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2009 Insurance Expo Exhibitor Review

This was my 4th or 5th year exhibiting at the Expo. As the time approaches each year for this show I wonder if by attending, if will I obtain more agents to use our products? Every year the results get better. I attend 10-15 insurance trade shows annually, many in larger states with big association organizations putting on the show.  The EXPO is by far the best all around bang for the buck that any company can expect.

• It is well organized to maximize traffic to the show. This does not happen at most shows which run the trade show at the same time that the CE classes are being conducted. The EXPO CE classes are split in times so that class attendees can attend the trade show in between the first and latter part of the class.

• Each year the Expo continues to attract a more diverse cross section of the buying populace. More and more Latinos are attending as both agents and business owners. This demonstrates that this large growing part of our community is an important part of the insurance business. Those companies and agencies ignoring this segment of the insurance market are missing a huge opportunity.

• The show is very reasonably priced AND consideration is given to the overall costs to exhibitors. An example is the arrangement for low priced hotels relatively close to the venue. Many shows are at expensive resorts, requiring large exhibitor fees, and expensive room rates – this on top of exhibitors travel expenses.

One suggestion. When I was at my booth and saw the first attendees coming down the aisles I began looking at their badges to determine their name. At first I thought to myself – Damn, there are a LOT of people from Accu-Auto attending this show – they must have a lot of people working their booth!!! Upon close (and I mean very close) inspection I could see the attendees name. Typically at shows the attendee’s first name is printed very large for ease of reading by all others.

BTW ... Great suggestion. The Name Badges will have the attendees name is very LARGE print this year! I'm getting older and it keeps me from having to constantly wear my reading glasses. ...................... Eddie

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