Word on the Street by Kevin Carty
Post-TS2 Review and Highlights
This past week I was in Boston attending TS2 — a show that, to be honest, has had questions attached to it lately.
Questions like — What is the show’s direction? What is the show’s future? What is the motivation and/or reason for attending the show?
As the TS2 Exhibitor Advisory Committee (EAC) Chairman, I have fielded many questions about what is TS2 and where is it headed. As a long time attendee, 13 years to be exact, I can tell you that I agree the show has been (from the outside looking in), maybe a little lost. However, moving forward from Boston, I would suggest that the show has come full circle and has found its place and direction.
The Tradeshow for Tradeshows
Those of us with a long history with TS2 revere the show as the “Tradeshow for Tradeshows.” And in recent years I am not sure that has been true. Not to any particular person or groups fault, rather due to a desire to better differentiate the show from other industry shows. However at the end of the day, TS2 is and needs to be the “Tradeshow for Tradeshows” in my humble opinion.
We need to look at this event as an opportunity to gather good regional leads as well as an opportunity to forge business relationships and to reconfirm existing partnerships.
Having said that, I feel the show has gone a bit astray over the past few years by aligning itself with other associations that may not make the best sense. But at the same time, I understand the attempt to broaden the show’s reach beyond Exhibit Marketing Managers.
The education this year was well received and was a positive topic of discussion. Along with that, the floor, while somewhat small compared to EXHIBITOR, seemed to really speak to what the industry has to offer. The show floor had a real “pulse” for the first time in many years. There was a great deal of enthusiasm, and people wanted to see this show succeed and have a purpose.
I am curious to hear from those of you who attended. What were your thoughts after attending and/or exhibiting?
TS2 2011 Location
There have been some questions raised about the show’s location next year. A location has yet to be announced, and not for a lack of trying. Much to the contrary. There are actually three locations on the table currently, and we hope to make an announcement by the end of August.
TS2 in Boston
Taking off my Exhibitor Appointed Committee hat for a moment and just address this as an exhibitor, I feel that TS2 has started to fit more as a “boutique” show. Meaning, not a major hall type of show. Rather a show that can place itself in a “destination” city. One that offers exhibitors and attendees the opportunity to bring their families for a summer vacation as well as conduct work.
To me, the EXHIBITOR Show provides a broader spectrum of offerings to attendees and exhibitors. However, it does not always capture the whole country. Meaning, I believe that we need a second show each year for people who can’t or do not want to travel west to Las Vegas and who still want an opportunity to see the trade show industry’s latest and greatest.
Smaller is Not Always a Bad Thing
Smaller is not always a bad thing. Sometimes, a more direct and regional objective makes more sense to those who do not want to wade through a national show.
Boston, was a great case study in this. Many people were pleased and thankful to see the show in Boston — an area rich with customers and trade show-related businesses. We heard from many of you that it was exciting to see the show come to the NE corridor. It gave you an opportunity to catch up on what is new while not having to leave your back yard.
Classic Exhibits Island Exhibit
At the end of the day, Boston TS2 was a very successful show for Classic Exhibits, Exhibits NW, ClassicMODUL, and Eco-systems Sustainable Exhibits. Does that mean that next year we plan to have the same presence as we did this year? We’re not sure. But we’ll be there without a doubt.
As part of the EAC, we still have more work to do to get the focus of the show back to being the Tradeshow for Tradeshows. But I really feel like this year was a step in the right direction.
For those of you who did attend and/or exhibit, what did you think? Was it a good show? Would you do it again? Where would you like to see the show next year.
Great seeing so many of you last week. Especially our great vendor partners, distributors, and competitive friends.
Be well!
–Kevin Carty
http://twitter.com/kevin_carty
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/kevin-carty/3/800/32a
Tags: Boston, Classic Exhibits, ClassicMODUL, Eco-systems Sustainable Exhibits, Exhibitor, TS2
Hi Kevin- Ts2 was a tremendous regional show for us. I think that speaks to your understanding of the value of this event as compared to the National nature of Exhibitor each year in Vegas.
Bring it back to Boston in ’11 !
Jay, thanks for the comment. I too thought Boston was a great host city. The hall was beautiful and very well located for attendee’s and exhibitors alike.
Great seeing you and all the crew from The Exhibit Source. Your booth looked fantastic!
Hi Kevin,
The idea of a regional show makes me think about the time it was in Atlanta, an amazing city rich with industry talent, especially on the supplier side. Why not create a truly regional set of events allowing folks to gather for education and exhibits without traveling more than 500 miles from home. I’m in Denver now, so Boston certainly wasn’t convenient for me. You could hit each region every couple of years. How great would it be over a 4 year period to invite the industry to the Pacific Northwest, New Orleans, Anaheim, Denver, Atlanta, Dallas, Minneapolis…
Regional shows give everyone a chance to shine, great idea!
Nicole
Kevin,
I have been in this Exhibit Industry for 26+ years now but this was my first TS2 show. Bill Morris our President of the Houston office has been to the TS2 shows in the past and came up to Boston for a presentation. We were driving into Logan Airport to send him off to Houston and Bill wanted me to walk the show. All had fun seeing old friends, new products and walking the floor. Great job!
Peter Moran
CEO TMGExhibits
I spoke at the show, and I’ve got to tell you: I’ve never had a better audience. They were interested, eager to learn and try new things, and participated actively. If you want to exhibit at a show where the attendees are serious about their business, TS2 is a great place to be.