Hi Everyone,
Ernie Belanger here, Chair of the Exhibitor Advisory Committee (EAC).
I want to take a moment to welcome you to the NAB Exhibitor Blog. Here you will find time saving tips and other information for both novice and experienced booth managers. The goal of NAB and your Exhibitor Advisory Committee is to make the NAB show as hassle free and beneficial to you and your company as possible.
Let me take this opportunity to set the record straight on a few things that almost all of us may not understand.
Many exhibitors are still under the impression that it is an “US against Them” atmosphere when it comes to dealing with NAB and show issues. While that may have been true over the years, I can tell you from personal experience that for the past 2 years it just isn’t so.
When David Rehr took the helm at NAB, those who had been our advocates found themselves with leadership that allowed their voices to be heard. Chris Brown, Justine McVaney, Shawn Canfield, David Dziedzic, Patrick Flynn and their staffs were given the opportunity to openly change the way the NAB Show operates and they have done an outstanding job in making this show the premiere broadcast show in the world.
They listened to our needs as exhibitors both directly and those that came through EAC members. The positive changes have been dramatic and dynamic. I must also tell you how proud I am of my fellow EAC members and the countless hours they too have put in to make our show a wonderful experience both for us as exhibitors and most importantly for our customers, the attendees.
Here are several examples of positive changes that have come about in the past two years because of the cooperative spirit of NAB and your Exhibitor Advisory Committee:
With NAB’s leadership we have worked with the Unions and our Show Contractor to make changes in the Show rules. Many of these affect every exhibitor and we are continuing to push for more changes to make our lives easier and the show cost reasonable.
In conjunction with NAB and the housing bureau we are working to keep hotel costs in line. This year there was a pilot program in place that kept rates at certain hotels lower when rooms were booked sooner, prices will go up as rooms fill and the show nears. (This is similar to the way Airlines Book seats) One of the biggest obstacles we have is that most of the hotel rooms are owned by only two major groups: Harrah’s and MGM. We will continue to work to keep cost in line.
For the record: Contrary to popular belief NAB DOES NOT make any money on the hotel rooms we book. FYI: Other shows such as CES don’t use a housing office and hotel rooms for those show can go as high as $500 a night.
NAB went out to bid for a new show contractor and last year we saw the result in the wonderful service received and lower overall prices from Freeman. Yes, there were a few isolated situations that occurred but overall the experience of the NAB Show exhibitors was 91% positive. Steve Anderson, Vice President, Sales, Freeman, is striving for 100%… So it looks like we will see the save level of service in 09 and beyond.
I did promise our web master this would be short, but there was so much positive it turned out longer that I planned.
Remember if you need anything don’t hesitate to contact a member of the EAC.
Enjoy the Blog.
Ernie Belanger
Chair
NAB Exhibitor Advisory Committee
