As the calendar turns to the month of May, I’m reminded of an event that occurs each year this month. No, not May Day, Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day, or even my son’s birthday… It’s the Electronics Distribution Show (EDS) in Las Vegas.
This annual electronics show has been an industry standard for more than 70 years -- although not always in May or in Las Vegas. Over the years, the show has changed and evolved in attempts to stay relevant during a time when traditional tradeshows have seen better days.
I had the privilege of serving on the EDS board for several years and as president for the 2007 show (talk about evolving, a woman president of an electronics show!?). Being on the inside gave me insight into just how hard everyone tried to continue to produce a show that brought value to its constituents. I’m sure the current board and sponsoring associations are striving to bring value to the 2011 show. Now, if they can only show the value of that $200 pot of coffee and $30 sandwich up in the suites!
Not only has EDS evolved, so have the organizations that sponsor the event. This year will be the first show since the Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA) was formed. The National Electronic Distributors Association (NEDA) and the Electronic Components Association (ECA) have consolidated forces to form the ECIA, bringing together all of the elements of the electronic components supply chain. The Association connects all facets of the electronic components industry in a way no association has in the past: manufacturers, authorized distributors, and independent field sales representatives working together as a stronger voice for our entire industry. ECIA will continue to provide members the best elements of the former associations.
Networking is one such element and the one for which I personally find EDS to be incredibly effective. I can’t think of another US electronics event that brings together more people in the industry, in a shorter window of time, in sometimes very formal and sometimes very casual (think Vegas club!) environments. I am pleased to once again be attending EDS, albeit not as a manufacturer, as I have for the past several years, but as owner of JJM Search, my recently launched executive search business.
Once again, my days at EDS will be filled with meetings -- but instead of meetings with reps/distributors touting the latest circuit protection or interconnect device, my meetings will be with candidates and clients. I'll be working to access human resource needs (clients), connecting them satisfactorily with specified talent (candidates).
EDS has been marketing the 2011 show as “getting back to the fundamental purpose of the event -- bringing manufacturers, distributors and reps together to make strong connections.” Hopefully, those “strong connections” hold true for this recruiter as well.
It is good to know that the show will be hosted by ECIA which is a consolidation od the two different organizations. Definitely this will keep things simple since only one sponser is doing this. I also wish you are able to find the right candidates for the clients at the show.
It seems to come pretty close to that Barbara, but we would have to know if the pot holds 8 cups or more. If it holds 8 cups, it would be $25 per cup. Compared to that Starbucks is a real bargain!
I was smiling the whole time I read this post. For those of us who have attended EDS for so many years, it's great to see a perspective from the "other side of the badge." There's a point at which a cup of coffee is priceless!
The pricy coffee is part of the Las Vegas attraction. The real purpose of the EDS Show was attained with all that is listed below . Yes, it will be painful for new business owners and talents seeking new shores, but what you can gain from networking may be a pain reliever or even a major breakthrough.
I used to cover EDS in Vegas. I can see your point about prices. This event was tradtionally a major networking event that was broken into two segments: the suite meetings and the show floor. All I know is the best place to see everyone was by pre-appointment or by being visible right in the lobby itself...not too far from the coffee shop behind the tables.
I am a big-big Fan of the Show-"Las Vegas" and not once have I heard about this price disparity on it....[That does'nt mean everything on the show is an accurate representation of life in Vegas!!!]
But parts of what you say would'nt exactly surprise me.I mean is'nt it a known fact that Casinos make money only when People Gamble?
I guess its time to put your theory to the test then???
Networkings at a conference uncover opportunities that are starting to bubble, but have yet to break the surface. One of my favorite places to do this is at industry conferences and large seminars. The benefits from networking in a conference environment are immense such as meeting new people who can give you new research, product, or information leads that will open up new possibilities for me, so it pays to keep my mind focused on these rather than worrying about putting a foot wrong.
Not only getting a chance to hear about new trends and breakthrough ideas that can help in our business or career, but also get a chance to meet other folks who are highly interested in the same thing and willing to make the investment to attend.
@Ariella, That's an interesting technique to raise revenue what they are doing in Vegas.
As far as $200 coffee is concerned, I feel if the expenditure might be justified if the company is able to reap the benefits out of their participation by getting big potential clients or getting into contact with valuable human resources.
On the cost of coffee: I've heard that Vegas operates on a system in which people are encouraged to come into where the gambling is and that the drinks are cheaper in there. They know if people stay in their rooms, they will not be enticed to play the games at which the house really makes its money, so they will try to make up their own losses in jacking up the price of room service. To really test the theory, though, someone would have to come up with comparable price list for the hotel.
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Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
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Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
While no one really can accurately predict the future, we can take guidance from another Drucker saying which is the best way to predict the future is to create it.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
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