Can You Afford to Go to Pittsburgh?
More and more in these tough economic times, people are asking that question. Can I or my company afford to pay the registration fees, buy a plane ticket and hotel room and pay the other expenses? Should we exhibit? What am I getting out of this?
These are fair questions and hopefully the IRgA, through its communications, has been able to demonstrate the value to those of you who are “on the fence.” What’s the ROI?
Face-to-face, business-to-business meetings and trade shows are outstanding values. Buyers, sellers and educators all together in one venue remain the best way to maximize your time and investment. Not only do you save substantial dollars on multiple business travel expenses, but the ability to conduct business and take advantage of networking and educational opportunities is a huge time saver for the attendees. Now, more than ever, time is money.
Does this mean that you will not continue to conduct other business, travel outside of the association event? Absolutely not! Does this mean you can reduce the number of those trips and capitalize on the synergies offered by the IRgA? Absolutely.
According to the U. S. Travel Association (check out their Web site www.ustia.org) meetings and events are responsible for 15 percent of all travel-related spending, generating over $40 billion in tax revenue at the Federal, state and local level and providing more than a million jobs. It is a huge contributor to our overall economy!
It’s important to note the value of meetings and events like the IRgA provide for business, education and networking purposes. Meetings build professional skills and help businesses succeed. Educational offerings at meetings are likely the single biggest source of continuing adult education in the United States. The IRgA, in itself, is good business.
The next time someone asks, “Are you going to the IRgA Pittsburgh?” I hope you’ll join your fellow reprographer leaders and say, “Absolutely. I can't afford to miss it!”
Steve Bova
Executive Director |