When I first heard that the HMA (Hobby Manufacturer’s Association) was moving the annual iHobby Expo from Chicago (Rosemont), Illinois to Cleveland, Ohio, I was, to say the least underwhelmed. That feeling, however, lasted about 5 minutes. I had to put aside my “creature of habit” attitude and realize that a new venue is good for everyone — especially the consumers in the Cleveland area that will have the opportunity to experience this event and meet with major hobby product manufacturers (like Xuron Corp)!
I have no idea what to expect from the show this year and I like that. I like that a whole new group of consumers will get to visit our booth and get a hands on Xuron® tool demonstration. I like that my cost of exhibiting is a bit lower. I like that I get to go to Cleveland!
One of the really fun, and popular features of iHobby is the make & take project (s). These are FREE and will allow your son/daughter to enjoy some time learning basic modeling skills and go home with a completed project
Who’s going to visit us in Cleveland?
Cleveland IX Center
October 11-14, 2012
Xuron Booth # 217
I doubt the move to Cleveland will Rock. I understand that the cost to do anything in Chicago is rediculously expensive. However, the Chicago location attracts people from throughout the world, there are other major attractions, and the central location for modelers was ideal. Face it, Clevland is not a non-stop trip to fly into. Look, Toledo for RC heli’s was one thing, but this show spans a far wider audience. The one thing that failed Chicago, and frankly iHobby Expo, was the hideously poor marketing for the show. There was a poor effort to advertise the show and inform people about the show. Hopefully they fired the previous marketing people and brought in people that know what they are doing.
I hope the Toledo show is a success, but I prefer it in Chicago.
Dear Dan,
Thanks for your comment and thoughts regarding iHobby.
While I, too, had initial reservations about the move to Cleveland, I decided I had to support the show and the industry. If everyone jumps ship then, as you say, Cleveland will not Rock. So, I’m going to be there with an open mind and postive attitude. That said, all expenditures have to be looked at with a careful eye and need to produce results.
I can’t speak to iHobby’s marketing efforts. But I will ask, what, in your opininion, should they be doing differently to promote the show?
I appreciate the time you took to comment and hope we can continue the discussion.
Best regards,
Abby
Hey Susan,
The move, while scary, will probably be a positive one for the iHobby expo. Cleveland actually can attract a nice sized crowd and a lot of different areas are within driving distance of Cleveland.