Notes from Wednesday, 27 OCT:
- The show opened at 9am but the crowd did not arrive until about 10:15. Show was quite busy until 3pm. Most exhibitors were pleased with quality of attendees. Some exhibitors were no-shows which hurt all concerned. Those booths could have been made into lounges or companies, such as the EdisonReport, could have been moved closer to the front.
- Some designers that we spoke with stated that the hybrid model is working for them. A few days at home and a few days in the office and we hear they don’t plan on going back to the old days. This will mean sales calls won’t be returning to pre-pandemic levels anytime soon.
- Hearing that a few companies are balking at Light + Building in 2022. Two companies voiced displeasure with costs from the 2020 show that were not reimbursed. Light + Building 2022 is being held at the same time as LEDucation.
- Met with Robert Maricich, Chairman and CEO of International Market Centers.
- He talked about connecting customers and the decisions they faced with the show.
- They constantly had discussions with attendees and exhibitors and adjusted as needed.
- The rotation between New York and Las Vegas is set until 2029.
- Strong relations with the other 2 partners, IES and IALD and said all decisions were consensus based.
- Interesting ratios. LightFair 2019 in Philadelphia 2 attendees per 1 exhibitor; LightFair 2021 in New York. 3.1 attendees per 1 exhibitor.
- Lots of discussion re: supply chain issues:
- One component rep explained that some driver lead times are now July 2022.
- Several commented that lighting can’t compete with Apple and Automotive for components.
- The Vaccine record is a non-issue. You show your card/app the first time you walk in the door and receive a card. During registration, you receive a green dot on your badge and you are set for the rest of the show. You don’t need to show proof of vaccination again at the show.
- Lots of positive talk about keynote speaker, Karim Rashid. The people we spoke with were very excited about his talk.
- At the retirement party for Barbara Horton, I learned that Chip Israel, Steven Rosen, Carrie Hawley are some of the people starting the Barbara Horton and Stephen Lees Business Leadership Forum. We hope to get more details later this week.
Developing….
