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Walking the 2012 Carolina's GCSA Conference and Trade Show with Tim Kreger, the association's executive director, is like accompanying a rock star. Kreger seemingly can't go 10 feet without stopping to shake someone's hand, answer a question or point a beleaguered attendee in the right direction.
We got Kreger to sit down for a few minutes to talk about the 2012 Carolinas Show and how he plans to maintain its momentum and grow its success.
This has been a record year the Carolinas Show. Tell us a little about that.
Last year was the first time we sold more than 1,300 seminar seats and we're well on our way to break that record this year. What's really remarkable is that, in the show's 50th year, we've been able to grow it to a point where we have its largest audience ever. That's pretty special.
You've had the opportunity to talk to a lot of attendees over the last few days. What's the buzz you’re hearing?
Work. Progress. Things are happening again in this industry. Sure, the new-course work may be at a virtual standstill, but the momentum we're seeing is in renovation work and everything that goes into it and involved with that aspect of our industry. I've been feeling and hearing about this sense of optimism in our industry for at least two months now.
And the reason, I believe, that we're having such a big, successful crowd (at this year's show) is that sense of optimism.
What are the attendee expectations at this year's show?
I believe attendees really want to see all the new, latest and greatest products from every segment of the industry -- equipment and chemical. It seems everyone has something new they want to get in front of superintendents.
Also, I know a lot of vendors are offering unique show specials. Overall, it's just a great environment to do business in this year.
How do you plan to grow the success of the Carolinas Show?
That's a great question and the board is looking closely at it.
For one, since we have Clemson and NC State in our backyard, over the last few years we've relied heavily on those guys for the educational programming so that we could make the budget work. We're going to invest in our future and bring in outside educators to continue to give our attendees great educational opportunities.
And we're going to continue to encourage the social aspect of this show... all the things that keep people entertained outside of the show hours. We want to continue to foster that goodwill feeling that people have when they attend this show and have come to expect.
Lastly, to grow the show's size we would entertain a discussion to do a southeast regional show... one where we wouldn't lose the Carolinas' brand.
Today's the last day of the show. What one thing would you want people to do before they leave?
Take a moment and go out on the trade show floor and just take it all in. The vendors out there are the engine that makes this show work. Go out and engage them and let them know their presence is appreciated with a warm smile.