IWF Participation

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Permalink Reply by John Fawcett on January 25, 2010 at 8:33am

It's a shame that the bigger wood machine companies decide to drop out entirely and not just downsize. We have seen the smaller regional shows practically disappear in the last four years and I'm afraid that's what is happening to the big shows. (Vegas, Atlanta). Part of this has to do with high expenses to rewards but also to controlling the market through investing in inhouse shows. I'm not sure what your product is but hardware companies usually have less expenses than hooking up machines with air and electric and the products need the type of face to face exposure that shows provide. My company is a small to medium size machinery distributor and we have about 2000 ft. of space. AWFS was a bust as far as recovering costs but still was descent for marketing and servicing our customers which is very important to us . Don't know yet what we will do for IWF????

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Permalink Reply by James Lewis on February 15, 2010 at 3:38pm

I know that the big players are a draw, but from a Lean perspective (I'm a Lean consultant) productivity improvement is not about utilizing the latest and greatest technology, it's about maximizing the resources a company already has. So, I hope you will all plan to attend the show and continue to exhibit. Otherwise you are going to miss out on a most exciting presentation on the Lean Business Philosophy and how Lean can make our industry the dynamic World player that we used to be. It's the smaller companies that make our industry big. Be there or become a statistic in our shrinking industry.

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Permalink Reply by Ralph W. Bagnall on March 15, 2010 at 8:42pm

Mike, I see the economy turning, and by the end of summer interest rates will be edging up. It is going to be a great time to buy, and I believe that Stiles and Biesse will come to regret their decision.

I consult to woodworking companies, and many of my clients will be at IWF shopping equipment.

Ralph

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Permalink Reply by Larry Schweitzer on April 7, 2010 at 9:56pm

I've been to every Atlanta IWF but this will be the first year I opt out. I usually take a couple of employees as a perk & for some educating. The last two years have been very slow for us. I've managed to hang in there while watching all the auction fliers from dead shops. I don't have the money to buy major new equipment so I'll keep what I've got to support my remaining employees.

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Permalink Reply by John Fawcett on April 8, 2010 at 8:46am

IWF 2010 - Much to do about support.

Yes you may not be able to buy any machinery but what else brought you to shows in the past?
The answer is probably knowledge, to learn new procedures, see demos on machines, find a new piece of hardware, network with fellow business owners and support the industry. And I would say there's always something you could point to from every show that made it worth while attending.

As a microcosm of the larger economy our bubble burst around the same time as the housing bubble. The last ten to fifteen years have been a great run but like all runs this one had to come to an end. Now what do we do to get back on our feet?

I believe as and industry, and I mean both vendors and end users, we need to support each other. What good is it to own a piece of machinery or incorporate a piece of hardware or software and than have the producer of that product go out of business. Conversely, the producers of these products need to support the on going needs of the end users by spending the money to be at these shows ready to show better more efficient ways to improve productivity or answer technical questions for better use of the equipment, materials, software etc. already owned.

I think the larger companies that have pulled out of IWF 2010 may have felt as many do. We just can’t afford to be there because we can’t be sure what the return will be; sorry customers we’re leaving you high and dry. And I think IWF, World Congress Center and probably the City of Atlanta are culpable too. They know vendor profits are down or more likely gone but their attitude was still we can’t possible work with the exhibitors to make this show happen. We must maintain our bottom line regardless.

I’m the marketing manager for Tritec/Gannomat and earlier this year after hearing some of the big companies had pulled out we spent some time weighting our options. It came down to three things 1. IWF is always a good marketing opportunity 2. the best marketing you can do is to support your customers and prospects and let them know we’re here for them. 3. we believe there is budding demand for your products which in turn will mean demand for ours.

So here’s my suggestion for this year’s IWF. Forget the perks for your employees because a job is the important perk right now. Come to Atlanta see all that’s there and take that knowledge back with you to improve your business. By doing so you’ll know you’ve done your part to support our industry because we are all in this together.

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Permalink Reply by Ralph W. Bagnall on April 10, 2010 at 3:40pm

John,

Excellent points!

I will be presenting two professional seminars at IWF this year: one on common plastics in the woodshop and one on adapting Lean Techniques to custom shops.

Either or both of these offer value to small and medium sized shops, and there are many more beyond my offerings.

I will also be sitting on a panel discussing Social Media at IWF. This discussion will be free to attend, and should answer a lot of questions about what social media is, (if you are reading this, you are already doing social media) and how it can help your shop.

IWF and shows like it, can be an invaluable source if participated in properly. It is so much more than just a shopping trip.

Ralph

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Permalink Reply by Hera Lighting on May 26, 2010 at 9:07am

Well, this is my first show with Hera Lighting (Hera has done it in the past but I am new) and I am really excited! We are demonstrating how to "illuminate profits" by installing cabinet lighting yourself. It is actually quite simple with our plug and play system. I hope that some of you will come by and see us. I don't know very much about lighting (I am the Marketing Coordinator) but even I can install these! I am really looking forward to attending the social media seminar as well. I think it is a very valuable tool (of course I do, I am in marketing) and hope that alot of you go also.

I hope that this show goes well for all of you and I hope that you come by to see us!
Maybe we can help each other with marketing ideas!
Jenna

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Permalink Reply by Ralph W. Bagnall on July 3, 2010 at 8:13pm

Jenna,

Just as a tip, always mention you booth number when discussing trade shows so we know where to stop by!

Ralph

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Permalink Reply by Hera Lighting on July 6, 2010 at 7:22am

We are Booth # 2507. I am working on a video regarding cabinet lighting that I hope to have ready before the show that I will post.
Thanks!
Jenna

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Permalink Reply by Ralph W. Bagnall on July 6, 2010 at 8:04pm

I manage social media for Laguna Tools among others. Their booth, 5634, is not far away, I'll have to drop by and see what you have!

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