Happy holidays to you all! I know I’m very much looking forward to New Year’s Eve festivities (if you can’t imagine why I might be excited about 2010, you may want to watch our recent newscast!) and am already hoping that the new year has good things in store for our industry. Being prone to reflection, I can’t help but take some time now to look back at the year drawing to a close. Last year the contributing editors of USGNN.com™ each offered their take on the top stories of 2008, and this year I thought I’d ask for your input.
For my part, I think it’s easy to say that the economy has remained at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Obviously one high-profile bankruptcy has been leading the headlines of late, but we’ve run numerous stories throughout the year about several large fabrication and manufacturing facilities closing due to the economy. On the other hand, I’ve been surprised by how many stories we’ve also run about smaller fabricators growing into new markets and expanding their businesses. I think the story for 2010, perhaps 2011, may be about some of the smaller companies rising to the top of the industry supply chain.
We’ve also looked at a couple of the headline-making stories of 2008 that grew more quietly in 2009. For example, BIM wasn’t quite the magic word this year that it was last year—at least not for subcontractors—but the number of glass product suppliers listed in BIM libraries had grown exponentially from when we had first reported on this trend. Also, by 2009 it seemed that the word solar was becoming better understood; that is, while solar energy remained a hot topic for the glass industry, more speakers on this topic have offered words of caution rather than unbridled optimism.
As far as trends to come, in the scattered days I’ve been at work this month (between the holidays and some surprising snow days), I’ve been following up on what’s shaping up to be a big trend for at least early 2010: the business opportunities in energy efficiency retrofits. Green’s continuing as a money-making trend that could help commercial glass suppliers and installers keep plenty busy as new construction starts slow. (If this is a trend you’re noticing, please let me know.)
And there are a couple trends we at USGlass have been very much impacted by. I mentioned our newscast at the beginning of this blog, but the newscast is simply one of a multitude of ways we’ve been growing online. At the recent BETEC Symposium, I found myself taking notes and snapping photos for our newsletter and print stories; shooting video footage to use in that newscast; and tweeting highlights from the presentations. What is surprising is that the online mutlti-tasking is hardly a media trend—glass businesses have been jumping online in increasingly new and creative ways this year as well.
So now it’s your turn. What would you say was the headline of 2009? What about the biggest trend? Please share your comments here.
And for a similar take, check out DWM editor Tara Taffera's blog.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Holiday Shopping – for Glass
I hope everyone had a very happy Thanksgiving. I actually hosted my first turkey-day and I’m happy to report that the house is still standing, so I consider it to have been a success. Despite my neighbors who several weeks ago put up the white lights and wreaths on their house (before taking down the scarecrow, might I add), I believe we’ve only just begun the holiday season and the bustle of shopping that comes with it. I’m hoping that for many of you holiday shopping means big sales of doors, windows, mirrors, shower doors, glass tabletops and other related goodies.
My last couple of blogs have focused on my personal adventures in door and window shopping; now I’m hoping that you will share your experiences on the selling side. The January 2010 (yes, already 2010) USGlass will include our annual look at glass in the residential market. Are things starting to look up? Are certain products selling more than others? Do you have any predictions you’d like to share for what’s to come? Please drop me a line to let me know what trends you’re seeing.
Now speaking of predictions, each December or January when I contact people to offer their forecasts for what they think (or hope) will come to pass in the year ahead, I get at least one or two comments along the lines of “well I don’t have a crystal ball, but …” I’m sure, too, that some of you readers share my usual reaction, “These predictions sound about right to me, but how many of these forecasts actually are going to pan out?” That’s why this year we’re taking a different angle (credit for this must go to the ever-creative Mr. Paul Bieber). Knowing what you know now, we’d like to know what you would have done differently during 2009. Our hope is that this look at what’s taken place in the year behind us is likely to help us more critically examine what’s to come. If you’re willing to offer a sharp look back at the year that’s passed for our article in the January USGlass, please let me know.
My last couple of blogs have focused on my personal adventures in door and window shopping; now I’m hoping that you will share your experiences on the selling side. The January 2010 (yes, already 2010) USGlass will include our annual look at glass in the residential market. Are things starting to look up? Are certain products selling more than others? Do you have any predictions you’d like to share for what’s to come? Please drop me a line to let me know what trends you’re seeing.
Now speaking of predictions, each December or January when I contact people to offer their forecasts for what they think (or hope) will come to pass in the year ahead, I get at least one or two comments along the lines of “well I don’t have a crystal ball, but …” I’m sure, too, that some of you readers share my usual reaction, “These predictions sound about right to me, but how many of these forecasts actually are going to pan out?” That’s why this year we’re taking a different angle (credit for this must go to the ever-creative Mr. Paul Bieber). Knowing what you know now, we’d like to know what you would have done differently during 2009. Our hope is that this look at what’s taken place in the year behind us is likely to help us more critically examine what’s to come. If you’re willing to offer a sharp look back at the year that’s passed for our article in the January USGlass, please let me know.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Decision Time
I had one other lumberyard I wanted to check out for the door and window products I need for my remodeling project but it turned out the supply company was only open while I was working and things have been a little bit too busy here at the office for me to take a couple hours to go shop. So one evening while at Home Depot looking for a couple other items, Chris and I stopped by the window display.
I hate to say it, but the display was very nice. They had three manufacturers’ products on display, with a range of high-end to what I’d call more reasonably priced options for each manufacturer. We were immediately drawn to one particular window and about the time we had made up our minds there was a sales associate at our elbow ready to help us draw up a quote. Elijah walked us quickly through the options for the window and was able to print out a price and detailed description of the particular window we wanted in less than five minutes. The two-week delivery time was a bit of a drawback but as there was no question this was the product we wanted we agreed to the purchase. The patio door we did ultimately purchase from Supplier A – it was a good product he had and the lower price helped our decision.
Now hopefully I’ll have some photos of the installation process in a couple weeks!
Now on another note, I just wanted to send out a reminder that the December issue of USGlass features our Industry Buyer’s Guide. If you or someone at your company has not yet registered to be included, please send me an email this week. We’ve updated our process for bringing you the guide, putting it entirely in your hands, so it’s essential that you register with us to be listed. And trust me, you want to be listed. This is the issue that people will be reaching for all year to find out which companies offer the products they need.
I hate to say it, but the display was very nice. They had three manufacturers’ products on display, with a range of high-end to what I’d call more reasonably priced options for each manufacturer. We were immediately drawn to one particular window and about the time we had made up our minds there was a sales associate at our elbow ready to help us draw up a quote. Elijah walked us quickly through the options for the window and was able to print out a price and detailed description of the particular window we wanted in less than five minutes. The two-week delivery time was a bit of a drawback but as there was no question this was the product we wanted we agreed to the purchase. The patio door we did ultimately purchase from Supplier A – it was a good product he had and the lower price helped our decision.
Now hopefully I’ll have some photos of the installation process in a couple weeks!
Now on another note, I just wanted to send out a reminder that the December issue of USGlass features our Industry Buyer’s Guide. If you or someone at your company has not yet registered to be included, please send me an email this week. We’ve updated our process for bringing you the guide, putting it entirely in your hands, so it’s essential that you register with us to be listed. And trust me, you want to be listed. This is the issue that people will be reaching for all year to find out which companies offer the products they need.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Secret Shopping Part I
After my visit to what we’ll call Supplier A, I had to give the company props for being contractor-oriented—even if, as a retail customer, I was put off by the customer service.
As I mentioned last week, my roommate, Chris, and I are in the process of
shopping for a new patio door and window for our den, and our contractor advised visiting Supplier A for products. So Saturday morning we headed down the road to a nearby industrial park. While the way to the building was clearly marked, upon reaching it we couldn’t figure out where to park. The lot crowded with heavy equipment turned out to be the correct side, unfortunately.
As I mentioned last week, my roommate, Chris, and I are in the process of
shopping for a new patio door and window for our den, and our contractor advised visiting Supplier A for products. So Saturday morning we headed down the road to a nearby industrial park. While the way to the building was clearly marked, upon reaching it we couldn’t figure out where to park. The lot crowded with heavy equipment turned out to be the correct side, unfortunately.Inside I found Supplier A to have a very orderly showroom with several window products on display. A customer was waiting while the man behind the desk spoke on the telephone, and so I went to browse the window displays. There were five display windows installed into sample walls of siding products. Each window carried an Energy Star label and proclaimed in a sticker at the top that they were available in glass packages that qualified for the tax credit. Alongside each sample wall were racks of literature, including a range of brochures from the manufacturers whose products Supplier A offered and a detailed glossy on the ARRA tax credit, stamped with Supplier A’s logo. I thought that was a clever touch, and when I headed up to the front of the store I found Chris had one in hand as well as they were scattered throughout the store.
Once the other customer left the store the salesperson at the front desk asked what he could do for us. We explained we were looking for a new door and window and he stared at us for a moment and then went to retrieve a thick yellow binder.
“Steel or fiberglass?” he asked.
“Fiberglass,” I said.
“You going to put something on it, like some lace, or something else like that,” he asked, his face scrunching up at the word lace as addressed Chris.
“Yeah, we’ll probably install blinds,” Chris replied.
“How much sun does it get?” the salesperson asked.
“Just a couple hours of morning sun,” I answered. “Nothing direct for very long.”
“Ok,” the salesperson said, “then you don’t need anything like the low-E or argon-filled if you agree you don’t get much sun over there. I’ve got this problem in my house where the sun’s coming through my front door pretty much all day and burning through the door.” I didn’t think he believed my answer, but considered it a good sign that we were edging toward a real conversation.
The salesperson flipped to a page of patio doors.
“Something like this?” he asked, pointing to an open glass door. We pointed to the one next to it with divided lites.
“You want the grids on the outside, the removable grids or the inside grids?” he asked us.
Explaining that I wasn’t thrilled with the removable grilles on the other windows in our house, I suggested attached outside grilles.
“The inside grids are for easy cleaning,” he explained with a motion of wiping the glass. Obviously in addition to lacy stuff this sales guy figured I also was obsessed with window cleaning. Boy does this guy not know me, I thought to myself, thinking to the handprint that’s been on our patio door since we moved in; I kind of like the way it seems to wave to me.
“Sure, why not, the interior grilles are nice,” I said.
After deciding on the handing he pointed to the product he would offer us. “Do you have any options we can take a look at?” Chris asked.
The sales guy got on the loudspeaker and called for his assistant to come out. Knowing how long we’d been waiting initially I was a little frustrated to know there was another helper lurking in the back. But when I saw said helper, I understood why he’d been hiding.
Okay, I understood this place is geared toward contractors and the usual customers might have found the inappropriate logo on the guy’s shirt amusing. But c’mon guys, if you have a showroom and there’s the least chance you’re going to be doing retail business, let’s leave the risqué logos at home, okay?
Sighing, I began to explain the size and style of the window we wanted to match the others in our home but when I said the word “wood” the salesperson shook his head and smiled grimly. We pushed him to offer a quote on a comparable vinyl product so that we could get a sense of the price difference.
At that point another customer walked in, obviously a regular as the second salesperson greeted him. Apparently thinking that it would take me ten minutes to quickly scribble down the approximate costs of doors, window and siding, our helper excused himself to assist the contractor with what he needed. In a place geared toward contractors, I could appreciate putting the regular customer first … but it still ticked me off.
After the other customer was taken care of, our salesperson took us back into the warehouse to look at products. It was reasonably clean in the area where we walked, with wide open aisles of wood, siding, doors and windows. He pulled out an example of the door he’d guided us toward and we agreed that’s what we were looking for.
Next he took us over to a window display. As he showed us the size options, I couldn’t help but think that the large cardboard boxes scattered in front of it were a slip hazard. Chris joked that I 
wanted the biggest windows available—which, I’ve got to admit, is true, since I love our view—and the sales guy laughed at me and told Chris, “Boy have you got your work cut out for you.” I like to think he wasn’t intending to be rude but by that point my patience had already run out.
wanted the biggest windows available—which, I’ve got to admit, is true, since I love our view—and the sales guy laughed at me and told Chris, “Boy have you got your work cut out for you.” I like to think he wasn’t intending to be rude but by that point my patience had already run out. And then that was that. No writing down quotes. No business card. The sales guy explained that next Friday he’d be leaving for a month but that anyone at the front could help us with our order.
So you can probably guess what I’m doing this afternoon. Yup, checking out the competition down the road. I’ll keep you posted.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Adventures in Remodeling
At the Atlanta show a couple of weeks ago I talked with several individuals who mentioned that there are lots of opportunities out there for the glass industry when it comes to retrofitting. I’ve been reading about a couple notable examples of retrofits in the consumer press, and it’s a topic we’ll be looking at more closely in USGlass in the future. So if you’ve noticed this trend, or are planning to take part in it, please send me a note about your current or planned retrofit projects.
On a much smaller scale, I’m excited to share that the first real remodeling project at my own home is going to involve a new, energy-efficient door and window. I’ve been living in the 20-year-old house for a full two-months now. My projects have included painting most of the upstairs, whereas my roommate tends toward more extreme (i.e. expensive) measures to personalize our home. But I could hardly argue with him when he proposed this project, since it would mean a chance to visit some local glass shops (glass geek that I am).
Saturday morning I got to meet Ken, the second contractor to come out and offer a quote on our little project. We explained that we wanted gone the foggy old sliding glass door that breaks up the very long den. Instead we’re hoping to install at one end a French door to lead out on the deck and on the other end, close to the fireplace, install a window. It’s essentially an attempt to make more cozy and usable an unusually long and narrow room that's broken up in odd ways.
Ken listened while we explained, nodded a few times, and said, “Sure, that’s no problem.” Once he got to offering a quote it seemed he might be right.
Ken went on to explain that now is the time to be doing remodeling projects, when so many contractors are out bidding on the same project (an unfortunate problem I’ve been hearing repeated by glazing contractors). He added that purchasing new doors and windows is a great investment now given the tax credits available for these energy efficiency upgrades (I smiled and nodded, pleased to hear that this benefit was being promoted – for more information you may want to visit our sister publication DWM’s e-green site). Ken finally said that if we had something particular in mind regarding the new glass products, we could pick them up ourselves and he’d be happy to supply the labor. Now the only tough part here is to shrink everything I’ve been reading/writing about, and all the products I got to eye at the show earlier this month, into a selection for my own home.
Consider this part one of my glass adventure. We’ve got one more individual swinging by to offer a quote, and then I’m off to shop some of the local glass shops – I’ll keep you posted on what I find.
On a much smaller scale, I’m excited to share that the first real remodeling project at my own home is going to involve a new, energy-efficient door and window. I’ve been living in the 20-year-old house for a full two-months now. My projects have included painting most of the upstairs, whereas my roommate tends toward more extreme (i.e. expensive) measures to personalize our home. But I could hardly argue with him when he proposed this project, since it would mean a chance to visit some local glass shops (glass geek that I am).
Saturday morning I got to meet Ken, the second contractor to come out and offer a quote on our little project. We explained that we wanted gone the foggy old sliding glass door that breaks up the very long den. Instead we’re hoping to install at one end a French door to lead out on the deck and on the other end, close to the fireplace, install a window. It’s essentially an attempt to make more cozy and usable an unusually long and narrow room that's broken up in odd ways.
Ken listened while we explained, nodded a few times, and said, “Sure, that’s no problem.” Once he got to offering a quote it seemed he might be right.
Ken went on to explain that now is the time to be doing remodeling projects, when so many contractors are out bidding on the same project (an unfortunate problem I’ve been hearing repeated by glazing contractors). He added that purchasing new doors and windows is a great investment now given the tax credits available for these energy efficiency upgrades (I smiled and nodded, pleased to hear that this benefit was being promoted – for more information you may want to visit our sister publication DWM’s e-green site). Ken finally said that if we had something particular in mind regarding the new glass products, we could pick them up ourselves and he’d be happy to supply the labor. Now the only tough part here is to shrink everything I’ve been reading/writing about, and all the products I got to eye at the show earlier this month, into a selection for my own home.
Consider this part one of my glass adventure. We’ve got one more individual swinging by to offer a quote, and then I’m off to shop some of the local glass shops – I’ll keep you posted on what I find.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Show Review Part I
First things first – thanks to everyone who stopped by the booth to hand me a bottle of hand sanitizer. Just to know you are all reading that closely had me smiling throughout the event - and I made it out of Atlanta unscathed so I suppose it helped!
Second, a huge thanks to everyone who, with a big grin, told our Newscast viewers “they are watching USGNN.” Readers/Viewers, next week’s Newscast will have lots of unseen show footage and a couple great surprises so you’re definitely going to want to tune in for that.
I had a lot of exhibitors asking for my take on the show and when I got their input, boy was there a range. In a few cases I heard “best show in years” and in many cases I heard “no one’s coming by.” We were happily in the middle. Every time I eventually made it back to the booth there seemed to be someone on my heels eager to talk and I was thrilled that so many people came to seek out us (and, more likely, extra copies of the magazine).
Speaking of which, I was so glad to see the folks at APG International coming by for extra copies of this September issue. We were honored to publish Ed Zaucha’s article, which I think is a big wake-up call to anyone who doesn’t have such a plan in place. If you haven't read it, I'd encourage you to seek out our digital edition pronto.
It was a pleasure to meet in person Eugene Negrin and Mike Kelley, both of whom I talked recently for our feature in the October USGlass on tips for purchasing new machinery and equipment during a down economy. That’s always one of the highlights of the show for me, to finally shake hands with those people who are so eager to help out with comments for and insight into our various articles. I got to meet a lot of new faces, which was great, and I look forward to working (and, in some cases, playing shuffleboard) with you all more extensively in the future. It also was very interesting to hear the thoughts of those long-time GBA veterans on the show, from our own sales rep Scott Rickles, who has been attending for a good 30 years; to Dan De Gorter who shared his thoughts on the transitions the event has taken for our preview; and Dennis Clark who offered his comments for us on video.
To the exhibitors I talked to who seemed so downtrodden about their chances in our Green Design Awards (you know who you are) ... you might be surprised ... To everyone who hasn’t voted yet, visit http://www.usglassmag.com/ to cast your votes this week!
I was glad I finally ran into Urmilla Sowell, Helen Sanders and Stanley Yee who have all be so active in GANA’s efforts to try and work with ASHRAE on its updates of 90.1. It’s a huge issue we all need to pay attention to, but they’ve done a great job in taking the lead on this. If you made it to the ASHRAE meeting that took place in Atlanta last week, I'd like to hear your thoughts on this issue.
To everyone I didn’t get to say hello to in person—please drop me a line with your thoughts on the show or anything you feel must be included in the show review. I tried my best to cover it all, but I think one of the results of a smaller show is that everyone had a little more time to talk.
Now this is part one of the show review ... for the in-depth review you'll have to keep checking back to USGNN and look for the November issue of USGlass.
Looking forward ...
Metalcon is set to kick-off tomorrow in Tampa, Fla. While I won’t be able to attend that event myself, I would like to you hear your thoughts on it.
Taking place later this week is another energy-focused event—the Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon. Let us know if your products will be featured in any of the energy-efficient test homes being built on the National Mall as I know last year we got a ton of news releases on this event.
Vitrum is coming up at the end of this month. Two years ago I provided some tips for first-time attendees to the Italian trade show of note. If you have any to add to the list I hope to update this blog as this event for glass fabricators gets underway.
A little further afield is Greenbuild, set for November 11-13 in Phoenix. I know YKK AP is saving its latest product launch for that up-and-coming show; let me know who else thinks that will be the glass industry’s big event for the year.
Second, a huge thanks to everyone who, with a big grin, told our Newscast viewers “they are watching USGNN.” Readers/Viewers, next week’s Newscast will have lots of unseen show footage and a couple great surprises so you’re definitely going to want to tune in for that.
I had a lot of exhibitors asking for my take on the show and when I got their input, boy was there a range. In a few cases I heard “best show in years” and in many cases I heard “no one’s coming by.” We were happily in the middle. Every time I eventually made it back to the booth there seemed to be someone on my heels eager to talk and I was thrilled that so many people came to seek out us (and, more likely, extra copies of the magazine).
Speaking of which, I was so glad to see the folks at APG International coming by for extra copies of this September issue. We were honored to publish Ed Zaucha’s article, which I think is a big wake-up call to anyone who doesn’t have such a plan in place. If you haven't read it, I'd encourage you to seek out our digital edition pronto.
It was a pleasure to meet in person Eugene Negrin and Mike Kelley, both of whom I talked recently for our feature in the October USGlass on tips for purchasing new machinery and equipment during a down economy. That’s always one of the highlights of the show for me, to finally shake hands with those people who are so eager to help out with comments for and insight into our various articles. I got to meet a lot of new faces, which was great, and I look forward to working (and, in some cases, playing shuffleboard) with you all more extensively in the future. It also was very interesting to hear the thoughts of those long-time GBA veterans on the show, from our own sales rep Scott Rickles, who has been attending for a good 30 years; to Dan De Gorter who shared his thoughts on the transitions the event has taken for our preview; and Dennis Clark who offered his comments for us on video.
To the exhibitors I talked to who seemed so downtrodden about their chances in our Green Design Awards (you know who you are) ... you might be surprised ... To everyone who hasn’t voted yet, visit http://www.usglassmag.com/ to cast your votes this week!
I was glad I finally ran into Urmilla Sowell, Helen Sanders and Stanley Yee who have all be so active in GANA’s efforts to try and work with ASHRAE on its updates of 90.1. It’s a huge issue we all need to pay attention to, but they’ve done a great job in taking the lead on this. If you made it to the ASHRAE meeting that took place in Atlanta last week, I'd like to hear your thoughts on this issue.
To everyone I didn’t get to say hello to in person—please drop me a line with your thoughts on the show or anything you feel must be included in the show review. I tried my best to cover it all, but I think one of the results of a smaller show is that everyone had a little more time to talk.
Now this is part one of the show review ... for the in-depth review you'll have to keep checking back to USGNN and look for the November issue of USGlass.
Looking forward ...
Metalcon is set to kick-off tomorrow in Tampa, Fla. While I won’t be able to attend that event myself, I would like to you hear your thoughts on it.
Taking place later this week is another energy-focused event—the Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon. Let us know if your products will be featured in any of the energy-efficient test homes being built on the National Mall as I know last year we got a ton of news releases on this event.
Vitrum is coming up at the end of this month. Two years ago I provided some tips for first-time attendees to the Italian trade show of note. If you have any to add to the list I hope to update this blog as this event for glass fabricators gets underway.
A little further afield is Greenbuild, set for November 11-13 in Phoenix. I know YKK AP is saving its latest product launch for that up-and-coming show; let me know who else thinks that will be the glass industry’s big event for the year.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Nervous Nelly Braces for Atlanta
Usually about this time of year I’m eagerly anticipating a chance to get on the road and get a chance to mingle with the familiar faces at national trade shows. But I don’t know, folks, this year I’m feeling a bit more trepidation about next week’s GlassBuild down in Atlanta.
For starters, my colleagues and I made the decision a couple months back to drive down to the show, our magazines and booth in tow. Seemed like a great idea at the time, until the reports started coming in about the terrible flooding the area is facing. Our hearts go out to those impacted by the floodwaters. But then too are the practical concerns, which began to worry me even before I chatted with Vitro’s Alice Dickerson about her downtown commute.
Assuming we make it to the show without problems, I know some of my coworkers are a wee bit concerned about the stories circulating regarding the H1N1 virus. Nowhere does a germaphobe live more in fear than in areas where large crowds circulate, eager to shake hands. So don’t be offended if you stop by Booth 2902 to talk with my colleagues Holly Biller and Katie Hodge, who will be manning the booth, and catch a glimpse of them heading straight for the hand sanitizer.
Then there’s the show itself. I’ve spent all day double-checking appointments, revising my seminar schedule and other such organizational tasks. Unfortunately, it feels like the second I’ve written down a booth number, that company is no longer on the exhibit list, so I’m nervous that we’ll have another mis-marked directory on our hands.
I’m not usually such a pessimist. And I am optimistically hoping that these concerns will fade by the time our van is stuffed with magazines, or at least by the time the appropriate driving music CD is blasting. But I think I’d feel a lot more optimistic if some of my co-attendees out there would drop me a line or leave me a comment here about what you’re eagerly anticipating at this week’s show … or if you’ve got your own organizing to do, just drop by the booth Wednesday to share some positive stories about your company that will help set the tone for this year’s event.
For starters, my colleagues and I made the decision a couple months back to drive down to the show, our magazines and booth in tow. Seemed like a great idea at the time, until the reports started coming in about the terrible flooding the area is facing. Our hearts go out to those impacted by the floodwaters. But then too are the practical concerns, which began to worry me even before I chatted with Vitro’s Alice Dickerson about her downtown commute.
Assuming we make it to the show without problems, I know some of my coworkers are a wee bit concerned about the stories circulating regarding the H1N1 virus. Nowhere does a germaphobe live more in fear than in areas where large crowds circulate, eager to shake hands. So don’t be offended if you stop by Booth 2902 to talk with my colleagues Holly Biller and Katie Hodge, who will be manning the booth, and catch a glimpse of them heading straight for the hand sanitizer.
Then there’s the show itself. I’ve spent all day double-checking appointments, revising my seminar schedule and other such organizational tasks. Unfortunately, it feels like the second I’ve written down a booth number, that company is no longer on the exhibit list, so I’m nervous that we’ll have another mis-marked directory on our hands.
I’m not usually such a pessimist. And I am optimistically hoping that these concerns will fade by the time our van is stuffed with magazines, or at least by the time the appropriate driving music CD is blasting. But I think I’d feel a lot more optimistic if some of my co-attendees out there would drop me a line or leave me a comment here about what you’re eagerly anticipating at this week’s show … or if you’ve got your own organizing to do, just drop by the booth Wednesday to share some positive stories about your company that will help set the tone for this year’s event.
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