It has come to our attention that there is still a misunderstanding regarding our participation in IWF 2010.
As earlier announced in a widely published press release, Stiles Machinery will not be exhibiting in Atlanta this August. As also reported in the trade press, Weinig, Biesse, Delmac and SCM will not be exhibiting. This is a reduction of approximately 100,000 sq. ft. of machinery exhibits, significantly altering the complexion of this event.
The fact of the matter is this; given the state of the economy, we believe it would be reckless of us to spend the money necessary to exhibit machinery in Atlanta at this time. Instead, we have chosen to continue our support of the industry in other ways:
- We will continue to support the major industry associations.
- We will continue to provide assistance to our industry’s educational strategies.
- We are determined to employ as many industry professionals in our sales and support departments as possible.
- We are committed to an aggressive schedule of educational events:
- Regional lunch & learn educational programs.
- Showroom seminars.
- A tech tour to Germany in September celebrating Homag’s 50th year in business. The tour is designed to expose U.S. manufacturers to techniques and technologies used in Europe.
- NexGen in October – An innovative alternative to a typical trade show. Prior attendees report the benefits of one-on-one discussions with technology experts.
Stiles has strategically reinvested money saved by not attending IWF 2010 in programs designed to bring value directly to our customers and many have thanked us for the opportunity to educate themselves regionally versus the time and expense of travel to Atlanta. In this way we’re convinced we’ll bring recovery to our industry sooner and with greater, sustainable impact.
Stephan W. Waltman, Vice President – Sales & Marketing
5 Comments
NOT TO BE RUDE BUT YOUR EMAIL SEEMED RUDE AND PRETENTIOUS. YOU SOUND MAD AS WELL AS SOUNDING LIKE YOU ARE GOING TO SINGLE HANDEDLY SAVE THE INDUSTRY. WAS THAT A NOTICE OR A STATEMENT OF WHAT GREAT GUYS YOU ARE?
The decision by Stiles (and others) is totally understandable. In view of current economic conditions there would be many “lookers”, and relatively few buyers. Given economic conditions and competitive market conditions, we as a Company have also decided to visit far fewer shows, and those only every other year !
I am speaking for myself here, not for VT Industries, but my initial reaction to this announcement is “Hey, guys, there are a lot of numbers between 0 and 100,000 square feet.” Did it have to be an all or nothing commitment? I would think a scaled back presence, with less equipment, but some of your more knowledgeable sales and technical people, would have its benefits.
I cannot speak for Doug Clausen, but if Heian had not been at the Hanover show when we were considering a second big hardware detailing line to add to our Lehbrink line….would we have taken them into consideration? They did not have a big presence at that show, but enough to get us thinking about them as an alternative to Lehbrink. We might have anyway.
Edgebanders, soft formers, and panel saws are all pretty much the same as they were the first time I went to IWF in 1984, so not seeing more of those is not a great loss. But a smaller display, with some of the more innovative equipment might have some advantage.
Going back to the edgebanders, etc, I always thought you guys were a little nuts to have all that there.
I’m very disappointed. I think it would have been a better idea for you to bring a small group of people (5 or 10) to represent Stiles; this goes for the other companies as well. These staff members could support your customers that will be there, including me, by answering questions. We all have software questions, like WoodWOP, or Cut-Rite, show us some short cuts, or “how to’s” something small for you, but valuable to us, your past customers. These are the same customers that supported you by purchasing your equipment. You could have had a small educational seminar on the importance of machine maintenance and the programs you offer to help them save money. You could talk to people about your NexGen event or the European trip. Theirs 100 reasons to be there…for us… create a customer appreciations support team to man these events, but don’t just disappear from one of the biggest shows in the world. Are you never coming back?
I commend you for taking the stand that you have and for making hard choices in a time when others consider you rude. What is rude is when companies are forced to lay people off yet they continue to spend big money at shows that have no return for them in many cases. These shows many times are noting but party times. Education, lower prices on equipment and continue excellent customer service are much more important in my book. It’s nice to know you’re not afraid to be different.
I say “God Bless You” for standing your ground.