9 out of 10 Americans just don’t like Las Vegas!

[Marcus Timson]

9 out of 10 Americans just don't like Las Vegas it and I can't believe it. (We asked every American person at ISA this very question). Yes Las Vegas is the jewel in the crown of over consumption. Vegas is the unrivalled capital of hedonism. Fun seekers, unashamedly flock to the Nevada desert to enjoy, escape and en-gorge themselves on the gargantuan bounty of plunder on offer. It is surreal, disorientating and delightfully disconnected from reality. The cynics amongst us might liken Vegas to a Caligula-like orgy of bad taste, excess and indulgence. In this current calamitous economic environment, surely Vegas is a prime example of all that is bad about greed? Or is it a celebration of creativity - where imagination and performance are given an open license? In a society that is still in shock and fast re-evaluating values, re-prioritising and simply trying to work out how we will collectively haul ourselves out of recession-Las Vegas just doesn't chime with the values of prudence and save, save, save as opposed to spend, spend, spend. Personally, I think Vegas is a welcome distraction and a reminder that the human imagination is capable of creating some pretty amazing things.

But the good news for the sign industry is that ISA Vegas was a good show. All exhibitors were pleasantly and some excitedly pleased with a respectable turn out of people actually buying stuff! Expectations had run so low after a raft of exhibitor cancellations including some of the biggest names in the business. The word on the floor was that the companies in question were 'kicking themselves' for canceling their stands and missing a good sales opportunity. It never ceases to surprise me why companies cancel stands at important shows. Leading exhibitions in any market are literally, the market brought to life - so why would any brand want to take themselves out of the market? This short termist action must be to satisfy a CFO who has no idea about business at the coal face as they are so far removed from it.

It was great to see and hear the positive comments from exhibitors and a busy and buzzing show - perhaps, as Obama has said recently, we are seeing the green shoots of revival. This makes me feel even more confident about FESPA Digital in Amsterdam next month. Whether the market turns or not, we were still shocked to hear that Americans just don't like Las Vegas - well y'all come to Amsterdam then!! I am confident that at least 9 out of 10 Europeans really do like Amsterdam...and I know for a fact that you can have a good time in Amsterdam too ;-)...

[Daniel Montañez]

I believe as a european who moved to america 18 years ago, that 9 out of 10 people won't admit publicly to likely Las Vegas, but privately are overjoyed that it exist. I believe it to be one of the better forums to attract consumers to tradeshows even in a down economy, as it presents a multi-pass to the all forms of entertainment.

To the second comment made about those who withdrew from there stands - here I would have to agree. Why take away sales opportunities rathering then just re-adjusting maybe the size or scope of the stand.