GEMS Exhibitors Find Quality Contacts and Customer Exposure

Trade shows are a great way for companies to meet with customers and new customers, network and learn about new products and trends that are affecting the industry. However, not every company has the resources to take part in large, national events, which often require extensive travel and personnel. But many companies say regional events, such as Glass Expo Midwest™ (GEMS), provide an ideal opportunity to reach their customers while still staying within their means. This year GEMS is set to take place December 8-10 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center in suburban Chicago, and exhibitors are excited about all that it will offer.

"Glass Expo Midwest allows us to show our new products, continues to give us really good exposure with our customer base and continues to bring in new leads as well," says Dan Lesniak, national sales manager for Gunther Mirror Mastics.

Paul Daniels, vice president of advertising at C.R. Laurence Co. Inc., agrees.

"Shows such as Glass Expo Midwest are more intimate than the larger shows," he says. "At shows like GEMS we have an opportunity to be closer to smaller groups of customers and are able to spend more quality time with them."

Spending one-on-one, quality time with customers is just part of the reason why many companies opt to exhibit at regional events. With all of the challenges the U.S. economy is facing currently, companies are finding that events such as GEMS allow them a way to take advantage of networking and education without having to travel great distances. Likewise, with the cost of an "in-person-sale call" rising, shows such as GEMS allow sales personnel an opportunity to meet with current and potential customers at very little cost.

"It's a great way for regional companies to exhibit without the expense of a national show," says exhibits manager Tina Czar. "And they reach local customers, and those who can't-or don't-travel far from their home base."

Taking part in a regional trade show can also help exhibitors ensure they are reaching the right people. Of those who attend GEMS, 88 percent are owners and managers. In addition, 94 percent of GEMS attendees say it's the only industry event they attend each year.

While GEMS is the largest regional event in the country, typically attracting between 800-1,200 attendees, exhibit space is purposely limited to 100 booths or fewer. This helps ensure that attendees can meet with every exhibitor and every exhibitor can spend quality time with attendees. The deadline to reserve booth space is November 14.

CLICK HERE for more information about exhibiting at GEMS 2008.

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