Wcaf 2018?

[Myrna Dow]

Do we have the dates for next years WCAF? Already planning ahead!

 

[John Ranes II CPF GCF]

Indeed we do...

Trade Show: January 22-24, 2018

Conference: January 21-24, 2018

John

 

[Myrna Dow]

Thanks!

 

[Bennett Hall]

Any thoughts about changing venues?

Also, I wonder if some expansion of the schedule is possible - in any manner, presuming that exhibitors are so inclined.

In totality, we felt rushed between studying everything at the trade show, booths, samples, booking orders, etc., and still having enough time to go to seminars and events. Some seminars and events were before the show started which helped a lot.

Overall, we felt that we needed at least another 4 hours or so of show-floor time, and missed at least 3-4 seminars that we would have really liked to have attended. As it was, there were vendors we did not have time to fully study.

I also suggest more socials and coordination to specific meet-up points in and around the show - after hours, and breakfast meetings.

 

[John Ranes II CPF GCF]

Hi Bennett,

You actually bring up several concerns that have been expressed previously and many veterans who patronize this forum will hopefully chime in as well....

I have been an attendee, a speaker, a volunteer and sat on the committees who have put several of these programs together. What you share about conflicts and limited time is a real concern that has been expressed previously, but the problem is really one of balance.

Also, I wonder if some expansion of the schedule is possible - in any manner, presuming that exhibitors are so inclined.

In totality, we felt rushed between studying everything at the trade show, booths, samples, booking orders, etc., and still having enough time to go to seminars and events. Some seminars and events were before the show started which helped a lot.

Overall, we felt that we needed at least another 4 hours or so of show-floor time, and missed at least 3-4 seminars that we would have really liked to have attended. As it was, there were vendors we did not have time to fully study.

I also suggest more socials and coordination to specific meet-up points in and around the show - after hours, and breakfast meetings.

The problem with expansion of the schedule to have more trade show time and more social time is that exhibitors are somewhat reluctant to put in more than the 4-5 days that it already consumes (If you count travel and set-up days). Another day would add more social and meeting/gathering opportunities but again, the average retailer has just about hit there limit in regards to time away from home.

In summary, the WCAF Show represents the most successful surviving trade show in the framing industry today....worldwide! Would adding one more day really improve the show without decreasing profitability for the owners and effectiveness for the attendees? I'm not sure it would? We should be grateful that there is so much to do that we will have to come back next year for another go at those classes, that we couldn't fit into our schedules.

John

 

[Mark Roberts]

I agree with John, there are some challenges to lengthening the show from its current format. I think, as an attendee, you really have to look at the show as a multiple year process. You can't take it all in in one year, but instead if you take 'bites' over the course of several years you develop a well rounded approach and create a more enjoyable visit. The best is a blend of classes, trade show time and time to socialize and network with the framers you inevitably get to know over the years of regular attendance.

 

[David Waldmann]

IIRC the WCAF has a 5 year contract for the venue. I believe this may have been the 4th year?

Maybe now that PPFA and WCAF ownership are commingled there will be given different priority to the venue in the future.