Let the good times roll

There was little evidence of the 2008/9 recession which devastated the American home improvement industry five years ago at this years National Hardware Show (NHS) which took place earlier this month in Las Vegas. Show statistics show attendance was up by **% with 2,675 exhibitors from over 40 countries attending the three day event. The NHS seems to be building it's reputation on a number of tried and tested traditions. The central stage area again provided a focal point for a variety of presentations organised by the National Hardware Retail Association and with the New Product Areas positioned nearby this area continues to provide the meeting/greeting and gathering space and the show 'buzz'. New this year was a registration area adjacent to some first time exhibitors and inventors, an interesting concept but one which did not seem to hold those who had just been issued with their badge of entrance; many seemed keen to get onto the show floor and did not linger at these booths. The NHS is divided into two halls: lawn and garden and home improvement, with the home improvement hall being sectioned into industry categories. Many companies exhibit each year and take exactly the same positions as they did the prior occasion. Consequently maps and apps are barely needed as it was easy to find exhibitors as many were located where they were the previous year. The success of many shows can be discerned by the number of vacant booth spaces and 'dead spaces'. These were few and far between in Las Vegas. A few companies chose not to exhibit on the show floor and instead opted for a meeting room. One executive stated that although his company lost the passing traffic being on the show floor offered, their primary reason for attending the show was to meet with existing customers in a quiet conducive space and the meeting room provided this. Interestingly it was also seen as more cost effective than being on the show floor. Although the daytime attendance and atmosphere on the floor was good, it could be suggested the biggest failing was the lack of additional industry networking opportunities. While the NRHA did have a number of events for members and guests these tended to be presentations. The closure of the Worldwide DIY Council in November 2013 meant the traditional Monday evening networking party this organization traditionally provided had gone. Another event which was not held this year was the International Reception, despite the show administration talking up the number of international attendees. If the NHS wants to build on its success it needs to add events and encourage others to host additional networking functions. However there was a pool party on the first night for all attendees which did encourage some international gatherings.Jayne Seagrave Marketing Director Vancouver Tool Corp.