View Full Version : Geek.Com Reports On The Pre-PC Expo Party
Janak Parekh
09-18-2003, 08:30 PM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.geek.com/news/geeknews/2003Sep/bpd20030916021780.htm' target='_blank'>http://www.geek.com/news/geeknews/2...30916021780.htm</a><br /><br /></div>"As I've stated before, my favorite part about technology conferences is the pre-show. As was the case in previous years, this pre-show didn't disappoint. First off, it was so big that it went by three different names: DigitalFocus; MobileFocus; and Rave! The strange thing is that they were all in the same room. One side was for Digital, the other side was for Mobile, and the middle was all Rave! All together there were 46 exhibitors. Since this is meant to be a pre-show, I'll highlight some of the cooler things I saw."<br /><br />Lots of cool stuff. If I had known that <i>none</i> of it was going to be on the show floor, I would have just attended the media-only event. In any case, the Geek folks do a fantastic job on reporting on new and upcoming items like the Viewsonic V36, several Smartphones, and more, so check it out.
sub_tex
09-18-2003, 09:57 PM
Wait, you mean there were actually gadgets of any kind at a PC Expo event this year? *gasp*
What a joke this year's expo was. Why hide the toys from the main event?
Janak I am sick to my stomach. This is exactly what we all came to NYC to see - what could the show organizers EVER have been thinking? Worse yet, since NONE of those product producers were exhibitors, what were legitimate exhibitors thinking who paid tons of money for their space and got zero exposure?
In other words the show screwed both the paying exhibitors and attendees - WHY!? Wow is my head ever spinning on this one!
Janak Parekh
09-19-2003, 04:46 AM
In other words the show screwed both the paying exhibitors and attendees - WHY!? Wow is my head ever spinning on this one!
I'm completely confused too. My only guess is that the guys who were at the press party didn't bother with the main show because it costs more to have a booth, and all they wanted to show off to was the press itself. :|
--janak
But that is my point. How is it that THEY knew and paying Exhibitors didn't? Most of the participants look like total strangers to the show with little or no connection to PCs or mobile computing! Also, how is it that YOU knew about this and thousands of paying attendees didn't? What is the secret to digging these events up?
I would have REALLY liked being there but give me a break! The company behind ZVUE is less half a year old, their product is a toy (10yr olds to 19s), They have NEVER paid for exhibit space at any past PCExpo and their only product has ZERO to do with PCs or Mobile computing. TO varying degrees, the same was true with the other companies there.
So...
A. - How does one find out about "insider" events (Networld is up next at Javits).
B. - Does this mean I can slip into the next pre-show with my stuff at no charge for plenty of free wine and cheese, and publicity?
C. - Is this is flat out amazing or am I being fractious!?
Janak Parekh
09-19-2003, 05:39 AM
But that is my point. How is it that THEY knew and paying Exhibitors didn't? Most of the participants look like total strangers to the show with little or no connection to PCs or mobile computing! Also, how is it that YOU knew about this and thousands of paying attendees didn't? What is the secret to digging these events up?
When I said "they", I meant exhibitors. As to how press parties work, I don't have a clue. I do get emails a couple of weeks in advance letting me know, as I'm registered as press at such functions, but I really just didn't have the time to attend the one before PC Expo.
A. - How does one find out about "insider" events (Networld is up next at Javits).
You have to be registered as press.
C. - Is this is flat out amazing or am I being fractious!?
I agree it's messed up, but have no solution. :(
--janak
HA HA! I just found out the whys! The pre-show has nothing to do with PCExpo. It is done by a marketing company that uses the draw of all big shows to package their participants. It just so happens that in this case their pre-show was a hundred times better than the main attraction! It is also likely that their clients paid some big bucks to be there, BUT still a fraction of what a booth would have cost them. Great idea!
Janak Parekh
09-19-2003, 04:22 PM
Thanks for the heads-up, TomB. :)
--janak
rustywallace
10-17-2003, 12:44 AM
HA HA! I just found out the whys! The pre-show has nothing to do with PCExpo. It is done by a marketing company that uses the draw of all big shows to package their participants.
These things are hugely common, and they often have absolutely nothing to do with the actual show. Sometimes they do. And as someone mentioned earlier, they are "press-only" events. In some cases, they don't even let you in just because you have a press badge. In some cases, you have to actually have some credibility beyond posting a few thoughts on a blog here and there.
And actually, almost always, these shows are going to be better than the main show because they have open alcohol bars, tons of food, and more of a quaint atmosphere. Someone was a genious for coming up with the idea because the press love these things.
rustywallace
11-05-2003, 12:00 AM
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