Although there was noticeably less marketing and a major snafu during the badge printing process, LEDucation really has become a must-attend show. We give the event an overall grade of B+. In fact, if there is another show with a greater better bang-for-the buck for exhibitors, we are not aware. If there is another show with a greater bang-for-the-time for attendees, again, we are not aware.
Caroline Rinker co-chaired this year’s event with Burt Grant. They hosted a strategic discussion earlier in the week with the 11 of the original exhibitors who participated in the first show. Below are a few of the comments from the group:
- The contract with Hilton ends after the 2018 show but there are no plans to move. Hilton has the biggest exhibit space, on one floor, of hotels in NYC.
- LEDucation could move to Javits in 2019, but the group was against that move as Javits would dramatically raise the costs for exhibitors and be less convenient for the attendees. The Hilton mid-town is very convenient for all.
- Speed dating is a term used to describe LEDucation. With limited space, exhibitors are forced to put their best products on display. Moving to Javits would lose the intimacy the show has established.
- Strong preference to continue organizing exhibits by rep.
SHOW GRADES:
Content: A+
We heard nothing but rave reviews on the content. Because DLFNY is responsible for this show, they obviously have strong access to the best speakers. Some of the big names included: Mariana Figueiro, Andrea Hartranft, Paula Ziegenbein, Dan Blitzer, and Craig Bernecker.
Exhibitions: A+
The show’s exhibition is at maximum capacity with a 30-company waiting list. It is unique in that each exhibitor is limited to one or two six-foot tables, meaning that smaller, sometimes more creative, companies, like OLEDWorks, are on par with the conglomerates.
Intangibles: A
The box lunches were first class and there was plenty of food. Coffee, soft drinks and cookies were in abundance and the Tuesday evening reception was first class.
Registration: D
In 2017, there really is no excuse for waiting in line for anything and we talked to people who waited up to one hour to retrieve their badges—and they were pre-registered. Because your humble editor works in the industry as well as reports on the industry, I have somewhat of a unique perspective because I exhibited at the show. One very high profile designer blew past my booth with the comment, “…Am on deadline and only have 4 hours at the show and one hour was spent getting my XXXXing badge…”
Some attendees were admitted without badges by showing their registration on their phone. This was good, but one exhibitor voiced frustration because he was unable to scan a few key people.
We spoke to Jason Gridley of Conexys who manages the show, Jason explained the problem was with the delivery of the equipment and he plans to have self-check-in booths for 2018. In addition he is negotiating with the hotel to have more space to expedite registration.
Attendees: A+
The audience isn’t just from New York as we had visitors from NJ, CT, PA and MA. The show stayed busy throughout the two days and the quality of attendees was exceptional.
Wi-Fi: F
Traditionally we give an “F” if free Wi-Fi is not available. We understand the hotel and not LEDucation or Conexys determines this policy, so even though the grade is low, it is not weighted high in the overall score.
Assuming the quality of speakers and exhibitors remain constant and more attention is given to marketing and fixing registration, this will be an A+ show in 2018. Overall, LEDucation is a great show and a must-attend event.
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