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Industry tradeshows are a fun way to get away from the workplace while diving into the latest trends, products, and technologies. However, in some peoples’ opinions, tradeshows lost their luster over the past five years or so. Yet, many PROs depend on industry events for education and training purposes.
Hands-on learning sessions such as those at the PSAI Convention and Trade Show can be invaluable to portable restroom operators and staff. With that in mind, we want to know why you attend conventions and how you tackle training requirements. Check out the questions below and send your answer to info@johntalk.com or message JohnTalk on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter. You can also leave a reply at the bottom of this page!
What is the Biggest Value of Attending a Tradeshow?
Tradeshows are a prime way to connect with other portable restroom operators and excellent sources of information for business and training purposes. Likewise, PROs attend local conventions to generate leads and rub elbows with community and state business leaders. But rising costs and shrinking budgets make it more important than ever to understand the benefits of attending tradeshows.
Do you have a specific reason for attending a convention? Look at the following motives and let us know which ones apply to your company and mindset:
- Network with other PROs
- Meet current and new vendors in-person
- Complete training and exam requirements
- Check out new products and services
- Gain a competitive edge with innovative ideas
Will Tradeshow Activity Return to Normal?
Although conference space increased, attendance at many popular shows stagnated or grew more slowly than in previous years. There was an uptick in 2019 in the number of tradeshows attended or sponsored by business professionals. This came to a sudden stop in 2020. Since then, budget and safety challenges have further reduced attendee and vendor participation.
According to the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry’s Global Recovery Insights 2021 report, “demand has returned to pre-pandemic levels for both exhibitors and visitors, and 72% of existing visitors say they plan to attend tradeshows with the same or increased frequency in the future.” Yet many questions remain whether hybrid or digital-only versions can replace some in-person events.
Did your travel and tradeshow activities change in 2020 and 2021? If so, do you expect to attend more conferences in 2022? Drop us a line and let us know if you’ll change your approach to tradeshows in the future.
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How Does Your Company Get Training Hours for State Licenses?
Depending on your location, you may need to complete a certain number of training hours to maintain your license. Different tradeshows provide various certifications, educational courses, and exams. In addition, many states and provinces offer continuing education units (CEUs) and professional development hours (PDHs) at conventions.
For example, you can complete basic service training for certification as a Portable Sanitation Apprentice or a Portable Sanitation Professional at the PSAI tradeshow. Some states, like Georgia and Illinois, require documented certification every three years. The National Association of Wastewater Technicians (NAWT) and National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) also provide certification courses at various events.
Do you try to maximize your tradeshow attendance by squeezing in certification or training programs? If not, how do you meet your region’s requirements for portable sanitation and wastewater professionals?
Tell JohnTalk About Your Tradeshow Experiences
Will you head to one (or more) of the best tradeshows for pumpers? Undoubtedly, the PSAI event is a memorable experience, from hands-on training to certification exams. But, if you’re not attending, then what’s holding you back? Let us know by emailing info@johntalk.com or connecting with JohnTalk on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter. You can also leave a reply at the bottom of this page!
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2 Comments
I attended the Nuts and Bolts in Reno. Although the tradeshow could use more vendors, I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I rekindled old friendships and made some new ones as well. It was nice to put a face to some of the names I see on facebook. I go to see equipment, make connections and learn how other operators approach business.
I have no interest in the WETT show. It’s lost its roots. It’s too big and geared more toward municipalities. I miss the pumper show at the Opryland. That was a great venue and I always had a good time. I totally respect Poly John’s decision for not attending WETT.
Oregon does not require CEU’s for pumping.
I’ve attended and presented at virtual conferences. I don’t like them. You lose the personal interaction. If there is an opportunity to meet in person, I always will.
We attend WWETT for CEU’s and the convenience. We have been disappointed in the expo floor since the new company took over this show. It is geared more towards commerical and municipalities. It’s lost it’s family roots.