Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/231234
WORLD FENCE NEWS • JANUARY 2014 • As always, I look forward to the yearly FENCETECH convention and trade show, and this coming March is no exception. (This will be the 52nd annual fence show, by the way!) Every show represents a unique experience unto itself, combining educational opportunities and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to renew old friendships, make new ones and perhaps, most important, add to your professionalism within our industry by adding the sum total of this experience to your personal growth as a fence professional. In the past, I have devoted column space to ways of getting the most out of the show from the attendee point of view. At this point, it might be best to review a method of making sure that you have the best opportunity to maximize your floor time. The most important aspect for maximizing one's floor time is to prioritize your vendor visits according to the importance to you. Normally, I prefer to implement this system by a process known as "color coding." However, if you are unable to color code, then certainly use a pen or a pencil on a legal size piece of paper to list those vendors who are priority one for your visit, noting their booth numbers and listing them, for instance, A Jim Lucci bonus feature FENCETECH offers super opportunity to network, learn and grow from number one to 10. Second, I would determine the second tier of 10 (those whom I want to visit with, but don't necessarily have to), listing them second with booth numbers as well. Third, I would list the next tier of vendors (those I would like to visit if I have the time) in the same manner on the same sheet of paper, with booth numbers. (Preferably all these notations should be on legal size pad sheets, on your PDA, or whatever works for you.) If you prepare your lists in a conscientious manner and prioritize them in a meaningful way, I am sure that this will help you maximize your time to the most productive end while walking the show floor over the course of the show. I would hope that the stage has been set for you to come see why this could be a wonderful experience to help you grow in the industry while having some fun at the same time. I have a few more thoughts to mention, but later on. I always learn something, and in many cases, a lot of somethings, from the many years I've attended FENCETECH shows. Perhaps one of the most important things is meeting with many of you who stop by and visit at the World Fence News booth, or those whom I have had the privilege to meet and chat with throughout the week at the show. I am always grateful for the time spent with each and every one of you 33 for what you have added to my personal growth over my 30 plus years of association with this industry. That alone would bring me back each year! I am also aware of those of you who will have your reasons for not attending FENCETECH 2014. I believe that for those of you who make the time to attend some or all of what FENCETECH has to offer, you will add yet another chapter to your life experience as well as that of a professional in the fence industry. As always, we hope that this column will give you a reason to continue to grow, and to help you to realize that Profit Is Not A Dirty Word!™. See you in Vegas! PRIVACY IS A SNAP! PVC panels snap on to ornamental pickets. No other mechanism is involved. Privacy Picket Panels for Ornamental Fencing, Decks, Balconies or Enclosures Hurricane Mfg. Co., LLC 918-270-2050 • info@hurricanemfg.com • www.hurricanemfg.com