Local experts, can you give advise on business trip?

Hello T.A.

I do trade shows for a living and wanted expert advise on the new product show in April. I need to decide if I should do the show or not. I would be selling a product that you keep in the fridge to extend the life of your fruit and vegetables. A one year supply sells for $20-25. Because of the high expense of doing the show, most people I know do the show not to make a whole bunch of money but, rather to pay for a trip to Waikiki. The later would be fine as my husband would come with me and we would stay an extra few days after the show was over to enjoy ourselves. Here are my questions.

1. Have you been to this show?

2. Do many local go to it

3. Is the show advertised well?

4. Do you think this is a product that the locals

would like to purchase?

Thanks in advance for any information that may help me make a decision?

Local experts, can you give advise on business trip?

1. NO

2. no

3. No

4. Locals tend to buy local products over others,and dont trust a lot of outsiders.

I would not be interested.... as we never keep foods over a few days anyway.

Local experts, can you give advise on business trip?

Hi Dan

Thanks for your honesty. It wasn%26#39;t what I wanted to hear, but I probably needed to here it. My desire to go to honolulu is overpowering my business mind. Maybe we can still do a trip later in the year. Thanks again!

Since Dan lives on another island 200 miles away across open ocean from Oahu, he can%26#39;t be expected to make many trade or product show in Honolulu...

Trade shows are typically well-attended, normally because they involve free food %26amp; booze and time away from work.

Numerous new product, home and garden and similar public-oreiented consumer shows/conventions have been advertised on Oahu television over the years, and they typically have an article in the paper and maybe a little item on the news right before or during the larger shows.

They always portray crowds of smiling people, but I have not been to one of the new product shows myself. I have been to a couple of the home %26amp; garden type ones which seemed to capture a good response.

The show organizer should be able to give you historic attendence counts. The only concern would be how a slowing economy impacts consumer willingness to try new products.

As to the viability of your product in the local market, who can say?

Two things that probably don%26#39;t work in your favor are that many common local fruits don%26#39;t require refrigeration (banana, papaya, avocado, mango), and among some community members there is still a strong Asian-based tradition of shopping for fruits and vegetables every day or two.

Let us know the name of the show and where it is located, and I%26#39;ll ask some of the folks at the office if they are familiar with it.

Good luck.

Oh, folks on Oahu embrace new products just as in any major US urban area, maybe moreso...

They have too, most products are not made locally.

No place supports their new Costcos, Home Depots and Wal-Marts with more zeal, and everyone is begging for Target and Trader Joe%26#39;s to bring their products over.

1. No

2. Yes

3. Yes

4. Probably not

But if you can deduct a trip to Hawaii as a business trip, go for it. Many others do the same %26amp; call it a conference.

Thanks everyone for your replies. The show is the Spring New Product Show. It%26#39;s in april at the Neil Blaisdell Expo Hall. Normally, I sell a different product at trade shows. My product is perishable and too heavy to ship over. Thats why I was considering another product. Something small and light is the best thing to bring over.

Asking the show promoter how good her show is would be a great Idea. Remember. it%26#39;s her job to sell booths and she is going to make her show sound as good as possible. Kind of like selling a car. Thats why I was asking all of you. I needed some unbiased opinions before I shell out all of this money. It sounds like this product isn%26#39;t right for this city. Maybe I still have time to find something else. I really want to go. (Yes, of course it%26#39;s because I can write off the whole trip.) Thanks everone, if you have any ideas for me, I would love to hear them.

You can count on any show like this at the Blaisdell to have a decent crowd.

They actually have two new product shows. One in the fall %26amp; one in the spring.

I think the one in the fall is a little bigger, but not sure.

Google: new product show blaisdell

You should be able to get some info.

mykidsmama ... check your PM. I am going to do these information for you on your PM and than come back to the TA board for those that will be interested in doing future New Home; New Product; Trade; Collectors and/or other future shows in Hawaii.

In-as-much-as Dusty and Amberloo said it all that the show is very much advertised with the major TV network; local newspaper; local radio with free ticket give aways and the entertainment presented, it is a well worth show to do. I can%26#39;t give you a figure, but, can after I check my last paper work from the New Product Show.

I did an promotional booth for one Las Vegas Casino and we did very well over three days. My buddy from out of town with a helper from LV, brought in Micro Suede Jackets to market and they sold out just about all the average size jackets, with people interested on selling in respective small boutique.

Anyway, check your PM .... ';Live Aloha';

Hi everbody

Thanks for your honest replies. I think I am going to do some more homework to find a different product to sell at this show. Maybe I should just have a kissing booth, ha ha ha! I guess my husband wouldn%26#39;t like that very much.

What new product do all of you think Honolulu needs? Maybe I should let you decide for me. Remember, I has to be something that is small and light so it will be easy to ship.

Kane

Thanks for the p.m. check yours for my response.

Have a wonderful day everyone, I will be looking forward to your ideas.