Well. the long awaited ASD Show all under one roof at the Las Vegas Convention Center has just come and went. Normally our company, Forum Publishing, has booths at the Sands Expo so this was going to be a new experience for us to be at the LVCC. We had booths in both the Central and the South Hall so we could better serve our clients.
The thought of one building made it sound easy for me – as I am used to going back and forth from the Sands to the LVCC in the August sweltering heat. The good news is that buyers could go from one hall to the next without stepping outside — a benefit that I truly appreciate. The trek is long but it is an improvement to having the show disjointed as it had been in the past.
Reaction from the buyers was interesting. Those who used to visit the Sands missed the Sands! The sprawl at the LVCC shocked many people, as when you see all of the halls and how huge they are it initially is intimidating. Having walked shows regularly, I wasn’t overwhelmed. The largest problem that the show had was the booth numbering. Every third person who came to our booth was lost and couldn’t find their vendors booths. This was evident to me when I walked the South Hall and aisles that started at number 500 would turn into 1200 or 3400 — all down the same straight aisle. While I am sure there was reasoning for this, it really confused the buyers I spoke with.
The show overall was well attended and most of the exhibitors that spoke with us said that they had a decent show. There was traffic, there was buying — that is a trade show. I doubt records were broken (except temperature ones) but the show was successful for most buyers and sellers. I honestly did miss the Sands Expo which is a little more fun to work in and especially when it comes to accommodations at the Palazzo or Venetian. Hands down better than the Hilton in my opinion. I had stayed at the Hilton 15 years ago and it hadn’t changed a bit…although I think they carpeted.
Next winter’s show will be split again between the Sands and the LVCC – and while some part of me is glad to be back at the Sands, the other part that has to run back and forth now by taxi or shuttle isn’t all that thrilled!
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