Pics from the Runaway Success show of the year, Xbiz Summer Forum 06 Vegas.....

[JFK]

Originally Posted by Hell Puppy

I find the show scene to be fascinating....

In most other industries, shows are in decline or going thru consolidation. There used to be a tech show almost every month, Comdex, InterOp, PC Expo, etc. Now CES is really the only one of any real significance other than specialty shows.

Meanwhile, adult shows are multiplying like rabbits. Although companies dont throw around money like they used to, there's still alot of small businesses with good cash. No corporate budgets to worry about and no real concern for ROI or justification. People will show up just to party, mingle and network.

National shows may be reaching a saturation point. But I think the future is going to be regional shows. Costs very little to produce, exhibit or attend a regional show. And it has many of the same advantages. Smaller audience means there'll still be a need for nationals, but the biz is big enough to feed regionals for many areas at this point.

Sooner or later the small businesses will wake up and look for that ROI, the money pit is not bottomless. After all is said and done, its still a business and anyone who is serious about staying in it, will watch the bottom line.