The latest edition of NACStech, the C-Store technology store show and conference, is setting today and tomorrow. We’re readying for a Tuesday afternoon opening.
Not sure what to make of this show. It’s participation goes up and down with the times. The usual players are here–NCR, Retalix, Pinnacle, Verifone–but the floor is made up of 7 biggies and the rest smaller exhibits. There are 102 spaces total (2 unsold) with only 7 that are 20×20 or larger. Does this size relationship say anything about the health of the show?
Being tied to the parent NACS show is a good thing, but the time, place and attention paid to it may not be enough to sustain. However, I do have to say that I’ve met some notable attendees who are not exhibiting.
My observation is that this show is more about the conference and the interaction than it is about the exhibiting. It is about existing relationships more than it is about finding and qualifying new prospects. As for the suppliers who do exhibit–they seem either to be committed to the industry or the show–want it as a place to do business.
One other assessment is to look at the limited hours of the show ( 8 1/2 hours over 2 days). For all of the effort it takes to set up a custom exhibit with complex demos, is it worth it? In the past I’ve seen effective use of pre-show mailed promotions really drive traffic up, so it can be made into a productive exercise.
We’ll observe and comment more as the show progresses.
TTSG
