the event and the venue, particularly remained steady, and that has helped
electronic options that are easy and out in an otherwise challenging econo-
inexpensive.” my, she adds.
Something new being offered by the “Wearenotseeingascale-backonthose
resort-theHersheyDestinationServices sectors,” Cecala observes. “We feel
department, based at Hershey Lodge, strongly that our location and strong
can assist trade show and convention value price points have been key to us
organizers with a variety of needs.This bucking the trend that seems to be hap-
can be anything from providing lists of pening nationally. Hershey is a drive-to
area restaurants, themed activities and location - easy to get to by car or train -
eventsaspartoftheshoworconvention that is close to the major metropolitan
to helping with off-site venues for recep- corridors of the Northeast. We are just
tionsandmealfunctions,transportation, three hours from New York City; two
etc. “This is a new venture for us as part hours from Philadelphia, Washington,
of Hershey Meetings, and allows us to DC and New Jersey; and 90 minutes
offer our customers a seamless experi- from Baltimore.”
ence across the destination of Hershey,”
says Cecala. Bill Marchese, general manager for the
new Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
When it comes to larger groups at at Oaks, notes that the his facility has
Hershey Lodge,the resort hosts a wide hosted several start-up events that
varietyofconventionsasopposedtosin- launched in 2009,both trade and public
gle day-attendance trade shows. “Many shows, including The National Country
of these conventions - especially for and Crafts Show (trade), and the
associations or SMERF-related organiza- Philadelphia Motorcycle Show (public).
tions-dohaveatradeshowcomponent, He says that,despite the economy,all of
which is something that has continued theshowshaveseemedtodoquitewell.
to be strong throughout 2009 and that “Those we worked with were very intent
we foresee in future years, as well,” on maintaining a strong launch and
Cecala notes. “Associations and SMERF marketing budget,”he notes.
markets really have remained strong for
us.” In difficult times,Marchese says,sharing
insight,storiesandcontactsisimportant.
The Hershey region has been fortunate “I'll be attending my first IAEE Expo!
with regard to trade show and conven- Expo! inAtlanta this December as a pre-
tionbusinessbecausestateandregional senter, and I am looking forward to
associations and SMERF markets have meeting in person some of the people
I've only known until now by phone or
online. I’mexcitedabouttheopportuni-
ty to make new contacts while I am
there,as well.”
Cecalaassertsthattradeshowsandcon-
ventions play an important role in busi-
ness, across all industries.“A trade show
in and of itself is a way to allow vendors
to showcase the products and services
they offer and to capture more business
from attendees. Attendees, in turn, are
able to find products and services that
will meet their needs and that will keep
them competitive. Plus, these shows
allow for networking and relationship
building,which are vital in business.”
Attendance levels, show hours, layout
and flow,cost to attend,etc.are all criti-
cal components to trade show success.
Asforexhibitors-andorganizationsthat
include exhibitors - Cecala says that it is
important to research facilities that offer
42 November a79 December 2009
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