6 replies to this topic

[Chris Miller]

Paul Bellantone posted this to his twitter account earlier, and I found it interesting.

Thoughts?

Quote

The PPAI Expo ROI Guarantee

PPAI believes so strongly in the power of The PPAI Expo, that we’re putting our money where our mouth is. We’re so confident that The PPAI Expo can help you boost your business and provide you with a positive ROI that we’re offering The PPAI Expo ROI Guarantee.

Attend The PPAI Expo 2010 and if you are not 100% convinced after attending that you will receive a positive ROI, we will reimburse you up to $200, the equivalent of a four-night hotel stay. Times may be tough, but the decision to attend The PPAI Expo has never been easier!

To book your hotel room, contact Ambassadors, PPAI’s housing company, at 800-648-0007.


Guarantee available only to promotional products distributors. Claims must be submitted to Khris Harris by March 13, 2010 by calling 972-258-3080. A valid hotel receipt must be sent by March 13, 2010 indicating your stay at a hotel in the PPAI hotel block. Hotel receipt must be for a stay during the week of The PPAI Expo 2010 (January 11-15, 2010). Program limited to two employees per company. The $200 reimbursement is the equivalent of a four-night stay at the Excalibur Hotel.

[jimknecht]

Thought #1: What a big spender! $200... whoo hoo!!!!

Thought #2: Why not guarantee a ROI for the folks spending the big bucks to attend his show... the supplier. I mean heck, it doesn't cost a distributor much of anything (compared to a supplier) to attend, so yes, I can see where a distributor can easily get a ROI. Suppliers are obviously a different matter... as usual.

[LouieM]

It will be interesting to see what The Expo is like this year. I can see a lower attendance but will there be quality in the distributors that attend.

With fewer Suppliers & less distributors will that actually create better show?

I will post updates from Vegas & keep you posted on what we see.

[jimknecht]

LouieM said:

I can see a lower attendance but will there be quality in the distributors that attend.

Louie, I have heard this before...how suppliers talk about the "quality" of distributors at a given show. Maybe I'm not that observant, but I have been doing shows for over 25 years & have done huge shows (The Expo), medium sized shows (ASI or Promotions East), smaller shows (regionals) & single distributor office visits... and I can't say I have ever seen any real difference in the "quality" of distributor. Seems they follow the standard bell curve we all learned in school, where the vast majority are good, with some excellent & some "dumb" as dirt (rookies).

But even then, and once again maybe I just don't get it, but I personally would rather have a show full of "dumb" (rookie) distributors than a show full of experienced, highly skilled distributors (Isa... not Chris :D). A rookie may appear "dumb" but they just haven't learned the ropes yet. Those are distributors that have yet to build relationships with my competitors & they are ripe for "plucking". They don't know much about our product & I personally love talking to them & love helping them to grow professionally.

LouieM said:

With fewer Suppliers & less distributors will that actually create better show?

Now anyone in their right mind would think this is crazy. I happen to agree & think you get a better ROI at smaller shows... at least smaller shows that are shorter & cheaper than the Expo.

[LouieM]

Jim,

It will definetly be an interesting tradeshow circuit this year. We notice a large difference in quality at shows. As you know the Expo draws alot of extra people that are not distributors but really family members. They are there to get something for free (samples). I think there may be less of this going on in 2010 (at least we hope so).

We will be doing: Orlando, Vegas, Dallas, & San Diego for major shows in the first 60 days of 2010. We will also have 2 regionals and 1 distributor show in that same time frame.

I am sure we will cross paths several times over the first 2 months. We will need to compare notes.

See you in a few weeks

[Promo Man]

I think many distributors will be working this show harder than before. While new products and suppliers is always a given, I think there will be an effort to streamline suppliers for maximum cost cutting and rebate potential. Also, a search for suppliers who offer 1 day rush service, lower minimums, dedicated customer service, etc. Suppliers may be doing a lot more than scanning cards with the aggressive distributors out there this year.

[ProPrinters]

I do one show Promotions East that is it, and I will go every year.