The Sweet Spot Remodeling Blog

Nov 2 2009 10:18AM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (0) |
Blog This! using: Blogger.com | LiveJournal |

By Jonathan Sweet

The headline says it all folks. That was the general feeling I got from talking to remodelers and exhibitors there. We all had such low expectations going in, that it ended up being just a little better.

There actually were people there, but not as many as past years. Getting around the show floor was definitely not a challenge. You could easily see everyone you wanted to talk to in just a day and that's with the Deck Expo included.

I tried to keep you updated on what was going on through Twitter, but in case you didn't follow me there, here are some of my impressions:

• Interesting (and good) trend: Exhibitors were much more focused on how they can help remodelers with things like training programs and sales support than with new products. A long overdue change.
• They love you, they really do. Exhibitors were quick to say how much they love remodelers and value their business. Seems they noticed a wee downturn in the new construction market.
• The remodelers I talked to were definitely more positive than the exhibitors. Just one example: An exhibitor who I'll leave nameless told me at the end of Day 1 "everyone's trying to convince themselves this show isn't terrible." Remodelers were much more upbeat
• Andersen's Intelligent Estimate program seemed to be generating some real good buzz. A lot of people were talking about it after it was presented at the NARI national board meetings. Incoming NARI President Paul Zuch, for one, was wowed by it.
• Generally, just a blah show. I'd say it was dominated by a sense of "we're the survivors." It'll be interesting to see if IBS has the same feel come January.