Are Trade Shows a thing of the past?

[Mediaguy]

To get back to the question: Are Trade Shows a Thing of the Past?

I don't think they are. But they will have to remodel themselves and drop out of the "more bling is more bucks" attitude that made the Vegas Internext shows something to stay away from.

Originally Posted by Cleo

I didn't get the incredibly loud 2 Live Crew pool music. It wasn't just that I don't care for Hip Hop. It was so loud that my teeth were vibrating. Talking, as in trying to network, was impossible. I don't know... maybe I've just gotten old but it seems like the music should be kept down to a level that allows people to talk to each other.

Has nothing to do with age... I was at that show, and that to me was a complete waste of networking time as well. Big loud boom-boom parties in clubs are the worst example of tradeshow overspending and wastes of time I can think of.

We learned from our own office parties at trade shows by overspending on a split up of space: one for dancing/party and one for talking/networking. Had a big light show and overpriced DJ at the back, and subdued mellow shop-talk room at the front... guess which paid off?

The back room was empty most of the night, but our front room was packed... shows are for schmoozing. You can stay home and be blinded and deafened at a disco for less, if that's what you're into.

But create an atmosphere where disparate people can connect, meet face-to-face often for the first time, network and trade ideas, and you have a success.

The tradeshows will just have to lean down and get back to the business of business if they want to survive, and we'll all profit from that. I myself am looking forward to the newer "old" formats :P

Dos centavos.

[tony404]

also if its business why does there have to be loud parties, excessive drinking and half naked models. Most of us look at naked chicks all day long whether its shooting them or looking on a screen. Its like it doesnt make you cool to have a bunch of paid girls half naked at a show its a waste of time and money. I think you took those things out you would have a much smaller show but a much more serious one.

[RawAlex]

Originally Posted by tony404

also if its business why does there have to be loud parties, excessive drinking and half naked models. Most of us look at naked chicks all day long whether its shooting them or looking on a screen. Its like it doesnt make you cool to have a bunch of paid girls half naked at a show its a waste of time and money. I think you took those things out you would have a much smaller show but a much more serious one.

Yeah, but no passed out ball hanger pictures. That is the entire best memory of Internext.

[Hell Puppy]

Originally Posted by tony404

also if its business why does there have to be loud parties, excessive drinking and half naked models. Most of us look at naked chicks all day long whether its shooting them or looking on a screen. Its like it doesnt make you cool to have a bunch of paid girls half naked at a show its a waste of time and money. I think you took those things out you would have a much smaller show but a much more serious one.

Arguments can be made in name of branding and taking care of your best customers for the drinking and girls. But I absolutely agree about the music volume. There's no business being done AT ALL if the volume is so loud you cant have a conversation.

I've come home with a sore throat more times than I can count just from trying to talk at a club party.