Important Announcement #4
DATE: November 22, 1993
TO: Industry Colleagues and Friends
FROM: John Stiernberg
SUBJECT: Trade Shows, Trends, and Latest News!
More Big News: This is to share some ideas and update you on activities since Important Announcement #3 was sent in August 1993.
A Consolidated Trade Show--Is It A Trend
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) recently announced plans for a new trade show to be held in Los Angeles, CA next October 12-15, 1994. My initial reaction to the announcement was "not another trade show!" As I read the press release further, I realized that the new show may really be indicative of a positive trend.
In addition to NAB, three other trade associations are sponsoring the event: the Radio-Television News Directors Association (RTNDA), the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), and the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE). The four separate organizations have joined forces to stage an event with one exhibit hall and concurrent seminars and programs. So, while the yet un-named event is "another show", it may mean a net decrease in the number of trade events in our industry next year!
Is this a trend? It's certainly not the first joint show--INFOCOMM and others have been doing it for years. There are many niche-oriented trade events to choose from, and sometimes show dates are in direct conflict with one another. This is especially frustrating for companies which offer products for both professional/commercial and consumer/residential markets. Fewer events with focused opportunities to reach many specialized trade groups may be a very postitive trend.
Faxback Survey #3: Trade Show Trends
Do we need more or fewer trade shows? Is the joint trade event described above indicative of a positive trend?
Your feedback on this topic is valuable. Please respond via Faxback Survey #3 enclosed. Simply make a few notes and fax or mail as indicated.
Results of the survey will be announced in Important Announcement #5.
Watch for Article on Residential Interoperability
Look for a feature article, written by yours truly, entitled "At Home with Interoperability: CEBus and Residential Systems Contracting" coming in the CEDIA Supplement to the 12/20/93 edition of "Sound and Video Contractor" magazine. If you don't receive the magazine or would like an authorized copy direct from the author, please request via Faxback Survey #3. Copies of the August 1993 article "Opportunities in Residential Integrated Systems" are also available upon request.
We Have Another Winner!
Thanks to those of you who responded to Faxback Survey #2. The winner of the audio book "The Creators: A History of Heroes of the Imagination" is Greg Hockman. Greg is West Coast Sales Manager for Eastern Acoustics Works, the Massacusetts-based loudspeaker manufacturer. Congratulations Greg!
See You at Upcoming Trade Events
I will be attending upcoming industry events and would like to know if you are planning to attend:
* CES January 6-9, 1994 in Las Vegas, NV
* NAHB Show January 21-24, 1994 in Las Vegas, NV
* NAMM Show January 21-24, 1994 in Anaheim, CA
Please let me know if you or someone from your company will be attending each of these key events. Simply check the appropriate box on the enclosed Faxback Survey #3.
Special Prize Drawing
As promised last issue, the prize drawing is a regular feature of the Important Announcement Series. Here's how to enter:
Returning the survey enters you in the special prize drawing. The prize is a $50 gift certificate from your choice of one of the following terrific mail order catalogs:
-"Wireless"--books, records, gifts, and fun T-shirts (St. Paul, MN)
-"The Spice House"--world's best selection of herbs and spices (Waukesha, WI)
-"L.L. Bean"--clothing, camping gear, housewares, and Yankee lore (Freeport, ME)
On Friday, December 17, 1993, the winning survey will be drawn at random from the ones received by either fax or mail. Sound like fun? Please respond!
Let's Talk Soon!
My office is in Woodland Hills, California. We were pretty close to the recent Los Angeles fires, but are safe and sound. I've spoken to many of you by telephone or in person over the past several months. Thanks again for your interest and support--please keep in touch!