Evaluating NHMA show roster for '91 - National Housewares Manufacturers Association

Discount Store News, Sept 17, 1990

Evaluating NHMA Show Roster For '91

CHICAGO - Despite moans and groans from many suppliers that the second NHMA show of the year will be a disappointment - the association reports it is meeting its attendance objectives for the upcoming show.

The association also reports that a five to 10 year plan for the NHMA's show agenda will be made available around February 1991. The roster could include locations like Dallas and New Orleans which offer an economical alternative to the costly Chicago convention market, said Tom Conley, executive director and chief operating officer of the NHMA.

The second 1991 show will again be held in Atlanta; both January 1991 and 1992 will be in Chicago. After that, location and even show dates will be open to discussion.

While Conley will be among the first to admit that the NHMA membership has been "polled to death" on the topic of show date and location, the trade group will once again solicit membership on these and other questions as Conley tries to regain a sense of order and continuity. "Our greatest weakness right now is the perception of our credibility as a result of some earlier knee-jerk decisions."

Conley also said that over the years the NHMA has gotten a reputation of being a "Good ol' boys club" that dictates what is best for the rest of the industry in terms of show agenda and membership services. In addition, staff changes - especially that of association head - have hurt continuity, he said.

"As long as we have movement toward a vision, plan appropriately and make an honest effort, we will be far ahead of where we are right now. The NHMA won't be making the silly mistakes of the past," he said.

Regarding the upcoming September show in Atlanta, Conley said the problem is not attendance; it is the expectation among exhibitors that the second show of the year be as massive as the January show.

"Our goal is to have 3,000 buyers in attendance representing 75% from the top 100 retailers. Right now [about three weeks before show time] we have over 2,500 buyers registered and about 60% are from the top 100 firms. Booth sales have been within our goal range," Conley said.

While many vendors contend that there is no need for a second show - and many opt to exhibit only at the January NHMA show - Conley asserts that smaller shows are helpful to a select member group.