Winding down

Exhibitors are generally happy with the PMA show. Some have noted that buyers have perhaps trimmed down the list of who they sent this year, but exhibitors have seen everyone they wanted or expected to see. One exhibitor said Safeway wasn't too visible... Talk continues about the third day of the show, with one offering if the Friday-Saturday-Sunday format would be best.

Well over 17,000 attended the show from 61 countries, with 3,700 buyers among the throng, says PMA.


One exhibitor said it cost him close to $50,000 to exhibit and attend at the show with his team, but it was worth to him if he gets just one new customer.

How will trade show attendance sort itself out in 2009? Given the current economic climate, look for even more scrutiny of the costs of attending and exhibiting.