| How to get involved with LSAF [message #67174 is a reply to message #67172] |
Fri, 22 April 2011 22:28   |
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Wayne Parham
Messages: 18790
Registered: January 2001
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Illuminati (33rd Degree) |
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One thing I've noticed over the many years I've done this show is that most people like it, some love it, but there is always one or two that just don't get it. They have a wish list of things they'd "like to see" but then expect others to do it for them. Not exactly sure how to respond to them.
At one time, I was pretty active encouraging people to get involved, to get into action in some way. I did that for several years. But now I really don't. I think there are enough of us out there that get it, someone will nudge these guys and help them understand what we're doing and how to go about making this show work for them.
The Lone Star Audiofest is free for all. It's all inclusive. It's a real grass root movement, probably the closest thing to an open source project we have in audio. But like all other open source stuff, the participant has to take responsibility for their own success. The benefit you gain from this show is directly proportional to the amount of effort you put into it.
I would like to remind all the exhibitors of this fact. They should each take it upon themselves to promote their own rooms. They should speak to the audio press about it. They should announce their intention to attend on their websites. Everyone should take it upon themselves to do their own press releases. That's how this show works.
Exhibitors should also send a message to the Lone Star Audiofest email address announcing their intention to attend, and perhaps send a logo and photo of the gear they plan to bring. That way, they can be added to the exhibitors list. If they don't send word, they won't be listed, I mean, we're not combing the web looking for people that say they might be here. Make a reservation and send an email.
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| Re: How to get involved with LSAF [message #67181 is a reply to message #67177] |
Sat, 23 April 2011 02:49 |
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Wayne Parham
Messages: 18790
Registered: January 2001
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Illuminati (33rd Degree) |
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I don't think you're off base at all. But I don't think that most people are confused by this setup. I think there are a few people that want more, but there's always that. Most people understand what we're doing and how it works.
I look around at the exhibitors websites, and I see several of them that prominantly display the fact that they'll be at LSAF with statements like "Come see us in Dallas at Lone Star Audio Fest, May 13-15, 2011." They post messages in their support forums. They do the appropriate amount of self-promotion, and use the show to connect with their customers and prospects.
I don't suppose there's anything wrong with the shows that have a traditional promoter. But that's not what LSAF is. We basically let the exhibitor keep the couple thousand bucks they would have paid for the same room at another show. They can use that money to advertise their room in other ways, or they can do their own self-promotion and use the money for other forms of advertisement or for R&D or whatever else.
If people are wondering if LSAF is advertised, honestly, they must not have their thinking caps on because the rooms are $99/night and the reservation is made directly with the hotel. Where would the ad revenues come from? Most trade shows like this cost a few thousand bucks. And in my experience, you don't get much for your money. That's why we did LSAF the way we did.
We get the same advantage of having a group of high-end audio exhibitors, which makes it a convenient place for people to come. Walk-in attendees can experience several types of systems in a weekend. And we get good coverage from the ezines and messageboards. That reaches out to everyone else that couldn't attend the show.
I'm very happy with the exposure I get from LSAF every year. I know you are too, as are most others. I don't mean to be "preaching to the choir" here, and I know I am. But I did feel I needed to respond.
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