My thoughts on the AEE and Internext shows in Vegas

[LAJ]

Well in my opinion both of these shows continue to deliver big time. While attendance seemed to be down a bit for both... that didn't matter. There were still a ton of people at both shows and I came home with nearly 300 business cards, honestly. Not a difficult feat when you are out for 8 days LOL.

I especially think that the quality of attendees was way up. People who went were there to do business. The atmosphere all week long was hugely professional... on the show floors... at the hotel... at parties, etc. I'd have to say that the industry is definitely maturing and getting much more serious about business.

I for one drank about 1/4 of what I usually do, and save for a couple of nights was in bed by 2am or earlier and up by 7 or 8am depending on booth hours, meetings or seminars I moderated.

Which, incidentally... I moderated a seminar at AEE on the morning of the 10th and one at Internext on the morning of the 12th... BOTH to a PACKED house (150+ at AEE, 250+ at Internext). And as I looked at the panelists and out in the audience there was a stark shortage of openly hungover people and slobs. Even I dressed up and I rarely do.

These shows are a sign of the times. Our industry is getting older, more mature, and more professional. The "noise" that clogs up tradeshows, looking for a free ride and to screw off were mostly non existent... thank goodness.

Gonna take me many weeks to get thru all the follow up...

See you in Phoenix!

[KillerK]

Like you are going to say they suck when you run your own show and wouldn't want them to say something bad about yours.

[LAJ]

Well... I typically don't like to dignify the trolls... and obviously you know a thing or two about me, so I'll play along.

If I thought the shows "sucked" I simply would not have started a thread on it. I instead would have gone straight to the producers of both shows and voiced my frustrations instead. The same kind of treatment I would have expected if it was a reversed situation.

[GeoAdultKiel]

It was awesome meeting you in Vegas! Thanks Again!

[Big Red Machine]

Originally Posted by KillerK

Like you are going to say they suck when you run your own show and wouldn't want them to say something bad about yours.

LAJ isn't afraid to voice his opinion

[KillerK]

Originally Posted by LAJ

Well... I typically don't like to dignify the trolls... and obviously you know a thing or two about me, so I'll play along.

If I thought the shows "sucked" I simply would not have started a thread on it. I instead would have gone straight to the producers of both shows and voiced my frustrations instead. The same kind of treatment I would have expected if it was a reversed situation.

Fair enough, thanks for the reply

[Connor]

Originally Posted by Big Red Machine

LAJ isn't afraid to voice his opinion

Heh... indeed he is not.

And I agree that Vegas was a very positive show for us. About four years ago there was an Internext in Vegas that was so bad that it put the whole thing on the brink of extinction. But AVN has rebounded nicely, and made a good decision by moving to the Palms last year, and I think you have to give those guys credit for a solid performance this year.

[Un4given]

I think you will have to be more into business now and in the future
if you want to make any $$$$.

Good to see thinks settle down, last time I was out there it was all
about the party.

[LAJ]

Yeah I really didn't do much partying at all this year. Needed to pace myself as well since I'm getting old LOL.

Would really love a smoke free area here and there tho... as much as I love poker... I could only hang there for about 30 mins in the suite.

And I'm glad the Rain nightclub was better lit this year and quieter... definitely a huge improvement.

Not sure how many from AEE will peek into this thread... would be interesting to know what kind of feedback they get from their show. Exhibiting was WAY down from last year it looked like which is unfortunate, but I'll reiterate that I did a sick amount of business this year up on the main floor.

[Elli]

I agree, LAJ. I was surprised to see so many of the seminars packed to capacity. I think not having a show floor on Monday helped direct people to the talks more. Some people I talked to didn't like the lack of a show floor, but I thought it worked well. Definitely less drinking and general silliness than previous years, which was nice. I went down to the "circle bar" one night at midnight, expecting to find it packed, and there was less than 30 people there. Go figure!

[LAJ]

Over 200 views and only 9 responses? Did a lot of the ballers here not go?

[Jayvis]

Originally Posted by LAJ

Over 200 views and only 9 responses?

Although brief, it was nice to meet you, Jay! Also, I don't think I've ever met so many other "Jays" in my life.

[LAJ]

Hey great meeting you too Jayvis! Looking forward to doing more biz with you guys. In fact I met this girl at our booth who asked me about you guys and if she should send her traffic there... I'll be giving her you and AK's info ;)

[Martin]

The vibe was very good and everybody seemed to be willing to stick out there hand to meet you and find out what it is you do.

[Anna_Miller]

It was nice seeing you again Jay! We were able to meet and talk with lots of people this trip.

I believe we only had one overly indulgent night, which you got to witness some! lol

[JustDaveXxx]

it was smaller than last year but its always good to see my friends and make new ones. Got some Biz done and had fun.


was it a waste??? Nope.

[Jim_Gunn]

Both shows were indeed smaller than last year and smokier than ever. But I got some business done, saw many old friends and had some fun too, so it was well worth the couple of grand I may have spent the whole week.

[Jayvis]

Originally Posted by LAJ

Hey great meeting you too Jayvis! Looking forward to doing more biz with you guys. In fact I met this girl at our booth who asked me about you guys and if she should send her traffic there... I'll be giving her you and AK's info ;)

Thanks a lot man, definitely appreciate it. I ran into a really nice content shooter that commented on whether or not I post at any of the industry boards and your name came up and he had nothing but great things to say about you... keep up the good work!

[myjah]

I agree - the show was a huge success for me as well.

But most importantly, I have an awesome picture of you on my cell phone playing Rock Band!!! Great to see you!

[Phoenix]

spot on jay...everyone was there to do business....the fluff is gone

[Hazlewood]

We (Grand Slam Media) had an excellent time and the trip was an overall success.

Everyone seemed like they were there to network which is great