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An Idea Whose Time Has Come
W e regularly receive letters, e-mails and phone calls from readers regarding issues facing our industry. The following letter is one we would like to share with the hope of starting a dialogue regarding an industry trade show.
Plastics Industry Trade Show: An Idea Whose Time Has Come
"These are the times that try men's souls." All segments of the plastics industry are looking to improve their sales now. Companies look for ways to do a better job penetrating the markets they currently service or to source new target markets. We must consider all options to increase sales. In my opinion, one way is to have an industry-wide trade show. We are one of the few industries in this country that does not have a trade show open to all.
I'm proposing a trade show in which all manufacturers associated with our industry can display their products. Plastic distributors, fabricators, formers, suppliers of machinery, tooling, hardware and accessories could be invited. The show could be held in a geographically and financially convenient location, with a nominal fee to attendees.
As a manufacturer's representative and former distributor and fabricator, I have witnessed many changes in our industry. The biggest change has been the decline to bring product awareness to end-users by all participants in the market. Most companies have little if any marketing and/or product development budgets and all companies today are working with limited budgets.
A trade show should be low-cost so anyone who truly wants to can attend. Manufacturers and distributors attend many shows, including P.O.P. shows, sign shows and woodworking shows. Our industry is a part of all these shows. At a plastics industry trade show our manufacturers would be the feature companies. This would be a way to reach end-users inexpensively. And, with the right location, this show would make it possible for every size and type of manufacturer, distributor and supplier to attend.
This suggestion is not intended to criticize the IAPD convention Table Top exhibits. The IAPD does a fine job with those exhibits. However, due to the IAPD format, the Table Top exhibit reaches a very small segment of our industry. In fact, I hope the IAPD will embrace the idea of a trade show and be one of its sponsors. What better way is there for the IAPD to reach and enroll small distributors.
This idea is not unique, it is shared by many others. As my title says, "It is an idea whose time has come".
Thank You,
Nick Russo
North Falmouth, MA
A trade show is feasible if our industry deems it so. The Plastics Distributor® & Fabricator Magazine supports this idea and would be very interested in co-sponsoring/sponsoring such an event based on your feedback. Please forward your comments to us at tradeshow@plasticsmag.com.
T his issue features our Sixth Annual Nylon & Acetal Stock Shapes Special Advertising Section. The section provides a comprehensive guide to the leading Acetal and Nylon shapes manufacturers and the products they offer. Our website has a PDF version of the Product Listings and includes hotlinks to the featured Suppliers.
Our next issue should not be missed. The July/August issue will include our 2002 Buyer's Guide. The first of its kind in the industry, it continues to be the leading directory of manufacturers and suppliers offering products and services for plastic shapes distributors and fabricators. A keyword searchable version of our current Buyer's Guide can be found on our website at www.plasticsmag.com. If you are looking for suppliers of material, machinery, tooling or accessories, click-on the Buyer's Guide and tell them you got their name from The Plastics Distributor® & Fabricator Magazine.
I welcome your feedback. Whether it is regarding an industry trade show or future articles and information you would like us to consider for publication, please contact me at 708-447-0001 or via e-mail at dwhelan@plasticsmag.com. Your continued input helps us provide the most targeted magazine for our industry - offering you the information you need to succeed. Enjoy the issue.
David Whelan
Editor / Publisher
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