The Need to Support Industry Shows

I do want to restate my position on the need to support industry shows. While I was not able to attend the Louisville Show last month, I was certainly hoping to be able to do so and intend to be there next year.

I mentioned in an earlier post that I have had the pleasure of serving as chairman of The Great Southwest Home Show for three years running. Like the Louisville Show, The Great Southwest Home Show is held in an indoor facility (The QuikTrip Center). No rain problems during set-up, show days or tear-down. No generator rentals or air conditioning expenses for the manufacturer exhibitors. The Tulsa show is located at almost the geographic center of the United States and is serviced by several major airlines including Southwest. The 10.5 acre QuikTrip Center is also configured in such a manner as to provide adequate security to allow for several Public Days following the retail period of the show. Supplier exhibit booths are conveniently located in and amongst the area where the homes are displayed.

Retailers, especially in the states contiguous to Oklahoma should not miss the opportunity to travel a very short distance to experience the thrill of seeing a huge display of exciting homes all located under one roof at one time. Supplier booths are also conveniently located indoors and in the same area as the homes.

The educational seminars are a bonus. This year the focus will be on financing, with several lenders and industry experts participating.

Our host hotel is the luxurious Hard Rock Hotel just minutes from the show site. The facility has expanded recently and the majorities of the rooms are in the new addition and are very spacious. Special low rates are in place for industry members attending the show.

An “All Industry Night Reception” starts at 6:00 p.m. Thursday in the QuikTrip Center at Expo Square. The location of the reception is to the side of the display homes so manufacturers can easily access their display models to promote their particular benefits during the reception.

I believe we should support all of the industry shows that we can possibly attend. In addition to attending The Great Southwest Home Show last year, I took the time and the travel required to attend the Tunica Show, and I enjoyed doing so. I hope to attend the Tunica Show again this year. As industry members, I believe we should support and attend all the shows that are within reasonable travel access.

by Doug Gorman