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Decor Expo Atlanta 2010 – You should support it!

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.

Decor Expo’s new owners mix new attitude with old passion

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.

Decor Expo Atlanta needs your support — its success will be your success

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.

Friendships formed at tradeshows last a lifetime

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.

The Decor Expo Atlanta tradeshow is destined to succeed!

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:

September 25-27, 2010 AmericasMart, Atlanta, GA   The Show You Remember Is Back With A New Location And A New Attitude Join Today & Lock-in Charter Rates. Online Interactive Training for Visual Artists

The art & framing show you remember is back—DECOR Expo Atlanta!  Held this year from September 25 through September 27 at the AmericasMart in Atlanta, DECOR Expo will bring back everything you loved about the previous shows—hundreds of premier exhibitors, a world-class exhibition space, unparalleled educational and networking opportunities—along with a whole new management team with the goal of making the Atlanta show the best event in the art and framing industry.   Sponsored by DECOR magazine, the 130-year-old “bible” of the art and framing industry, DECOR Expo Atlanta will be three days packed with old friends, new products, new ideas and that old feeling of bringing an entire industry together.    New Products—This is why you come to a trade show in the first place, and DECOR Expo will be the place to come to see the newest images, products and ideas in the decorative arts and framing marketplace. Hundreds of exhibitors will be displaying the stuff you’ll want just in time to stock your stores for the all-important holiday sales season!

Education—Need some advice on how to make your business hum? Well, the best in the business will be at DECOR Expo Atlanta, ready to share their expertise with you. From industry experts, a whole panel of educators will be on hand to help you get the most out of your business.   Easy to Get To DECOR Expo is back in Atlanta, which is one of the easiest-to-reach markets from anywhere in the U.S. and Canada. One of the nation’s major markets, Atlanta still retains enough of its small-town roots to make it easy to get around. Its laidback, southern charm includes plenty of hotels, restaurants and nightlife choices to make your trip to the show complete.

Sign Up Now!   Don’t wait. DECOR Expo Atlanta 2010 will be the show to attend this year.