fun, and the location is easily accessible from most of the country.

5.  Nashville, TN - Its a cab ride away from Opryland, but downtown Nashville is a great place to spend an evening.  Great food and even better live country music!

4.  Las Vegas, NV - No explanation needed...the downside here is that many people visiting your booth during the first half of the day may still be feeling the effects of the night before.

3.  New Orleans, LA - See Above

2.  Orlando, FL - At least once every 2 or 3 years, we attend a show here.  It's usually in early March.  Coming from Chicago, its great to get into some warmer weather.  I also enjoy the area where the Convention housing is located (Universal Blvd area).  Many places to eat/drink and even a fun piano bar!

1.  Austin, TX - Sadly, I've only been here a few times, but this is THE PLACE to come for live music and a city with character.  The people are friendly, the convention center is located downtown, and the weather is great year round!

I'd love to hear some of your favorite places to attend trade shows!