Thinking Ahead

It may only be June, but that October show is only a few months away. Is it on your radar yet? Have you thought about:

• The ship date?
• Which exhibit you are going to use?
• The deadlines to order services?
• Pre-show promotions?
• Key customers who will be at the show?
• If you bought space?
• Did you make hotel reservations?
• When is the badge deadline?
• Are you hiring any subcontractors?
• Do graphics need to be revised?
• Will you be holding a hosted event on site?
• Are there any conflicting shows on your schedule?
• Will your executives be expected? Is it on their calendar?

Just make this list and start to think about it. But not too long--the show opens in only 90 days.

TTSG

Report from the Field: Eurosatory 2010 in Paris

Our colleague, Peggy Keene at Korry Electronics/Esterline, was at Eurosatory 2010 in Paris this past month. Here is her report from the show site.

Defense trade shows pose a unique challenge to exhibitors, as witnessed at this year's Eurosatory exhibition, held every other June at Parc des Expositions, north of Paris.

How do you tastefully and effectively promote armaments to an international audience? Many exhibitors here seem to go for the atmospheric look--lots of draped camouflage, large backlit graphics of explosions, that sort of thing. Closer inspection is the only way to figure out what many are really promoting. One Israeli company used live actors (attractive women, dressed a la mode) to explain the happenings on the video wall.

The defense industry is doing robust business in Paris, for better or worse--the only hint of controversy is the white-robed Quakers staging a taped-mouth protest at the train station.

For a trade show veteran, you take it in stride, sore feet and all. In 12 hours, you're on your 11 hour flight home, then on to the next show.

International exhibiting is quite a different experience as we have learned from these posts. Drop me a line and I am happy to share your stories, too.

Thanks, PK.

TTSG