The aviation ground support industry asked and Airport Expo 2008 answered - with a hands-on, Las Vegas hotel-based trade show specifically focused on this industry segment. According to exhibitor surveys, the show's inaugural "flight" was a rousing success.
Despite hundreds of cancelled flights and a domino disruption in travel during a difficult period for the airlines, there was overwhelmingly positive industry response with a number of exhibitors already interested in scheduling the next show. "Hands down, this was the best show we've ever done in the U.S." was the enthusiastic judgment of Mike Doane of Douglas Equipment, Ltd. With no direct international sales force, "this show had a good mix" of U.S. and international visitors from the perspective of Ed Vasik of Eagle Tugs. AmeriTrak saw "THE right people" and a combination of the right people with an international presence that will help them to go global. Roger Nicholson of Access Air Systems expressed gratitude for a "GSE show focused on GSE - not watered down by extraneous visitors just collecting literature".
Airport Expo 2008 drew nearly 1,600 attendees over the three days of the show (April 8-10) and exhibitors took note of their high level. The visitors' purchasing authority was evident in the level of business activity that resulted. Cyclone Environmental Technologies was confident of at least one sale after logging 26 leads the first day, with seven of them deemed to be "extremely good". A number of exhibitors reported likely sales after the first day.
Unique Live Demonstrations and Technical Seminars a Hit
Unique to Airport Expo 2008 was a special outdoor live demonstration area that featured ongoing product presentations. According to Jeffrey Walsh of Global Ground Support, "the live demonstration area proved to be the right combination of static and live display to really push our exposure". Positive response from him and other exhibitors noted the quality of sales conversations that followed the demos. The "bull pen" adjacent to the live demo area offered on-demand opportunities for close-up inspection and the ability to test equipment operation hands-on.
Another "hot" spot was the show floor area dedicated to a series of independently produced technical seminars; some drew standing room only crowds. McCarran International Airport demonstrated their support of the show with a keynote speaker to officially open the show. Seminar topics included the FAA's VALE program, IATA's new safety audit for ground operators, the role of new technologies in securing GSE, an overview and status report on fuel cell-powered tugs, doing business in Latin America, technology on the ramp, deicing challenges of the A380 and glycol reduction techniques and equipment, and how airlines can cut costs and emissions by going electric.
Networking Success
Leading up to the planning for this show, exhibitors had expressed a need to hold it in a venue that would allow all activities to be within the same general area to foster networking opportunities. The Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino proved to be ideal with ample exhibit layout area and entertaining and social opportunities that allowed business to continue after exhibition hours. To help jump start the networking process, show organizer Mack Brooks Exhibitions sponsored a luau on Tuesday night. Complete with pig roast and steel band, the party drew high and enthusiastic attendance. A number of exhibitor surveys cited the fun and business social value of the event.
By the end of the show, many exhibitors were expressing interest in signing on for the sequel. Preston Shultz of Skyko International was pleased to see recognition given to "the little people", noting that the backbone of the industry is the small company. Roger Nicholson applauded IAGSA for identifying the industry's show needs and Mack Brooks Exhibitions for being able to so successfully respond and provide the show the industry has asked for.
