Notes from Orlando

The recently held ISA show in Orlando somewhat reflects our society as a whole. The prevailing attitude of guarded optimism mirrors our country, although for a tale of two political parties, come November, it will be the best of times and the worst of times.
With 540 exhibitors and approximately 16,200 attendees, I’d rate it as very good. First-time exhibitors numbered 87. Exhibitors were up approximately 10% from the 2010 Orlando show, with attendance about the same. Registration for the 75 educational sessions was up 10% over last year in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, nothing else is even close. Booth space for 2013’s Las Vegas show, which takes place April 4-6, is already 86% sold out.
Consulting the show’s official program, I counted 127 exhibitors from 15 nations outside North America, or 23.5% of all exhibitors. However, the 10 countries not in Southeast Asia contributed only 14 exhibitors. China, with 92 exhibitors (I lumped in the six from Taiwan and Hong Kong), accounted for slightly more than one of every six exhibitors, at 17%. South Korea was next, with 21 exhibitors (roughly 4%).
Little things made some big impressions. I was very glad to see testing laboratory MET Laboratories announcing its Sign Shop Program. I don’t have any axes to grind with UL, but I always believe options are beneficial. Primodize was licensing a technology for digitally printing on anodized aluminum. Image Microsystems’ MicroStrate is a quasi-“aluminum” substrate made 100% from recycled computers and cartridges.
Addressing shop management, Roland announced a program for renting equipment, along with its partnering with Keen to help its customers present better websites. RealTimeDesigner developed a kiosk so its customers could design their own signs inside a signshop (and save employees from spending hours helping design a $100 banner).