THE #1 AV NEWS PUBLICATION. PERIOD.

InfoComm: The Final Countdown to InfoComm

By Dave Labuskes
InfoComm International

Wow!

Can you believe we’re only three weeks away from InfoComm 2015?! I’m looking forward to seeing you there (you are coming, aren’t you?).

I’m going to give you some advice on how to make the most of your time at the show. Even if you are the ultimate procrastinator there is still time to right your course. Inexpensive flights and hotel rooms are still available.

WowIC15-450x300-0515First, make sure you are arriving before the show to take advantage of training. As long as you are coming to the show, take the time to learn about trends, exchange ideas with peers and master the fundamentals, if you haven’t yet done that. Take time to explore educational opportunities and sign up before your first choices are sold out.

Next, make sure you are networking. I know show days are long, but take time to make new contacts, while spending time with those who you look forward to seeing each year. Come by the opening reception, and challenge yourself to talk to at least three people you don’t know before grabbing a drink with some old friends. Talk to another person from your training session during a coffee break or lunch — it will feel natural because you have something in common to talk about. We’re also debuting some new receptions for First-Time Attendees and Young AV Professionals at the InfoComm Booth. The Women of InfoComm Network breakfast promises to be a great event – one that is only growing bigger with the formation of our council. There are sure to be gatherings throughout the show week that will have people attending that share your same challenges and experiences — meet them, and get better together!

Make the InfoComm week the “someday” you’ve been waiting for! Earn that certification you’ve been meaning to get someday. Testing is at the convention center – it really can’t be any more convenient. After you pass (yeah!) put your name on the Wall of Fame and then attend Friday’s CTS breakfast for more networking and learning.

With so many exhibits, you have to plan your show floor time. Download the app and plan your tours. You’ll want to spend plenty of time in general exhibits and decide which pavilions have the solutions you’re looking for. But leave yourself free time on the floor to make great discoveries in the Innovations Showcase. One piece of advice I got years ago… always make a point of spending time at the smaller booths around the show floor for that truly unexpected surprise discovery.

Enroll in manufacturer’s training for product-specific education that you will need to be successful – you’ll even receive a voucher to use at the show store. And don’t forget about the audio demo rooms, which open on Tuesday.

There’s an amazing amount to do. And it’s all yours to take advantage of. So do it! And don’t forget while you’re having this experience that it is brought to you through the efforts and resources of nearly 1,000 companies that are supporting you and our industry with their presence. Not only is the trade show floor experience invaluable on its own, but none of the other events, classes or experiences would be possible without the support of these manufacturers in Orlando and throughout the year.

And this leads me to a very clear point that I feel compelled to make. There are companies holding events, unassociated with InfoComm 2015 that are directly soliciting our attendees and taking advantage of the fact that our show draws a crowd of 35,000+ audiovisual professionals from around the world. Unlike our exhibitors, they aren’t contributing to the benefit of the industry by being part of your show, nor are these events contributing to the funding of the InfoComm certification, standards, or our educational programs. These companies are simply enjoying a free ride off the show and will try to draw you away from the convention center and into their own self-advantaged space.

These offerings are presented as educational offerings and may imply a commitment to your training or professional development. At any other place or time, I’d completely agree with this and support it wholeheartedly. But in the same town and at the same time as your show, these offerings become a detriment to the thousands of exhibitor personnel, faculty volunteers and everyone else that have worked for a year to welcome you back and reconnect with you. Please join me in sending a message that you think it’s wrong too, by not supporting them. Perhaps these companies will hear our message and re-think their decisions in the future.

Again, explore and take advantage of all that Orlando has to offer. Be sure to get out, have a nice meal, enjoy the attractions and parks when your show hunger has been satisfied. I’m sure you all look forward to walking around in the Orlando June weather just like me! So break in those comfortable shoes. Finish your travel plans. And start packing your bags.

I’m looking forward to celebrating you, the industry, and the future at InfoComm 2015!

This column was reprinted with permission from InfoComm International and originally appeared here.

Top