While a good strategy, Rick, visiting the vendor area is one of the
first things I do at a hamfest or convention.
I like to see whatever products are on display, even if they aren't the
latest and greatest.
The other two reasons I go to these events is the technical forum and
camaraderie.
Since the local club isn't worth my time any longer, it's a good place
to connect with old friends.
Dayton is a special case. Companies who have something new to showcase
often introduce it to the throngs there.
Attendance has remained relatively stable, given the economy. Anyone who
is anyone will be there, if nowhere else; even Ten-Tec.
It's really a shame that vendors are scaling back at these regional
hamfests and conventions, as they give the local crowd a place to go to
have the experience of a major gathering like the Dayton Hamfest.
Due to distance and expense, some will go through their entire life as a
ham without ever going to Dayton.
In fact, this year will be my first trip ever, and I started out as a
WA8, not 300 miles from there.
As far as finding out about new products, the Internet has become our
best friend. We can see photos, review detailed specs and even download
manuals in advance of product availability.
It has both an upside and a downside.
73 de Jim - AD6CW
On 2/18/2013 11:02 PM, Rick - DJ0IP / NJ0IP wrote:
Jim, what you noticed is exactly what smart companies are doing.
Instead of going to expensive hamfests, they are advertising in media which
specifically cater to potential users of the products they sell.
We are doing the same thing. We have reduced our budget for Europe's
biggest Hamfest in Friedrichshaven; smaller booth, booked a much cheaper
hotel, etc. Instead we are increasing our advertising in online forums such
as DX-World.net which cater specifically to the kind of people we target.
Reason: MORE BANGS FOR THE BUCK.
BTW, the German Ten-Tec distributor who usually shares the booth with us in
Friedrichshaven will not be attending this year. He is following the same
trend: FOCUSED ADVERTISING (elsewhere).
I just received an email from QRZ.com informing me that I can increase the
size of my ad for no additional cost. I think there is a hidden message
there too. Perhaps it is even becoming more difficult for the online forums
to secure advertising dollars. And that is a sign of the difficult economic
times we are in. But that's just my hunch.
Having the world at your fingertips has taken its toll on hamfests!
And so has the state of the economy.
73
Rick, DJ0IP
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