Industry chatter regarding the Denver Show is that many major past exhibitors are not planning to participate; consequently attendance will likely be weak. It seems every year it is more of a struggle for AFFTA to get results for those manufacturers and buyers who invest time, energy and dollars to attend. It’s made me realize there are major changes, not just little tweaks, needed to bring the show new life. Changes have been discussed and debated, but the final decisions are still stuck in political muck.

To satisfy myself, I made some inquiries. Since I’ve been doing the Fly Fishing Show for many years, it only took a few calls. I’ve mentioned in the past the consumer shows I direct are a huge undertaking and enormous expense to promote. Attracting tens of thousands of consumers to the Fly Fishing Show requires tens of thousands of dollars in ads, brochures, radio, TV, billboards, web-sites, e-mails, phone calls, direct mail and much more. A trade show is an easier venue to promote and less costly. The money to produce a trade show is a fraction of the cost needed to produce a consumer show.

My first call was to Disney World near Orlando. Why? It’s the least expensive destination to fly from both the U.S. and overseas. Everyone has heard of the place. But the other facts, like lodging and costs, were very interesting.

The Coronado Springs Resort, the newest Disney World hotel, was created with trade shows in mind. Look at http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/coronado-springs-resort

After consulting a highly efficient and thoroughly knowledgeable Disney sales rep, I learned:

• Their slowest months are August and September, the time traditionally used for the fly-fishing industry trade show, thus, the best prices because they are looking for business.
  
• The exhibit hall is 80,000 square feet; the ballroom is 60,000 square feet - more than enough room for a large show.
  
• Steps away from the exhibit areas is Disney’s largest lake, which is said to be an awesome bass fishery, and a perfect natural casting venue, with float tube, kayak and boat display potential.
  

This location certainly will allow a family vacation for a shop owner or manufacturer to piggy back their trade show work with a Disney stay. They offered me discount passes for pre- and post-show days and evenings during the show.

But let’s get into the numbers that are really important: booth fees, set-up and tear-down costs, lodging, food, and other “built-in” expenses. I believe the present cost for a Denver booth is $1,400. Every needed show addition adds to your out-of-pocket expenses, and the final amount can be hundreds more.

Good news! Here is what I was able to package at the Coronado Springs Resort at Disney World:

• Booths will be $1,200 for each 10-foot x 10-foot space.
  
• You get a FREE double room at the Coronado Hotel for each exhibitor booth during show days. Book four booths, get four free rooms. House yourself, your help, and if a room is left, give it to one of your best customers . . . or your mother-in-law.
  
• Still more! You get free electricity for your booth, paid in advance for you and ready to use when you arrive. Not done yet! Breakfast and lunch are free each show day for two people from each booth you reserve. Four booths, eight food deals, and so on. Not finished! All exhibitors get free delivery and help with their displays. There is no forklift or a load fee, the show provides the free service before and after the show. Forget union problems!
  
• When you land at the airport, a special Disney motor coach will transport you directly to your hotel. Free.
  
• Finally, there is a distinct possibility of a social hour with food and beverage at the end of each show day, free, of course.
  

The final thought I have is to add a celebrity/youth bass fly-fishing event concurrently with the trade show. This would be an early one or two day tournament from 6-10 a.m., to allow participants time to attend the show. Recognition and awards will be given at the end of the show day. As you probably know, Disney owns ESPN and B.A.S.S. Their director of Events Operations and I have met to discuss potential plans for the event.

That’s a brief summary for your consideration: One fair price for virtually everything at about half of what you spend now!

My Fly Fishing Shows have grown continually, but if the industry continues to stagnate because of questionable decisions, it hurts all of us who have made fly-fishing our life’s work. I hope the coming trade show in Denver is successful for AFFTA. But it is critical to look to the future with a viable plan and not pretend business-as-usual is working. The decision-makers must do what is best for everyone, not just a choice few. However, if everyone is satisfied and business is good, then, as someone once said, “Stay the course.”

Sincerely,

                                                                                              Chuck Furimsky

We welcome hearing your opinion our e-mail is: info@flyfishingshow.com