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Decor Expo Atlanta 2010 – You should support it!
By Barney Davey
By Barney Davey
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Despite our fancy digital communication capabilities, there is no replacement for discovering new products and getting to know the people who make, distribute and sell them than at a tradeshow/
You may know I worked many years for DECOR magazine & the Decor Expo Shows. In those that 15 years, there was a loyal cadre of fine folks whose talent and passion helped grow both entities into very successful properties.
Unfortunately, most left during the years of revolving investment firm ownership. A few hearty stalwarts remained with the show and magazine. Last summer, in a surprising turn of events, top employee managers were able to gain ownership in time to save these venerable iconic properties from oblivion.
I have known Kim Feager since 1988 when I went to work for DECOR. She has always been a major force for good and getting things done in every task, responsibility and position she has undertaken. She and her group at Next Step Media deserve a chance to get the once booming Atlanta Decor Expo show back on firm ground. If there is one person up to the task, it is Kim Feager. If she and her team succeed with your help, the entire industry will be strengthened much for the better.
Kim Feager’s ability to make this show happen is bolstered by having dedicated veterans, such as Show Director Kim Klatt, on her staff. I have known Kim Klatt since he first came into the business. He alwas has been a strong friend and ethical advocate of exhibitors for the many shows he has personally represented. His savvy show experience is unrivaled in the industry. I could not be happier to know these two long time friends are working hard to bring the Atlanta show back along with other veterans, including another old friend and colleague, Renee Pinner.
Sentiment aside, my unvarnished opinion about art and picture framing tradeshows and trade magazines is we need them! They make the industry better. While it is obvious they are not the same juggernauts as in years past, these vehicles still fill a valuable need in our business. Despite all our fancy electronic digital communication capabilities, there is no replacement for reading a powerful editorial feature in a magazine. And, there unarguably is no better way to find new products and meet the people who make, distribute and sell them than at a tradeshow.
If you are an industry veteran, or seeking to get into the retail art and picture framing market, you should put the Decor Expo Atlanta show on your schedule now. The show will only succeed with your support. The days of starting a show slowly and growing into success are gone. This show, this year, needs to come out of the gate proving to all involved it can deliver a solid exhibitor base and a throng of buyers open to buy. It won’t happen without your support. That includes encouraging your friends and colleagues to come as well.
Over the past decades, the Atlanta Decor Expo show has proven it was in the right locale at the right time. It offered tremendous opportunity for exhibitors and buyers to come together in the important early fall selling season. Year-after-year, they would come away knowing it was well worth the time, effort and expense to get there.
While I have no doubt this show can regain its prominence, I also am not delusional thinking it will grow to a record 2000 booths again. (A record that should have never happened because it created a forewarned detrimental oversold situation that was driven by decisions from investment firm owners with short term goals.) The new show can be much smaller and still be a dynamic that delivers great results for participants. But, it can only happen with your active support. I will see you there!
Here is a copy of the latest email blast promoting the show:
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Click the banner to get your free infographic download