CHICAGO — More than half (53.6%) of the operators surveyed in this month’s Wire say they plan to attend this year’s Clean Show, set for June 6-9, 2011 in Las Vegas.
Many are looking forward to the industry’s biggest convention and exhibition. “I always come back from a show with new ideas and a renewed zest for the business,” says one operator.
Another 13.6% say they aren’t yet sure if they will attend the show, while almost one-third (32.9%) have decided not to go. Asked what the biggest factor in favor of attending is, 41.0% of participants named “Exhibits of equipment and supplies.”
“I wouldn’t miss it,” one respondent says. “[Clean is] one of the few occasions in North America where you get to compare a wide range of products and equipment, all within easy reach.”
Just 8.2% listed “Combining business and pleasure” as the biggest factor, while 3.7% attend expressly for the educational sessions; 1.5% attend to network and socialize. The top response, however, is “All of the above,” with 45.5%.
One operator applauded the timing and location of the show for its business-and-pleasure potential. “It’s the perfect time of the year to be in Las Vegas,” he says. “Plus, the World Series of Poker is going on in June, and I will be able to play in one of the events.”
“Las Vegas is the most economical place for the show to be held,” another adds. “You can always find a deal on airfare, and you can spend as much or as little as you want on a room.”
Among those who do not plan to attend, 54.9% “Can’t afford the cost,” 26.8% “Can’t spare the time” and 5.6% prefer a weekend show schedule. Smaller percentages listed “Cost and time,” or say they prefer to attend when Clean visits another of its host cities; 1.4% made other plans.
Small operators often find it difficult to get away. “My husband and I are the workforce,” one says. “If we are gone, the work doesn’t get done.” “Those of us who have businesses in Florida need to stay put this time of year, as it is our busiest time,” another says. “We will be glad when Clean returns to Orlando.”
“After getting slammed this winter with huge amounts of snow, slow business and increasing energy costs, it’s almost impossible to spend the money to attend the Clean Show,” another says. “It will take the better part of 2011 to make up for the disaster that was January and February.”
Another operator has the enviable opposite problem: “I’m too busy to leave the plant. Customers are standing in line.”
While American Drycleaner's Wire survey presents a snapshot of the audience’s viewpoints at a particular moment, it should not be considered scientific. Subscribers to Wire e-mails—distributed twice weekly—are invited to participate in an industry survey each month. The survey is conducted online via a partner website, and is developed so it can be completed in less than 10 minutes. The entire American Drycleaner audience is encouraged to participate, as a greater number of responses will help to better define operator opinions and industry trends.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Dave Davis at [email protected].