Trouble with ITA Expo in Vegas. Am I being a jerk?

[Paul Sabados]

Think about it Nick

At our last two conventions we didn't limit the vendors period. If they needed help they brought em in. But if you look at the A$hi site they allow two and then up charge. Oh, I forgot the connection between the two.

Two is the norm, just remind then what was offered to them from us

Paul

[Brian E. Kelly]

Originally Posted by dwillis

I had hoped we could bring enough staffers and member/volunteers to give everyone one day off out of the days we need to work the booths and enjoy Vegas a little.

Vegas is best enjoyed after normal convention hours.

[Nick Gromicko]

Well, here is my thinking....

First, ITA has treated us very well with regard to our listing on their EXPO Exhibitors page. Read: http://www.home-inspect.com/expo/exhibitors.asp I'm not happy about them calling ASHI the largest when we all know ASHI is lying about being the largest, but so be it.

Having said that, NACHI bought 5 booths because NACHI has a lot going on. I figure I need 2 member volunteers or staffers working each booth. Furthermore, because Vegas is Vegas, I was planning on giving everyone one of the days of the Expo off. This means that I need at least 3 per booth if we want anyone to have lunch breaks and a day off to hit the Casinos. So 15 would be barely enough.... they will only give us 5 (1 per booth). I've called some of the other vendors and they are all allowed as many as they need to man their booths... which is part of what makes the vendor hall a success for ITA.

1 per booth with no extras so that we can take a break or a day off, while other vendors get as many as they need, seems unfair.... especially since we ARE THE big player. I believe we have more booths than any other vendor.

If this is how a purchaser of 5 booths is going to be treated, we can probably expect that ITA will permit ASHI to operate a no-requirement, just walk up and shazam, you is an inspecta Satellite Diploma Mill again like they did at ITA's Miami Expo in May. ASHI knowing we are sensitive to their operating a diploma mill taunted us the during the whole event by operating their Satellite Diploma Mill using their come-only-with-cash application http://www.ashi.org/inspectors/join/...plication1.htm The only piece of literature at the ASHI booth.

I can see it now, ITA permitting ASHI to operate their satellite diploma mill again while we struggle to man our booths for days, understaffed.

Maybe we bail on this one.

[Mario A. Kyriacou, CHI]

Nick

Maybe you should bail!!I would at least threaten to bail[and mean it]just to see there response,who knows they might take a new position and give you 10 passes.

Just my thoughts Nick

Mario

[Mario A. Kyriacou, CHI]

P.S.Allready booked my flight and hotel for Vegas,if we boycott them,I guess I will just take in the sites and gamble!!!

[Paul Pendley]

As an exhibitor in previous venues, I have always been given 2 passes per booth. With that said, Nick you also have to think about the other organizations that have speakers at this convention and the fact that they are already in ITA's Back pocket....I think I explained this in an email to you about one of their instructors that will be there. I hope you can get this resolved and if you need any help, please feel free to contact me.

[wforsyth]

I think at this late date there is alot of money riding on it and would give Nick the look of being the "Diva" type.

I would definitely call them on it and let them know that YOU KNOW that the other vendors get unlimited passes. Put some pressure on.

That being said, I'll volunteer to help man the booths so that people can take breaks and stuff. Even if I don't get a pass. I'll pay the $189 to get in. I have that one free night, and I can always stay in the car the second night.

[Paul Pendley]

I forgot, I just talked to Jeanie today at ITA and can call back and raise hell, Lord knows ive spent many $$ for their classes.

[jwortham1]

I've worked these shows before. No one checks the names on the passes. Just that you have them.

So go on break, pass it to your replacement and keep on keeping on.

[Paul Pendley]

I 2nd that Jeff

[Nick Gromicko]

If any member is going to the EXPO and wants to give one of our staffers a break by manning the NACHI booths, please come to the booth and offer, even if for an hour.

I'll see what Dee can do about this problem.

[Paul Pendley]

I would be more than happy to do that.

[wforsyth]

Yep, my offer still stands.

[Brian E. Kelly]

Nick, what does your contract say with regards to being an Exhibitor?

[Nick Gromicko]

Many under-appreciate just how much is going on at NACHI. http://www.nachi.org/whats_new.htm Our booths are not like other exhibitor's (insurance companies or whatever). NACHI is into 50 million things, not just one product or service. At the ITA show in Miami, Jackie spent 2 days at the NACHI booth just setting up free websites for the members who attended.