Energy was up, attendees were excited and exhibitors were benefiting
Last week I spent several days in Baltimore attending the Remodeling Show and DeckExpo with one of our employees. Since 2009, Hanley Wood has co-located the Deck Expo with the Remodeling Show and this has proven successful for both parties. The shows represents all parts of the remodeling community and focuses on education. I’ve been to this show many times and and was impressed this year by the overall energy and buzz from the show. Here are my takeaways:
- The DeckExpo is where it’s at: We spent significant time on both sides of the convention center and could always feels a boost of energy when we crossed over to the DeckExpo side. Not only were there great conversations during the show, but people had to be asked to leave after the show closed.
- All the major players are there: Even though IBS is the big building-product industry show, all of the major industry players also attend this show. IBS is the National Association of Home Builders’ International Builders’ Show. Since 2014, IBS has co-located with the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show during Design and Construction Week. Remodelers and deck builders are there looking for companies that support their business, and if you aren’t there, they take note.
- Interactive sponsorships get a big draw: In our social, on-demand world, you can start to wonder if people will check their watch and make it to a specific location on time for an on-floor demonstration, but the DeckExpo proved they will. Simpson Strong-Tie sponsored the Live Deck Collapse (click here for video) which always got a big draw and lots of pictures. The demo highlights common failures, especially weak ledger connections and fasteners that are not corrosion resistant. The International Residential Code requires corrosion-resistant fasteners and hardware for exterior decks. These points connect directly to IRC deck provisions and fastener corrosion protection requirements.
- The basics still work: While we all spend time thinking, re-thinking and over-thinking our tradeshow strategy, the basics still prove to work. TimberTech put out free beer and pretzels at the end of the day – something deck contractors have a hard time turning down!
- NADRA is changing the decking industry: I was invited to attend NADRA’s Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner and was really impressed what they’ve accomplished over the last 6 years and their plans for the future of the decking industry.NADRA, the North American Deck and Railing Association, leads Deck Safety Month each May. They publish a consumer deck safety checklist to promote inspections and simple maintenance. The checklist urges checks of ledger attachment, posts, railings, stairs, and hardware. If you’re not involved with this organization, now is the time.
- This is a great industry: I’ve been in this industry for over 20 years and attending tradeshows is always refreshing and energizing. We work with some great people that are dedicated to the industry and improving how people live. Plus, our industry knows how to have fun at the end of the day!
Although many of you are looking towards IBS in January, mark your calendar for October 15 – October 18, 2013 when the Remodeling Show and DeckExpo head to Chicago. You won’t want to miss it!
