I am not sure if I understood the title of the story correctly. EDS in Las Vegas, good fun with learning, not sure how many people would go to attend EDS or to play in casinos of LasVegas :-)
I used to work for a company that attended EDS religiously. We not only found value in bringing our marketing, sales and management teams together, the most value add was in the ability to schedule multi-level management meetings to pitch products, partnerships or just ideas. The event is indeed excellent for networking and meeting people that you would otherwise only know by voice.
This is nice event to attend anyway. Converging some or all players in electronic components together - I think socialising in Las Vegas will bring more fun-filled to attendees, sponsors and organisers of EDS. An added spice to electronic components distribution channel.
The $200 Coffee is served in Suites(my feeling is this is the High-End Suite suitable for mainly for High Level Execs).For them the Company pays the Tab for everything and anything they do at these Exhibitions...[Its quite normal don't worry about it].
So obviously they really don't care about what the Coffee costs.
Its a different matter for Company Shareholders who have to at the end of the day really foot the bill for these "expenses".
It would be really interesting to ask Carla if she cared about what the Coffee in her suite cost last year or before that when she was working (as A High Level Exec) for all those major Electronics manufacturers.
My bet is she did'nt care.Now that shes an Entreprenuer she has to worry about overheads(including 200 Dollar Coffees...)
Networking is one such element and the one for which I personally find EDS to be incredibly effective
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.
"
Networking and Connections are absolutely essential and are the major quality that drives Exhibtions.The more time attendees spend doing this the more value they can generate from Exhibhitions including Overpriced Coffees!!!
Thanks for the comments everyone. Ashish is correct on all 3 counts: 1) the coffee is provided by the Exhibitors (if they request it) in their suites or show floor, generally attendees enjoy it for free 2) the Networking is the key to the show, also the convenience of many people being in one location at once vs the cost to travel around the country/world and 3) although I did care what coffee cost in the suites last year, this year, as a new business owner/entreprenuer, it is certainly more painful!
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.
@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.
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.
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.
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.
With many people out of work or looking for a long overdue change, finding the talent to fulfill your client’s needs shouldn't be too hard. Large conferences like EDS should give you access to not only potential clients looking for talent, but also talented people that are looking at joining some of your possible clients. Good luck with your venture.
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!
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!
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.
EBN Dialogue enables and encourages you to participate in live chats with notable leaders and luminaries. Not only editors and journalists, but the entire EBN community is able to comment and ask questions. Listed below are upcoming and archived chats.
Archived Dialogues
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.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
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.
To save this item to your list of favorite EBN content so you can find it later in your Profile page, click the "Save It" button next to the item.
If you found this interesting or useful, please use the links to the services below to share it with other readers. You will need a free account with each service to share an item via that service.
Tweet This
