Welcome to a New Year
Suddenly, without warning, it was 2008. Trying to get a feel for how 2007 will be remembered - good, bad, “eh.”
For our industry, I’d go with “eh.” We didn’t push the envelope, and in fact most things remained station(e)ry.
Already, though, things are percolating in the new year. We’ve got the SHOT Show in Las Vegas in early February, followed exactly one month later with the ASD/AMD/MTO Trade Show (Mandalay Bay edition) and the Army Navy Military Expo, which suddenly decided not to render unto Caesar’s and moved to the South Point Hotel on the outskirts of Vegas.
The late timing of the move and the choice of new venue are interesting, at the very least. My own opinion - I’m not seeing it as an upgrade, or as a beneficial to their cause. What do you think? Will the relocation affect your plans to attend or exhibit?
2007, while challenging was good year for growth for the Army Navy industry in certain areas including security, government supply and internet sales. These areas will continue to grow in 2008 as well. The late cold in the Midwest and East helped holiday sales considerably.
Regarding trade shows, I think the harsh reality is that the more we have things like websites, e-mail and BLOGS!! the less necessary it is for dealers to run a successful Army Navy store and attend a myriad of shows. Most dealers can do very well attending just one or two shows a year, no matter where they go.
Great blog, Mark. I’ve resolved to update mine more often in 2008.
Regards,
John Ottaviano
Rothco
As a beginner this Sector ( but in a well established and veteran company as rddusa) I might be better listening than talking, but i want to add my perspective from the point of view of the beginner, a fresh player that just learned how to distinguish between a world war 2 parka and a us gi coat from the 60′.
I agree with Jhon from Rothco - TRADESHOWS might not be important as they were in the past, but it is also true that if you want to be still considered as a player you need to attend the show before the assumption will start to take place.
The past year, in this matter for rddusa proved again that trade shows are still relevant. New contacts, nice sales, and important feed backs kept us busy this year.
We look forward to meet you all again this March.
sincerely,
Golan Friedman
RDDUSA
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