In the last months we have been designing, quoting, calling and bidding for all kinds of projects, finally getting a sense of normalcy in the business, traveling all around the US, Canada and even countries such as Spain and Qatar.
But even in the midst of –for a lack of a better word– chaos, familiarity starts to embrace us. Going back to the trade floor feels like returning home after a +20 hour flight with more than one layover, difficult indeed, but we finally made it there and it smells, feels, and sounds homey, doesn’t matter which venue you are in.
You enter the exhibit floor, and there it is again; the security guard greeting everyone good morning, and as installers set everything up and smile as you go by, you hear that universal beep sound of trucks unloading. Although this is your first time at this particular venue, you’ve been around this block a few times, so you know how to make a beeline for the lavatories.
In the rush of the moment you might have forgotten to pack your water bottle and even that granola bar you thought of in the morning, just in case there is no food –which you know there is not, since you haven’t smelled anything but wood and sweat.
Even if the layout seems different, the gist is exactly the same; people attending the show get ready for the day in their nearby hotel which, funnily enough, already has some familiar faces. They make their way to the venue, strolling down the streets that have already seen them a couple of times before, and get inside just in time to watch their stands come to life. Shortly after attendees fill up the space, ready to network.
Roaming through the trade floor, being back in the hustle and bustle, engaging in great conversations with peers and looking at future projects with more certainty, has done nothing but reinforce my trust in the future of the industry.
At the end of a successful day you know what is coming, that really cozy and surprisingly affordable eatery that caught your eye earlier that morning, is now packed with people who are taking a well deserved beer. God that evening beer when the day is done hits so different, tastes sooo good.
The industry definitely endured some hardships, however, we know how to navigate the showfloor, pass through beams of wood, crates and rolls of carpet. It all comes as easy as riding a bike, because for many of us it is home away from home for many weeks out of the year.
Coming back to live events has had its challenges, but many of us will agree that there is no better way to connect with clients and partners. I’m positive that more and more companies will soon join the trade floor, and take full advantage of the face-to-face experience in order to build rapport with their clients in a more familiar yet professional environment.
I’m looking forward to connecting with all of you in what truly feels like my second home. In the meantime, I hope I see you at any event around the world soon.
