![di iii rxd dxo photolab di iii rxd dxo photolab](https://www.villatech.fr/media/catalog/product/cache/4/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/1/0/1000109440_28-200_DI_III_RXD__A_071_a.jpg)
This year, PhotoPlus followed photokina, which meant there were few new product announcements to build buzz for the press.Īs Digital Imaging Reporter‘s Jason Schneider opined: “However, for all the high spirits and genuine enthusiasm for photography in evidence at PhotoPlus 2018, there weren’t any sensational new product announcements. The challenge, however, when it comes to a relative gap in product announcements. Consumers love to get their hands on new products, so a venue like PhotoPlus is great for the industry. For a show like PhotoPlus, this has been a good solution, since big retailers like B&H Photo and Adorama have become exhibitors as well. To survive, many formerly trade-only events had to pivot to expand their attendees by allowing end users and consumer in. user group events like Dscoop and ThINK broad industry shows like NAB, SGIA, WPPI or Imaging USA niche vertical events like SPAC, Visual1st, Rootstech,and so on. Former PMA members have scattered to various events, including buying groups conferences like PRO, IPIC, Fotosource, etc. Currently, there is no “home” for photo/imaging retailers and labs, at least in the sense the late PMAI was (other than The Imaging Alliance, which does not have its own trade event). Incidentally, for many camera dealers, NAB is now “their” show.Īnother issue is the on-going convergence of technology and divergence of interests. Cornerstone exhibitors like Canon anchor shows, draw traffic and are generally positive for other exhibitors. It was a smart move for Canon but a body blow to PMAI, since a photo trade show without Canon is a tough sell. Photo Marketing Association International (PMAI) ran into the same problem, when Canon USA chose instead to attend NAB at the launch of HD-video enabled DSLRs, establishing a foothold in that growing market. I talked to more than one exhibitor at Print 18 who said there were few new customers, and they would be looking at going to SGIA (now redubbed PRINTING United) in the hopes of seeing fresh clients. In a flat to declining market like commercial printing, exhibitors have limited exhibition budgets to spend, and must weigh the value of servicing existing clients at a traditional show or trying a new show. This is not to say Print 18 show organizers are doing anything wrong.
![di iii rxd dxo photolab di iii rxd dxo photolab](https://www.lense.fr/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/15-Tamron-70-180mm-F2.8-Di-III-VXD-Model-A056-scaled.jpg)
Major exhibitors were there, but there were also significant gaps on the floor, indicating support from mid- to small-range exhibitors (who often add great value to attendees) was eroding. Show organizers were pulling out all the stops to get attendees on the floor, including hosting receptions, AR technology demos and education events. While attending the recent Print 18 show in Chicago, it was evident the show was struggling to attract a bigger audience. In the trade show business, regardless of category, the struggle is real, as the kids today would say. CEBIT Hannover, the annual consumer electronics confab in Germany, was just canceled.
![di iii rxd dxo photolab di iii rxd dxo photolab](https://phototrend.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/a071_lifestyle3_20200513-940x627.jpg)
![di iii rxd dxo photolab di iii rxd dxo photolab](https://www.lense.fr/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/24-DxO-PhotoLab-4.jpg)
Turmoil among top management at Koelnmesse and the subsequent postponement of the 2019 edition of photokina indicates the appetite for an annual global trade and consumer exhibition may be waning. Recent events, however, have cast a pallor on the future of big shows. CES, Photo Plus, WPPI, Imaging USA have all had their place in the introduction of hardware and devices, and are now facing competition from CP+, Mobile World Congress and more. Industry veterans can tell you which PMA convention the Advanced Photo System or Photo CD debuted or which photokina the Four-Thirds system was introduced. In the photo/imaging industry, trade shows have been the defining events for decades.