- 31 August 2007 -
SUR/FIN 2007: A Rousing Success!

When an Olympic sprinter gets off to a quick, hearty burst off the line in a Track & Field event, then chances are the runner is going to have a great race. Well, the same can be said about SUR/FIN 2007, which not only launched full throttle right out of the gate on opening day but also finished strong—right up to tear down.

Virtually every exhibitor I spoke to over the course of the event reported positive experiences about their time at SUR/FIN. Phrases like “the best show I’ve had in years,” “I haven’t seen it this busy since...,” “The traffic has been incredible...” were commonplace among vendors. Everywhere you turned, booth spaces were positively bustling with activity, as I witnessed inquisitive attendees engaged in intense conversations with exhibitor technical experts and sales reps. The high level of energy and enthusiasm was simply undeniable.

That energy was reflected in the numbers. Preliminary figures provided by the National Association for Surface Finishing—which manages the event—SUR/FIN 2007 attendance (not including exhibitors) grew by nearly 9% over last year. That’s the first increase since SUR/FIN 2002! Booth space reserved also swelled this year, by a whopping 30%. Why the surge? “A lot of exhibitors are taking the show more seriously,” said Barry Lee Cohen, SUR/FIN 2008 chairman and global marketing manager for Enthone.

Not only were there “more” exhibitors, but attendees found that vendors were tapping into all their available resources. Such was the case with suppliers like Process Technology, which brought along the whole kit and caboodle. “The last time we bussed everyone to a show was the last time SUR/FIN was in Cleveland, so it’s been a while,” said Christine Venaleck, marketing manager. “It’s really been a great show for us, and our employees really enjoy it.”

Organizers say suppliers also ramped it up in a big way in terms of their booth presentations and demonstrations. “It’s the first time in a long time that we’re seeing equipment here at the show,” said Peter Gallerani, technical conference chair.

Observers point to another critical factor. Blair Vandivier, SUR/FIN co-chairman and president of Benchmark Products, partially attributes the success of SUR/FIN 2007 to a sharper focus. “Now that the reorganization is behind us, we can get back to the business of running a trade show,” he explained.

And let’s not discount the impact of a more diverse attendee base. “We’re seeing more international visitors this year,” said Cheryl Clark, show director. “We’re getting people from Brazil, Asia, and South Africa, for example.”

Finally, Ray Lucas, president of the NASF, cited the behind-the-scenes work of the SUR/FIN 2007 steering committee as well as other sub-groups and individuals responsible for planning, promoting, and marketing the event. “I think everyone involved did a terrific job this year.”