NationalHome GenterShow

knowledge and education were keys to control in coming years. Toffler used the recent Gulf War technology as an example of how knowledge has changed the conduct ofwar.

Football great Terry Bradshaw gave an upbeat talk drawing on his gridiron experiences and offering suggestions on how the lessons learned in sports can be translated to everyday life,

In an industry first, the show presented a special section with 14 Chinese companies exhibiting wares manufactured and crafted in the People's Republic of China. The Chinese participation was a result of a trip to China made by John F. Berry, director of the trade show division of Vance Publishing, the show sponsor.

Story at a Giance

Sligtrtly smaller shour rcfrected a bruised economy... "quality people and top management" present made it work, most exhibitors said... next year: ilc€ormick Place ]t/larch &10. layout changes poesible in'92.

In addition to some handcrafts, Chinese products ranged from refrigerators to cast iron products, hardware, building materials, machinery, glasswares, electrical, garden, kitchen products and even tv SCTS.

While the National Home Center Show had its detractors, many attending found lighter crowds presented an opportunity to spend more quality time with customers. Typical were the comments by Rich Viola, Furman Lumber Co., Billerica, Ma., who said, "lt was a good show. We saw upper management and we'll be back next year."

Paul Hylbert, PrimeSource, said, "lt's our eleventh show. We thought it was very valuable and we'll be here next year."

The president of Donner Moulding & Millwork, Marion, Va., Art Ramey, observed, "While attendance was off, the National Home Center Show was the best show that we have ever had as far as generating new customer leads because of our new products and displays."

Noting that this was the first year since the show's inception in 1976 that exhibit space hadn't grown, show director Berry said that "if the economy turns around, next year's show could easily match 1991 and possibly be a little bigger." He said management is considering using both floors of the huge East Hall next year, saving showgoers the long trek to North Hall. If that happens, the popular new categorization layout begun in 1990 may be dropped. An advantage to exhibitors would be avoiding having direct competitors next to each other.

Chicago's huge McCormick Place will again be the venue for next year's show, as it will through 1996. While not a universal opinion, most felt that this year's home center show mirrored a weak economy, not any weakness of the show itself. As one exhibitor put it, o'I always have a good show because I work at it. If all these griping exhibitors worked as hard as I do, they'd be happy campers, too."