Trade Show Season 2009-10

 Trade Show Season.  Every year from January through March the glass packaging industry holds its trade shows.  Five years ago, the only show we participated in was Wineries Unlimited. We have been a staple there the past 25 years.    Fast forward to March 2010- and we have attended 7 shows in 3 months!  What a journey it’s been……

We begin our travels in January   at the Wine Symposium show in California. Bill decided about 4 years ago to attend this show.  He gets to see firsthand any new trends that are happening out West, and connects with some of our suppliers who are at the show.  He also introduces our company to vendors who may be interested in the East Coast Market.  A sampling of some great California wines that are not available here in the East is also a nice benefit!

In February the snow is flying, and so are we- traveling to shows in Missouri, Virginia, North Carolina, New York, and Michigan.   We are new to this circuit, setting up a few years ago in these states, and returning each year to a growing market.  These shows are coordinated through our Customer Service Department, and attended by our Sales Department.  Shawn and Mike are the driving force for these shows, handling the set up, operation, and tear down of the booth.  The shows last a day or two with booth time sprinkled in between seminars.  This gives our guys a small window to meet with customers, answer questions, and introduce our company to people interested in starting up a business. They stay pretty busy, and return to the office with new ideas and projects in hand.

Just when things are settling down March rolls in and brings with it The Mother Of All Trade Shows here on the East Coast. . Those of you who have been to this show know what I am talking about! Wineries Unlimited in King of Prussia, Pa. is THE show to be at-whether you are a vendor or an attendee. 

We are amazed at the growth we see there every year. Even with the economy slowing down, this show was in full force this year.   Our booth is crowded- occupied by at least 7 members of our staff, along with Saint- Gobain representatives, and Gary Strait, the owner of Label Quest.   This show takes about 5 days total, from set up to tear down. In between we are breakfasting with suppliers, dining with customers, showcasing new products, and listening to trends and ideas from everyone who stops by our booth. We had a great time again this year, seeing customers, visiting other vendors, and just having fun connecting with everyone that we talk to via e-mails or phone calls all throughout the year. Our booth was especially busy this year- could it have been the free water we were handing out?  We went through 70 cases of bottles water- and pounds of cheese, grapes, crackers, and other snacks available at our booth.  Maybe it was our knowledgeable staff- or the friendly atmosphere at the booth?  Whatever the reason, we thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the show.   Thanks to all who stopped by and helped make it another successful show for us.  See you next year!!