tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006034685013171954.post3422829976940157529..comments2024-01-18T10:50:27.995-08:00Comments on Greeting Card Designer: The Future of Trade ShowsKate Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14126334539791135961noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006034685013171954.post-19319536965549523452010-03-23T23:21:10.284-07:002010-03-23T23:21:10.284-07:00The facts are nothing is the same as before. We ha...The facts are nothing is the same as before. We have witnessed an overhaul how business is done in virtually every industry. One only need study the relative size of tradeshows and trade magazines, past and present, to see the dramatic difference. Is there life left in old school media and shows? Yes, but those who will benefit the most are those who have other aspects of their marketing built to last. That would be great lists, both snail and email, a viable e-commerce enabled Website, and preferably a strong social media presence and ongoing publicity. A recent Art Print Issues blog post titled, Perspective on Success and Visual Artists ~ It Never Was Easy. The gist is if you pine for the old days, you either weren't fully engaged or have forgotten building a successful career was not any easier then than now. It is just different.Barney Daveynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006034685013171954.post-58986243555512272482010-03-17T09:37:09.350-07:002010-03-17T09:37:09.350-07:00Thanks for the great question Kate. - Mike is the ...Thanks for the great question Kate. - Mike is the best professional journalist to speak for the Craft Industry. The summer CHA show has been flailing for years and was only boosted up when the surge of scrapbooking hit the market. The winter show (always hard to call it winter when it is down in southern CA) is the ONLY US Craft show to attend.<br /><br />I would be interested in knowing how this plays out in the global picture. Paperworld which is in Frankfurt is much bigger and combines industries other than craft like office and gift. What are the stats for that show?<br /> <br />The two strongest pulls away from trade shows are technology and the change in the players away from independents to a handful of majors. Who needs trade shows when you can get an appt. through your rep. group? <br /><br />This was even true when I was the Creative Director for Duncan/PSX. The major clients always had an exclusive preview before the show and product lines would get redesigned repackaged and manufactured according to their needs. New clients would be next in line. Independents would first see it at the show or right before. Of course this all depends on who your clients are. Here I am talking about the larger companies. <br /><br />I also can confirm the decision to exhibit sometimes IS mostly about letting people know you are still in business so you don't start loosing business. <br /><br />As an artist, I am told by licensing agents that shows are not as near as important as Calls for Art. However, I still believe they are important TODAY when you are just establishing your company and building relationships. As for tomorrow, we'll see.....Jeannene Langfordhttp://www.jeannenelangford.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006034685013171954.post-1699430990187204272010-03-16T20:12:38.665-07:002010-03-16T20:12:38.665-07:00Absolutely true. This is not an industry-specific...Absolutely true. This is not an industry-specific issue. This has been going on in the toy business for years and will continue along the same lines you've outlined for the craft industry. Good article.Lorrie Grainger Abdohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10390867829110901334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006034685013171954.post-22178021590303934012010-03-16T17:25:51.805-07:002010-03-16T17:25:51.805-07:00Excellent article Mike, and on point. I have seen ...Excellent article Mike, and on point. I have seen trade shows declining for several years, and it seems inevitable that they will become obsolete for the very reasons you state. Technology and progress are great, but they force change on many industries and we all have a lot of adjusting to do.Carolynhttp://www.artsyshark.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006034685013171954.post-10133870118704291552010-03-16T17:08:46.100-07:002010-03-16T17:08:46.100-07:00I agree that technology is changing on both ends o...I agree that technology is changing on both ends of the spectrum. Actually I'm in the process of launching a social network community for the arts, crafts & hobby industry where all of the people you mentioned will be able to reach out directly through blogs all housed within neat little communities geared directly toward a consumer looking for that industry - all while being able to keep their own brand and links to their site. <br /><br />Things they are a changin' and I think it's time the industry embrace the change...Melissa Marrohttp://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Hive/256484071664noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3006034685013171954.post-24754417746042814402010-03-16T10:57:33.737-07:002010-03-16T10:57:33.737-07:00I agree with Mike. Technology is changing the land...I agree with Mike. Technology is changing the landscape. 15 years ago, one had to do the tradeshows, print ads, and direct mail to get work in front of buyers. <br /><br />Now, all you need is good photos, and a way to send them as a pdf. <br /><br />I think some people will still prefer to do business face to face. As humans, I think we crave and look for that connection. But if it becomes more efficient and cheaper to do business the new way, that will become the norm for how business is conducted.Andy Mathishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10111869432073546594noreply@blogger.com