Home Speaker Asylum

General speaker questions for audio and home theater.

RE: Well, just for the sake of discussion, how much do you think the total costs of exhibiting are?

Hi JM, my last exhibiting experience was about 10 years ago. I used to exhibit at state and national conferences/conventions - generally 4 or 5 a year - showing application-specific computer software. All I had to bring was my backdrop sign, a computer & monitor, and a bunch of brochures. I'd have a 10x10 booth in a decent traffic location - not the most expensive but also not the cheapest. I did this for about 5 or 6 years. People could see and use the software, get a brochure, and talk with the owner (me). People were impressed and interested. But, after 6 years, I'd had enough. Between prepping for the show, being at the show, and playing catch-up after getting back home, it was a total waste of time. Between airfare, hotel, car rental, exhibit space, union-installed electricity, tables with draping, ad in the convention program, hotel meals, etc., etc., it was also a total waste of money.

Where did my sales come from? Print ads in industry publications, word-of-mouth from clients, and free demo software. The shows did virtually nothing to increase sales. For the $2,500 or so I spent on ~4 shows a year for 6 years (~$60,000), I could've invested that money, put my son through college, and still have money left over.

Shows often make sense for manufacturers to establish agreements with wholesale buyers. I don't think they make any sense for manufacturers to make sales to retail buyers - the term "tire-kickers" comes to mind.

:)


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  • RE: Well, just for the sake of discussion, how much do you think the total costs of exhibiting are? - Inmate51 22:15:53 10/21/14 (0)

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