Within the past half decade, trade shows have been merging, growing rapidly and becoming a great venue to meet with current customers and get exposure to new prospects. For metal formers, one of the biggest shows is FABTECH, which typically takes place in early November. This year FABTECH is in Chicago at the McCormick Center. FABTECH a convergence of the FMA, PMA and AWS trade groups. So you have metal fabricating, forming and welding all under one roof. This creates great opportunities to reach new prospects. That said, with all of the exhibitors and guest traffic, being seen becomes more challenging. So just setting up a booth without taking advantage of pre-show and at-show advertising opportunities will decrease your chances of being on you prospects radar.

At this posting, some of the advertising opportunities are already past, but you can still make a push for traffic...

If you need to build more visibility this year...

• Email your client list and let them know you'll be at the show
  
• Have you calls reps call and make appointments at the show with key customers or hot new prospects. You amy still be able to take advantage of some direct mail and email opportunities or other sponsored events
  
• Call your show rep and see what advert opportunities are still available
• Consider arranging a casual mixer at a restaurant in Chicago on Monday or Tuesday evening and hand out invitations on the show floor in your booth

Next time around when the show is in Vegas...

• Purchase banner space on the event website for the show
  
• Take advantage of show email and newsletter promotional opportunities
  
• Get involved in the on-site branding opportunities
  
• Buy space in the show daily print publication
  

ORIGINAL POST FROM 2010
Bethany, my wife, and I just returned from spending a week at Lackland Air Force base in San Antonio, Texas to watch our oldest son, Patrick (21), graduate from basic training before starting security forces training this week. This was a moving week for us as we watched our young man graduate one day and the next seeing the entire class stand in formation and march on the parade grounds in 90 degree heat and 89% humidity without so much as a blink. How do they do that? Really!

And while this post is more about pride in my son than it is about business, I can't help but think that the reason that we can engage in a free enterprise and enjoy the fruits of our labor is due in no small part to the men and women who serve to keep our nation strong. My congratulations, admiration and unwavering support to Patrick, and those who have gone before him and who will certainly follow in pursuit of keeping our United States strong and free.

UPDATE 2015
Since the original post Patrick has been keeping busy. He managed to fit in several tours to Iraq and one brief visit to Kuwait, found time to marry a beautiful Buckeye fan in Ohio (Laura) and is planning on a re up next year.