How was it for you this year?

Just got back from the show where we had a stand. We have some mixed feelings, on one hand we did do some new business and met with present customers but we found it was lacking, for want of a better word, "the buzz" from previous shows. It was also our impression that there were fewer Europeans present. Interested to hear what others thought?
Overall OK but not one to remember.

Mike Echo

Very negative there (perhaps to be expected) but at one point I could easily have packed up and gone home if I'd have listened to everything everyone was saying.

My theory, most of the companies in our industry have been formed during the boom we've been fortunate to have and have spent the money all along on new, sparkly aircraft and kit. Leaving nothing in the coffers for the hard times.

The older ones have been saving for the past few years (as well as spending a little) so have something to fall back on if work falls off. As a result, the younger companies seemed "panicky" whilst the older ones reluctantly resigned to what might be - but looking toward the long term still.

That said, the industry is still going strong, so did feel that everyone needed to be slightly more positive about the future than they were.

But yes, lacked a lot of sparkle of previous years.

It was nice to be involved with one major deal out of the only two announced all show - I think many are waiting for the crunch. Still too much alcohol consumed however! :ouch:

Didn't bother going this year...a decision validated by contacts who DID go and wished they hadn't! "Boring" was the most oft quoted word.

Same hear, we did practically no business at all. Plus show has 'grown to large' for many of our customers. Becoming a US based show. :bored::confused: