Yeah, the title should probably read “Tradeshows are Back,” but here, I am referring to the concept of the in-person technology convention, which got severely derailed over the past couple years. There’s much to be said about presenting product launches and seminars as virtual events, but honestly, if I have to sit through another Zoom-based press conference or product demo, I’m gonna go berserk and throttle somebody.
There’s no substitute for the in-the-flesh experience of actually touching a piece of gear and maybe even giving the tires a kick or two. Because, during that process — whether at NAB, PL+S, ISE, NAMM, InfoComm or AES — you can look a real person straight in the eye and ask real questions. That’s where the exhibit floor leaves the “virtual-schmirtual” world in the dust. Besides, a REAL tradeshow offers opportunities to hang with old friends, in addition to chance meetings in taxi/Uber lines, elevators and hours in the hotel bar, sketching product concepts on rum-stained cocktail napkins — all places where the real tradeshow action takes place. Count me in!
I should note that April marks a milestone for me here at FRONT of HOUSE. Exactly 10 years ago, I had the shortest job interview of my life. It went like this: Phone rings, then: “Hey George, this is Terry Lowe. Do you want to run FRONT of HOUSE?” I answered: “Sure!” He then asked: “Can you start Monday?” I replied “Sure,” and I’ve been here ever since. Fortunately, it’s not just me doing all the work. Besides Terry, our fearless leader, I should also thank some truly wonderful people on the Timeless Communications staff: Frank, Greg, Judy, Kevin, Matt, Mike, Susy and William. Add in some truly great contributing writers, and we have one helluva team.
Works for me!!
Got a comment? Send George an email to george@fohonline.com
