Ed Valentine
Member
The honorable Jim Pemberton reminded me of what I just thought about regarding Trade Shows. Thus I thank him for my time to reminisce because he and his Father were one of the originals and foundation of this great industry of ours.
But, he made me think how this industry has changed. Not sure if it's entirely for the best either ,in some respects. In the 70's/80's local trade shows were always going on along with a National show here and there.
I used to look forward to the one-on-one contacts every year because you could identify who was who, what they were looking for, and meeting their family's as well.... We just had fun. And, many of us as a group would join up after the show and go out to dinner to share stories.
People were more personally involved with each other a long with the various manufacturers and/or Dealers. Lateral selling also went on too.
Of course, there was also some of the show directors (what I will politely label as under-the-table BS) in regards to their relationships with particular companies (Won't mention what or who!) but these things were (unfortunately) always expected. I also remember "an exchange" ($) going on in the bathroom in Ohio; but that's another story! But, that was business I guess.
These directors would determine: Who was selected to speak (at the large gatherings), what displays "won" first, second, and third prizes, and who got the "preferred" booths, etc... What made this part funny and entertaining for "us" was the betting we would do to see who guessed correctly and almost always, we would hit 100%!-lol.
However, in the end, I do miss those days rather than depending on a computer screen and just a "name".
Best to all;
Ed Valentine
cross-american.com
But, he made me think how this industry has changed. Not sure if it's entirely for the best either ,in some respects. In the 70's/80's local trade shows were always going on along with a National show here and there.
I used to look forward to the one-on-one contacts every year because you could identify who was who, what they were looking for, and meeting their family's as well.... We just had fun. And, many of us as a group would join up after the show and go out to dinner to share stories.
People were more personally involved with each other a long with the various manufacturers and/or Dealers. Lateral selling also went on too.
Of course, there was also some of the show directors (what I will politely label as under-the-table BS) in regards to their relationships with particular companies (Won't mention what or who!) but these things were (unfortunately) always expected. I also remember "an exchange" ($) going on in the bathroom in Ohio; but that's another story! But, that was business I guess.
These directors would determine: Who was selected to speak (at the large gatherings), what displays "won" first, second, and third prizes, and who got the "preferred" booths, etc... What made this part funny and entertaining for "us" was the betting we would do to see who guessed correctly and almost always, we would hit 100%!-lol.
However, in the end, I do miss those days rather than depending on a computer screen and just a "name".
Best to all;
Ed Valentine
cross-american.com
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