Where Oh Where Have All The DMers Gone?
The scene in San Diego at DMA09 was more like a long forgotten western town — you know the one which lost the stage coach, riverboat, train station and still has one saloon still present and a lot less hustle and bustle than any show I have visited since 1987.
My was it sparse. The DMA did do a good job of “shrinking” the exhibit hall to make it look like more were attending — bringing up the side walls and back wall, giving more space to each booth and still, the lack of traffic was quite obvious. If, indeed, the DMA gets 40% of its revenue from this show, times are sure to be leaner. At least based upon my perception.
The DMA should thank the international delegates, ’cause if it wasn’t for them, you may have fit the paid attendees in a moderate size hotel. The buzz — well talk at least — was that the “quality” of attendees was good. Of course, one always hears such chatter when conference totals sink. I saw this pattern at the CADM, DM Days New York and other smaller clubs around the nation. Time will tell if the same fate awaits the DMA.
Few seemed to give a rip about the proxy fight and fewer still seemed excited about the event. I was happy that I had the chance to connect with a few old friends (most did not attend) and had the chance to meet some new friends. Yes, times are tough and the DMA expects you to take out your home equity line of credit to attend the event, but still, this year’s participation was a shocker. At least to me.
What’s your take? Lack of response will also emphatically provide the answer.
