12/3/2015
NEWS BRIEFS
Emerald VP: Quality Attendance 1st & Foremost
“We have a team of experts that understand first and foremost that quality attendance growth is our #1 priority to propel the businesses we serve forward,” Emerald Expositions executive VP Karalynn Sprouse told FIN. “It is our job to connect our customers with theirs and we are confident we can quickly make a positive impact on the show in 2016 and beyond.”
With Emerald’s acquisition last month of the National Industrial Fastener & Mill Supply Expo, Sprouse is now in charge of the annual trade show now held in October in Las Vegas (see GlobalFastenerNews.com, November 12, 2015).
Sprouse responded to concern exhibitors expressed to FIN that the previous NIFMSE owners boasted about their record of 829 booths in 2015, while the number of attendees dropped 7.4%.
“I understand the importance of networking, building relationships and doing business while at the show is to this industry,” Sprouse told FIN.
“Our first steps toward improvement include a comprehensive internal survey we are launching this week to all attendees and exhibitors. This will give us a better understanding on how Emerald can have an immediate and positive impact on future events that fits the demands of the fastener industry.”
Emerald has already sent an email to attendees seeking confidential review of NIFMSE.
“We would appreciate your feedback on your experience as well as your suggestions on how to improve the show,” Emerald management asked attendees. (Click here to access the survey.)
In addition to surveying NIFMSE participants, Sprouse said “initial plans include utilizing experts within the Emerald portfolio in both attendee acquisition as well as in exhibit sales and marketing to continue to add value to the event from both the attendee and exhibitor prospective.”
Sprouse said she welcomes suggestions: karalynn.sprouse@emeraldexpo.com
Sprouse added that Emerald understands the importance of “key partners and associations within the industry.” Emerald will work “to connect with both the domestic and international associations and partners within the Fastener industry so we may work together on ensuring this is a ’must attend’ event.”
Susan Hurley, show general manager for the previous owners and now show director for the new owners, announced 85% of exhibiting companies from 2015 have selected booths and several new companies have signed contracts. Nearly 10% of the returning companies are expanding their booth space,” Hurley added.
San Juan Capistrano, CA-based Emerald Expositions operates 90 business-to-business trade shows and conferences in the U.S. Emerald’s trade show industries include gift, home and general merchandise; sports and apparel; design; jewelry; luxury; antiques; e-commerce; creative services; healthcare; military; licensing and food.
The next NIFMSE is scheduled October 25-27, 2016, at a larger hall than in 2015 in the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas. The 2016 show will be on a Tuesday conferences / Wednesday trade show and half day Thursday trade show format, instead of traditional Wed/Th/Fr. Web: fastenershow.com
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