It’s not exactly Indy trying to make it out unscathed from the dark and ominous temple, but getting out of some Convention Centers in one piece isn’t all that far off.
Ever had to bribe a surly dock worker to unload your freight?
Have you ever been shocked to discover that the general contractor put your freight on their truck even after you expressly told them that you already had a pre-paid freight company coming to pick it up?
Perhaps you’ve felt your ears getting a little hot after some burly ‘gent on a golf cart screams at you for plugging in your own product to the electric socket you just paid $200 to “rent” for the next 48 hours.
I know I’ve certainly been there a time or two, and I’m willing to bet, you unconsciously nodded at a couple of those examples as well. Those are just a small sampling of some of the MANY complaints I have heard (and often experienced) over the years, and those complaints factor heavily into why so many cities have lost the trade shows that they have taken for granted for decades.
Have faith true believers, because believe it or not, the times- they are a’changin’!
Cities like Chicago have enacted new rules to protect exhibitors from overly hostile and expensive show “service” providers, while the so-called “Secondary Cities” across the country are picking up the shows that the big-boys chased away.
As such, I’d like to list my five favorite cities to exhibit in. These are the cities that have made a conscious decision not to kill the golden goose. The cities I've chosen were picked based on :
a.) Ease of working in the show halls
b.) Ability to draw large crowds
c.) Value per dollar spent
d.) Business friendly environment
e.) Things-to-do-after-the-show
Some of these cities are long time favorites that have always stood apart from their peers, and some of them have undergone big changes in recent years.
5.) Nashville, TN – Nashville is an interesting city. They have a downtown convention center, an even more popular privately held secondary hall (Gaylord Opryland), and a soon-to-open Medical Mart of their own, not to mention a thriving tourism industry built (in no small part) around being the country music capital of the world, and yet they still maintain the small town charm that they are famous for. Labor rates are lower than most of their big city counter-parts, the vast majority of the people you will work with are extremely friendly and accommodating, and there’s plenty to keep your spouse and children entertained whether they like country music or not.
Quick Tip: Opryland and the Grand Ole Opry are two different destinations, and separated by nearly a half hour drive. If you are meeting clients, friends, or family at one of these hot spots, make sure everyone is on the same page!
4.) Denver, CO – While Nashville is sort of a small city (comparably) with a big city story to tell, Denver is the exact opposite- It’s a big city (and growing!) with a small city experience. One of the undisputed success stories of the shift away from the “major halls” to “Secondary Cities”, Denver features a beautiful midsize facility conveniently located in the heart of the downtown bustle. Decked out with most every modern amenity you could ask for, this growing hub of the new event world has prices that haven’t quite caught up with their new popularity yet, and a “Thanks for being here” attitude to go with it. Possibly best, there are several great hotels, restaurants, and local hotpots within walking distance which keeps attendees near by before, during, and after the show, therefore increasing your time in front of your potential customers!
Quick Tip: The city is easily 40 minutes from the airport, so make sure you factor that into your schedule…and your budget!
3.) San Antonio, TX- San Antonio is arguably the most beautiful city in Texas, and considering the size of the Lone Star State, that says something. A whimsical blend of Colonial Mexican and Modern America, the city has somehow gone underutilized by show planners, much to their detriment. The Henry B Gonzalez Convention Center is located directly OVER their famed River Walk, and only 2 blocks from the Alamo, and it’s easily one of the most picturesque event locations you will ever come across. Because so few major conventions have found their way to this somewhat hidden gem, the handful that have find a fantastic staff and business friendly atmosphere waiting for them at a much lower cost than they would ever expect. I don’t know if it’s the hot Texas sun or the beautiful views overlooking the romantic River Walk, but crowds come early and stay late during trade shows, and I haven’t seen many unhappy exhibitors during tear down.
Quick Tip: The San Antonio sun can be unforgiving in the summer, and convention centers can be notoriously under-cooled during set up days. Don’t even think about setting up unless you bring something cool to drink…and to wear!
2.) San Diego, CA – From the moment you land at the San Diego International Airport (a mere 5 minute drive from the San Diego Convention Center), you can feel there is something special about this city. Ranking in at the nation’s 8th largest city (by population), San Diego is a lot like San Antonio, but with a California flair. The convention center, opened for it’s first event in 1989, but doubled in size in 2001 (and is contemplating a third phase expansion, adding nearly 33%!) making it a beautiful, large, and thoroughly modern facility, and a big favorite for some of the nation’s most cutting edge industry events. Located on the shore of picturesque San Diego Bay, and surrounded by several big name hotels, a bustling tourist marina, Petco Park (home of the Padre’s), the famous Gas Lamp District, and more than a few world famous restaurants, there’s quite a bit to draw people to this city for nearly any and every show. Yes, you DO pay California prices to exhibit here, but it’s really not hard to get your money’s worth. Quick tip- Make sure to visit Old Town before you leave if you a fan of authentic Mexican food, or are just a big history buff!
1.) Orlando, Fl: Whether you love “The Mouse” or hate him, there is no denying the effect that Walt Disney World (and later Sea World and Universal Orlando) have had on this formerly sleepy winter escape/cow pasture. The Orange County Convention Center is a sprawling complex covering both sides of the oft’ traveled International Drive, and the second largest convention hall in the country. At 2.05 million square feet (that’s just the exhibiting space!), only Chicago’s McCormick Place is larger. The funny thing about Orlando though is that it never did pick up the Big City attitude that most other mega convention towns did. The result? A business friendly environment with one of the worlds most experienced event crews, and a city who knows that keeping everyone happy is the key to their continued success. At the end of the day, Orlando (or, more truthfully, the Lake Buena Vista area) keeps the streets clean, the prices reasonable, and the attendees plentiful, to say nothing of the cotton candy, mouse-ears, and magic wands.
Quick tip- Though the Orange County Convention Center is certainly the king of the halls in Orlando, secondary halls like Rosen Shingle Creek, The Marriott World Center, The Walt Disney Coronado, and the Walt Disney World Swan/Dolphin are all world class facilities- don’t shy away from these great locations!
What are your favorite cities to either exhibit or attend shows in ? Let me know!
ryan@ohiodisplays.com
www.ohiodisplays.com / www.odiworks.com
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