MARCH 08 W3 ALERTSpring EHX - Maybe Down, But Definitely Not Out!
Integrator Show Beats the Odds With Apparently Respectable Attendance in Tough Economy; "We're extremely pleased," says EH Publishing's Show Manager in Exclusive ALERT Interview
<MARCH 18, 2008><STRATECON>Although some had questioned the viability of a trade show being held in a state severely battered by the sharp economic and industry downturn, EH Publishing's Spring Electronic House Expo (EHX) held last week in Orlando, Florida, showed remarkable resiliency with what appears to be respectable attendance figures and an overall strong showing for most exhibitors and attendees.
While the actual attendance is still being tabulated and confirmed, sources at EH Publishing say they expect to announce a final attendance number that was somewhere between flat and 5% down relative to last year's figure of 9,478 attendees. With a claimed attendance of at least 9,000 attendees, the Spring show retains bragging rights as the largest of the two EHX shows...between this show and the Fall EHX held in Southern California in November.
In speaking with exhibitors at the show, most booth personnel felt that there was a noticeable decline in floor traffic. Estimates from floor staff suggested that attendance was well below last year with some suggesting it was as much as 40% off. However, the estimates varied widely based on where the booth was placed on the floor.
One exhibitor suggested that, while traffic was down relative to last year, most of the decline was from fewer "tire kickers" while remaining floor traffic contained "good quality leads," and went on to suggest that he was very pleased with this year's results.
Others were less happy. "I'd say attendance is down 60% compared to what I saw last year," stated one specialty exhibitor. "They need to cut off classes during show hours," he went on to say, suggesting that manufacturers would see more bodies on the floor and therefore recognize greater value for their heavy investment.
In an exclusive interview with the ALERT, John Galante, EH President of Association Event Ventures (AE Ventures), said that EH Publishing was "extremely pleased with the results of the Spring show." Galante went on to say that, "considering the economic climate," for attendance to be at or near last year's level was a great achievement. "Flat is the new up," said Galante.
According to Galante, the number of exhibitors signing up for next year's show was very strong...although he declined to give a specific number. This is, Galante suggested, one of the best indicators of satisfied exhibitors - if they were truly unhappy...they would have declined to sign up for another show.
There were, Galante said, several "hot" areas for this year's show, including:
Demo Alley - The number of demo rooms was increased from eight to fourteen, and according to Galante, traffic was strong in all of the demo rooms during the entire run of the show. "Demo Alley was very popular."
Gaming and Emerging Technologies Pavillion - Not only could attendees slay extraterrestrial aliens, this popular show section "exposed integrators to the opportunity presented by the growing custom gaming business," Galante said.
Two-Day Media Center University - Sponsored by Microsoft and Exceptional Innovation, MCU attendees were immersed in an in-depth informative seminar on Windows Media Center Edition.
Lighting Control - Sessions relating to lighting control were very hot, Galante said, and sponsored by the Home Lighting Control Alliance.
Keynote Address - Calling the keynote content "dynamite," Galante said that information presented by world class speakers provided useful and important information for all attendees.
Industry Connections Luncheon - This luncheon, sponsored by CEA's TecHome Division, CEA's PARA Division, the Alarm Association of Florida (AAF), and the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) provided a real opportunity for integrators to rub elbows with other people and other perspectives.
Wake-Up Call Breakfast - Galante said that this event, in which the CEA announced the latest data from their builder's technology study, provided integrators with the critical data they need to plan their businesses. The session included a 45-minute roundtable breakout session in which integrators could discuss with presenters and attendees, their specific issues.
While we'll all await the announcement of the final attendance figures, EH Publishing seems confident in already claiming success.