This was one for the record books. COVID19 made its mark on the Las Vegas Market in so many ways, including the postponement from January to April. There was the temperature-taking before entering the Market; the no-badge rule set by the State of Nevada (our phones were our badges, so there was no easy identifying who were buyers or sellers or what…); the stickers on the elevator floors allowing only 5 spots per car, the ghost-town feel of the courtyard between buildings; the masks mandated to be worn (but the level of “askew-ness” was not a seeming issue); and the marked “quiet” that engulfed the entire event.
The Specialty Sleep Association showroom was open with 5 member companies open and present in the room. There were another 9 companies who had their displays in tact, but were available only via phone.
The SSA February survey indicated that about 30% of attendees were planning to attend. There was indeed that number who came through the showroom, with about half of that being buyers. It was a quiet show. Exhibitors in the SSA showroom, and around the market said that the buyers who were there were serious, and the meetings that happened were meaningful. The comments below each photo below show the spectrum of the April experience in Las Vegas.
SSA Director Tambra Jones reflected, “Although it was a quiet market, it was a time to reconnect. Everyone I spoke with was looking forward to the August show, and optimistic about the vibrancy that will come back to the Las Vegas Market. We at the SSA are absolutely optimistic about the return of the vibrancy of the Las Vegas Market!“ On that note, please contact Tambra if she can help you with your August Las Vegas plans. Call or email her at Tambra@sleepinformation.org or 559-868-4287 office / 559-676-8639 mobile.
Brent Polunsky, W.Silver Frames: “Although traffic was down significantly, I believe our traffic met our expectations. The quality of the buyers that went through the space was good, and they were not tire kickers! I met with the right people, and I opened up significant new accounts. I think the market was worth attending for my company.”
Jane Arason, Arason Enterprises: “This was not a good a show from a business perspective. I wish we had skipped it. We did take an order and met a few potential new customers. There is always some positive follow up from the advertising, too. We got to see friends that are out west and that was a plus.”
Butch Craig, Sleep and Beyond: “Sleep & Beyond had a good April 2021 Vegas Market. We launched three new products and the following results speak for the success of the market for Sleep & Beyond. Visitors: 12 companies - Seven States - 24 Buyers- Two Leads. The April Vegas Market was a Dress Rehearsal for the Vegas August 22-26 Market which is only four months away.
There is an old saying! Same song different verse! Success is 80% Showing and 20% Follow Up! Plan your work & Work Your Plan! The Right Frame Of Mind Work Every Time.”
The IMC Mask Patrol Unit
Juan Gonzalez, BestRest: “It was much slower than I expected but iIsaved the trip with my trip thru California.”
Lynn Kelly, Sleep in Motion: “Wish I had skipped not enough there. Wasn’t worth the expense.”