July 2014 - Vol 9, Issue 7
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Our Sponsors
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July Snuck Up On Me!
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InfoComm: Technology, Networking, and
Babes?
What's the next big thing? I have no idea. Probably a Unified 4K LED Wall with a mobile interface - from what I saw at the show. On the other hand I was very pleased to see so many of you at InfoComm, but between being under the weather and having a shortened schedule this year, it was a whirlwind week.
Meetings, meetings, meetings - It sounds like business is good out there, but more and more I am talking with leaders about the stress that a healthy economy puts on systems and processes. I am thrilled to say that I added five new clients at the show and renewed or extended relationships with several others. I wonder what I could have done if I had been healthy and had more time? I'll never know...
My annual dinner was at Capital Grille and I was happy to host owners/executives from nine companies. I try to choose guests that probably don't know each other, but have something in common. There are already some blossoming business relationships developing from the networking that evening. Thank-you to Gabe Solomon, President of Mertz Crew for hosting this year.
Another tradition I have is to meet up with my fellow InfoComm Past-Presidents to catch up on our lives and businesses. Working as closely as we do on the Board, it is not surprising how long-lasting relationships become, but Officers of the association develop a special bond. Not only were we witness to all the events of an era, we were involved behind the scenes in matters that can't be discussed outside of a small circle. I am very grateful to those colleagues for their friendship, counsel, and many contributions to the industry.
Even though I spent little time on the floor, one trend was obvious: Booth Babes were back this year and the effect was rather offensive. For the uninitiated, Booth Babes refers to the practice of hiring attractive hostesses to stand in your booth to draw in attendees. In Las Vegas this is big business. Sometimes the "models" are in costumes (imagine what Marketing people think nerds would like) or simply they are in their shortest little black dress and tallest heels. At any rate, the practice stepped across a line this year and InfoComm CEO, Dave Labuskes is thankfully asking for a rethinking of this practice:
I am so happy that InfoComm's CEO spoke up about this. I did not get to spend much time on the show floor, but this was clearly a "booth babe" year. A strong economy and well...Vegas...generally brings out the Fembots. I attended one party hosted by a manufacturer that had so many rented hostesses that I left rather early. These were just kids and made up like, well...As the dad to two women in the same age group, I was offended. Time to grow up folks. Misogyny is so last century.InfoComm shook up events for Stagers by nixing the Rental & Staging Forum, but that opened up great time slot for a networking roundtable event. Read about the results here:
All in all InfoComm 2014 was a great show, a memorable event, and very productive . My apologies to everyone I missed . I really wish I could have spent time with all of you.
Interested in Sponsoring AV Matters? Visit our sponsor page or email Tom Stimson. Thanks for reading and please share this with your co-workers and encourage them to subscribe as well. As always, I welcome your questions and comments. Best Wishes,
Tom
214-553-7077 direct
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Around the Table with Tom Stimson
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CLOSING THOUGHTS |  Here's a few scribbles from the margins:
Do you know what your ideal customer looks like? Do you understand that kind of customer? Do they understand you?
Why would you market to anyone else?
See you next month, - Tom Stimson
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About Thomas R. Stimson, MBA, CTS
Tom Stimson consults with organizations to improve their performance through strategic planning, process improvement, and team development. The Stimson Group provides coaching and tools to companies in the Audiovisual Industry that enable them to define and reach their strategic goals.
Whether you serve the Rental/Staging market, the Systems' Integration market, or or provide blended services - The Stimson Group provides unparalleled expertise, industry insight, and methodologies that drive operational efficiencies and increase profitability.
For more information visit the website.
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