Archive of the '2010 Show Floor Zingers' Category

I look around the exhibitor’s areas and scratch my head. At this point, the number of packing crates still out numbers the equipment erected. I know it is all going to come together by 10am tomorrow morning, but it is still amazing.

As an attendee, I never thought about the work it took to show off all the products I walked past. The exhibitors should be given a salute for all they do. I appreciate them so much more now that I have been allowed to go through that door ahead of the opening.

It is amazing how much heavy equipment is on the floor for the set up of the exhibitions. The equipment is the same as needed in the field to set up breakers, transformers, lines, etc. As I wandered, I had to look up - way up, and look all around. It is easy to miss something really cool.

I got inside the exhibition hall and took lots of photos of the preparations. Wow, what an crazy place. This is one big dark hall. The lights are set very low, but it is not quiet. No one is napping. Fork lifts are speeding around and dodging golf carts. Golf carts are the sports car of the hall. Everyone is using them to get from point “A” to point “Z”.

One side benefit of PES is all the old friends we meet at the meetings and conferences. In 2008 I met a great guy working with the local group, Carl Segneri. He was the chair of the “Windy City Wise Guys” - the local committee. I was amazed, I found Carl and his wife here talking with Tommy Mayne. We all had a great time visiting.

It didn’t take me long to get in trouble - about 15 minutes. I was wondering the floor taking photos for the sneak peak I promised. One of the guards came up and started chewing me out… something like how do you think you are! You can’t take photos here. Nothing I said made any difference - she would not budge. So, I left.

I had a similar problem in Chicago. Yes I have a long history of being a scofflaw and not following directions. I went to another new friend I met at this Expo. She is a very nice lady - Barbara Powell. She is the force behind the scenes here. She keeps everything running smoothly. She is so busy, I really hated to bother her. But, part of my job is to get photos for the blog readers. Especially the behind the scenes the attendees don’t get to see.

She gave me a new set of credentials. I will be back on the floor with the Nikon and will post them for you. Stay tuned - i will try to stay out of trouble.

This place is crazy. Everyone involved with the Expo is in high gear and running from place to place. I ran into Tommy Mayne and Mark McCulla this morning. They are the go to guys and everyone is going to them. Mark got all the volunteers togetehr and has been the anchor locally. Tommy is the director of the PES conferences. While we talked about 15 people came to him and asked questions that only he could answer. Tommy takes it all with a grain of salt. He is the quiet eye of the storm. I’ll have more about him later.

Pam and I were hunting the companion tour booth. We bumped into Al Rotz our PES president. He was running three ways at once. He has more places to be and no time to get there, but he still stopped and visited with us for a few minutes. If you see him, tell him what a good job he is doing. am sure he will enjoy the kind words.

The convention center is huge. I can’t think of any other word. The photo is taken from the corner looking down the street. As far as you can see - the convention center. Today there are two or three other events taking place in the center - make sure you go to the correct hall. The Expo is in the set up mode. When you get inside start walking. You need to be at the “H” Exhibit Hall.

I am so glad I brought 2 pairs of running shoes. I hope you all did. I would not want to be wearing dress shoes here!

Well, breakfast is done. It’s time to head over to the convention center and start working. The weekend vacation was so much fun, but it is time to start getting into T&D Expo mode. There is so much to see, do, and people to meet.

Pam and I are going to catch the shuttle bus and see what is happening. I know the exhibitors are up to their collective noses in building the booths and exhibits we are going to see starting tomorrow. I’ll try to give you all a sneak peak at what is happening.

The excitement is building. I was talking with my friend Bill Rose from ABB about the displays and exhibits. ABB is very proud they won an award for the best large booth at the 2008 T&D Expo. Bill told me they have their sites set on winning the 2010 award too. ABB is bringing all the heavy equipment, latest technologies, and experts.

Sounds like a challenge to me! I’ll see if I can find out what other exhibitors are doing. The local committee actually gives out three awards for booths. In addition to ABB, ACA Conductor Accessories and General Cable won awards in Chicago. Exhibitors, send me your comments on your booth designs. I’ll be sure to visit at the show. My legends of blog followers will too.