FALL 2007 TRADE SHOW REVIEW
The 2007 URA Trade Show in New Orleans was an overwhelming success with over 327 people in attendance from 151 different companies. There were 208 retail attendees from 115 companies representing over 230 retail locations, and 36 exhibitors with 119 company representatives present. The URA trade show in New Orleans had the most exhibitors ever for a trade show for the medical uniform retailer. With exhibits from all of the well known uniform manufactures on site plus exhibits from Red Kap, Melco, Tajami, and Premier Data Systems, retailers could find plenty to do in the exhibit hall.
The Uniform Solution Training and Advanced Feature Review - Thursday November 1st
It appears David Johnson of Premier Data Systems knows there are lot's of things more fun than receiving software training - even when it's greatly appreciated. Not only did the retailers that attended his sessions walk away with a bit more knowledge about The Uniform Solution and how to use it in their business, they had a good time during the two 1-1/2 hour sessions. In the first session, David showed clips of the Wild Hogs movie staring Tim Allen and John Travolta to illustrate how looking like you know what's going on can be different than actually knowing what's going on. Every retailer needs to know "what's going on" in their business. If they don't, they can't succeed. Effort, determination, and even failures will pave the way to successfully using The Uniform Solution in their business. In the second session David went over several advanced features coming in 2008 and talked about how businesses are moving to connect their individual systems and gain benefits from the integration. His demonstration of real-time vendor stock reporting (coming in 2008) that showed the current vendor stock status for items on a special order, purchase order, or on the users inventory was a perfect representation of this integration. David also discussed how The Uniform Solution will be extending its capability in the near future by enabling eCommerce and shopping cart capability.
Welcome Reception and Fashion Show - Thursday Evening November 1st
The URA kicked off the Trade Show on Thursday night with a Welcome Reception and a New York style fashion show that was fun, exciting, and entertaining. Retailers and exhibitors were treated to a beautifully decorated room with traditional New Orleans entertainment that featured a jazz quartet and a mime. The Fashion Show really caught everyone off guard because it was hip, fast paced, and exciting. Although most retailers would recognize the music as something they've heard on their kids ipods, there was no denying the whole thing was exciting, informative, and chic. If you have been privileged to view the antics of Steve Land in the past, our very own URA board member, you weren't disappointed this evening. Mr. Land naturally excels in front of an audience, and this night he didn't disappoint. The Fashion Show finale featured Mr. Land and all of the models dancing with the crowd wearing patient gowns and Mardi Gras masks. After the fashion show, many retailers poured into the New Orleans streets to continue the evening that started off with a bang. As far as we know, nobody attending the trade show was arrested - although there may have been some close calls.
Bruce Boguski - Do the Impossible - Friday November 2nd - Sponsored by Peaches Uniforms
Everyone needs a little push sometimes to get things started and that's what Bruce did for a packed room of URA attendees on Friday morning. His talk was both inspiring and helpful to everyone. Bruce Boguski opened the session by explaining how the URA was unable to book one of the top 3 motivational speakers in the country, until they asked him a fourth time and he just couldn't say no. Bruce worked the crowd and enlightned everyone by explaining how you shouldn't say "don't do ...(whatever)". He said our brains work by using images to get our body to do something, and telling somebody what NOT to do is like planting a seed for failure. The brain flashes an image of what you were told NOT to do, so it's the worst thing you can say. You must think about the positive, and tell your child, employee, or team what they need to do, NOT what they shouldn't do. At the end of his session, Bruce talked to many attendees about his session and sold out of all of the books and materials he brought to the trade show.
The URA would like to give a special thanks to Peaches Uniforms for sponsoring Bruce Boguski and a refreshment break in the exhibit hall. It's absolutely wonderful to have manufacturing partners like Peaches Uniforms that are willing to help out with our trade show and make it the most enjoyable we can for the attendees.
Billy Nichols - Branding - Friday November 2nd
Mr. Nichols started off his presentation by showing images of successful brands that all of the attendees quickly recognized. He then explained the perceived benefits of what a professional appearance provides even small companies. He said that when the consumer sees marketing materials like business cards and stores displays that are well done, the consumer finds security, stability, and confidence in the merchant or business. He then went on to explain that even though traditional advertising and marketing firms may be beyond the reach of small business, there are companies geared towards helping the needs of smaller businesses. Just like the branding that Billy discussed, Mr. Nichols himself clearly had a brand that bestowed confidence and creativity.
A Night at Mulates - Hosted by IguanaMed and the URA - Friday Night November 2nd
After a busy morning and a day of exhibits, Mulates offered the URA attendees a Cajun retreat the moment you walked into the door. An aroma of spices and music with a Cajun flare enveloped this quaint restaurant just blocks from the Hilton. Walrus Brands/Iquanm was a tremendous host. They were gracious for the opportunity to co-host the evening with the URA and used the venue to socialize with the attendees and tell them about their future plans to expand further into the medical uniform industry. The food was excellent and the restaurants service was outstanding. A traditional Cajun band played all night long. With dance instructors on hand and encouragement from URA attendees, there was dancing and lot's of fun for everyone. When the reservations at Mulates expired, droves of attendees move onto Bourbon street until all hours of the night. Out on the street, you could find URA attendees dancing to Jesse's Girl , riding a mechanical bull, sipping a hurricane at Pat O'Briens, earning beads, or being asked to leave.
We hope you will attend the next URA Trade Show. Come be a part of an organization and an event that helps your business and is lots of fun. Look for details to be listed on this web site soon.