ANSOM

Wednesday at the Las Vegas Convention Center, there were telltale signs that the proceedings have reached their peak, as is customary at the summer show. A quiet calm settled over the show floor late in the afternoon. Overall, a summer show in every way, according to a plurality of exhibitors, who nonetheless were very pleased with the launch of the MTO concept and saw all of the changes as a positive sign for the future of the show. Glitches, there were a few, but then again, too few to mention (Hey, c’mon, I can channel Sinatra here - it’s Vegas, baby).

Over at the ANM Expo - the final curtain. As they say in Vegas, the theater has gone dark.

At the ASD/AMD MTO Show On Thursday, the fat lady sings at noon - and homeward bound we shall be.

It was getaway-day at the Army Navy Military Expo. A quiet day on the show floor, giving exhibitors time to reflect on the show’s inaugural run. The general consensus: Satisfaction with results, and plans to participate in the next show (March 2008).

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the ASD/AMD MTO Show settled into a buying groove. Most exhibitors noted that the Monday-Tuesday arc yielded excellent returns. Also opined - near universal approval of the new layout, and happiness over the announced change in show hours (cutting back to four days from the current five) for the March 2008 show at Mandalay Bay. MTO exhibitors also noted that despite a couple of hiccups, that new show management was off to a very good start with reforming the ASD/AMD experience into something more productive for them.

The confluence of two industry-centric shows is creating tension and a feeling of divisiveness between the pro-MTO and upstart ANME camps. One thing is certain; Two competing shows operating concurrently is, in the long run, not good for this industry. We’ll have to see how this all shakes out. What do you think? Please let us know. And have an above-average day.

Day two in trade show city started off with an excellent and informative seminar on Merchandising the Army/Navy Store in the 21st Century, given by John Ottaviano of Rothco. ASD/AMD is hosting several free seminars for buyers and exhibitors, a first for the ASD/AMD Trade Show. The new layout at the ASD/AMD MTO Show continues to receive favorable reviews from exhibitors and buyers. Exhibitors are now reporting good results sales-wise. The afternoon was spent at the Army Navy Military Expo at Caesar’s Palace. Held in one of the hotel’s ballrooms, the show is small yet has the look and feel of the old Hilton ballroom days of the ASD/AMD show. But man, the walk from the hotel entrance to the ballroom will certainly build up those leg muscles. It may take longer to walk to and from the show than to walk the show floor. Okay, that’s an exaggeration. Maybe.

Exhibitors seemed mostly pleased with the proceedings so far, citing in particular the quality of the buyers they’ve seen and the lack of off-target “time-wasters.”

And yes, it’s honkin’ hot here. Hotter than…. well, you can fill that one in with the simile of your choice.

Day one at the ASD/AMD Military Tactical Outdoor Show revealed a fresh new show layout and fostered a guarded optimism about improvements in the show experience and the upgrading of the traditionally slower summer show. The new layout created an airy, open feel with much easier access to the show floor for buyers, and even a nice view of the Las Vegas skyline for exhibitors located in the front of the hall. Aisles were wider and the decorative scheme of black and green gave the military theme more impact, while adding a soothing yet business-like atmosphere to the show floor. Many exhibitors noted a more cooperative attitude from the show decorators and greater interaction with show management personnel on the show floor. About the only negative for day one was an underwhelming amount of traffic, especially for an opening day. Stay tuned - tomorrow, we report on both the ASD/AMD MTO show and the brandy-new Army Navy Military Expo.

Trade Show time, August 12-16. We’re off to the ASD/AMD MTO Trade Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, and the Army Navy Military Expo at Caesar’s Palace. We’ll be blogging it up live from both shows, with a recap of each day’s activities, news and notes. It’s like we’ll be there both virtually and actually. In other words, we’ll be besides ourselves.

Should be interesting, as a legacy trade show attempts a rebirth and a new show tries to hatch from its shell.

Anything in particular you want us to report on while we’re there in the summer Vegas heat, already?