May
15
Written by:
Vicki Vasil
5/15/2009
I was working this morning with one of our industry affiliates, when I had a minor epiphany. Sure, with an insider’s perspective I get a pretty good view of how the August 2009 Surf Expo is shaping up. But it’s a piecemeal view as well, glimpsed in different moments throughout the day.
But gather together all those bits (as I did this morning) and it all clicks. Suddenly, I could see why Surf Expo has been successful and why it will persevere. Seeing these talking points lined up on one page made me incredibly stoked to be a part of Surf Expo, no matter what the economy is doing. It got me so excited that I felt I had to share the good news.
Buyer Registration Numbers Are Ahead Of Schedule
Surf Expo started the year off in a weak economy but buyer attendance at our January 2009 show held steady with our record-breaking attendance in January 2008.
So how's it looking now? Retail attendance for our August 2009 show (as of May 14) is trending ten percent above this time last year. And these buyers are healthy. They are prepared to write orders and they believe in Surf Expo. Will you be there to meet them? Trade show attendees—and Surf Expo ones in particular—say they gauge a company’s strength by their presence at industry gatherings and events.
Buyer Relations And New Co-Branded Marketing Strategies
As always, Surf Expo’s Buyer Relations Department is available to assist manufacturers in inviting their retailers to attend. This includes buy-downs and personal invitations, but this year we’ve been working extra close with manufacturers, co-branding a marketing message you can use to attract retailers to the show. Got someone specific in mind? For boardsports, contact Steven “Fish” Fisher at sfisher@surfexpo.com or at (678) 781-7975. For Boutique, Resort and Swim, contact Aly Levy at alevy@surfexpo.com or (678) 781-7901.
Trade Show Services Costs Reduced
We have renewed our contract with GES and the result is the lowest rates in the business right now. Remember, Orlando is one of the few venues you can move in your own product. For free. GES has lowered shipping minimums to 100lbs (formerly 200 lbs). Several exhibiting companies have saved up to 30%.
Anyone wanting some guidance on cutting costs can call our Operations Director Jody Mosely directly at 678.781.7966. We want you to save!
Here are three more ways to reduce your expenses:
1) Take Advantage of the GES discount deadline and save 30%. Plan ahead and make sure to place your orders by July 28, 2009 in order to receive a 30% discount from GES.
2) Cartload Service: all inline exhibitors (10’x10’, 10’x20’, and 10’x30’) are encouraged to utilize the GES cartload service to save on material handling costs. A 3’x4’ push cart with one laborer is $45 each way.
3) Material Handling: Have your shipments arrive direct to show site rather than to the advance GES Warehouse and save 20% on your material handling costs. Or choose to send to the advance warehouse and GES can guarantee your materials in your booth when you arrive and you will avoid driver and I&D labor wait time fees. Also, all special handling, marshalling yard and weight master certificate fees have been waived.
GES has some fantastic NEW packages that you should ask them about. Call the Orlando office at (407) 370-6200 for details.
62 Ways To Save
Want some more cost-saving tips? Surf Expo just hosted its first ever Free Exhibitor 101 with a session in Orange County California and Orange County, Florida. Manufacturers learned from Candy “The Booth Mom” Adams about her scores of cost-saving insights. It’s okay if you missed it. The course materials, including all those cost-saving strategies, are available for download on our Exhibitor 101 page.
Looking for more insights? Please see our complete August 2009 Exhibitor Service Kit here. It contains a wealth of insight on how to avoid costly blunders.
Now More Than Ever
The cost of attending Surf Expo, probably now more than ever, is well worth the experience. Ease and low cost of travel to Orlando, working with the venue, and the business-first atmosphere is paramount to cutting costs short term. If you all are to perpetuate the growth of your brands, products, market segments and customer base, then you must acknowledge and support this industry event that provides you the time and space to unite.
So there is my epiphany. And to all the naysayers—in case you haven’t already figured it out—we’re honest and we’re excited. We report true and fair numbers. We operate with integrity always—there’s no need to inflate or coerce.
But your experience at Surf Expo will speak volumes more than my spiel could. Let me know your thoughts: vvasil@surfexpo.com :: 678.781.7915
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