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Promoting LUGs at Comdex?
eugene ts wong writes "This past month, VanLUG went to Comdex, as we usually do. It went fairly well for us, but we are always looking for ways to refine our methods. Our main focus this year has been promoting the professionals of the LUG, so that we aren't perceived only as a bunch of hackers and script kiddies. What kinds of methods and focuses [yes, it's incorrect spelling, but I like it this way] have other LUGs had for their presence at Comdex? Or are there any other LUGs at all that have been to Comdex?"
On balance, do you think obstinately refusing to use the norms of communication will make people perceive you as more, or less "professional"?
I read this: <tantrum>j00 n33d t0 t4k3 us l1nux d00ds s3r10usly!!!!</tantrum>, and I bet that's not what you were trying for.
"This past month, VanLUG went to Comdex, as we usually do... What kinds of methods and focuses have other LUGs had for their presence at Comdex? Or are there any other LUGs at all that have been toComdex?"
Uh, if you usually go to Comdex and you haven't noticed any other LUGs, why would you want to emulate their "methods and focuses"? Obviously they didn't work.
If all this should have a reason, we would be the last to know.
I was a member of the Las Vegas OS/2 User Group, and attended every LV COMDEX from 1989 to 1998. While our "mission" was guided by the UG rep within IBM, we had distinct functions. While we did succeed in getting more OS/2 on demo machines on the show floor every year, we obviously didn't do so well in the longevity department.
I am not sure from your post, but I will ASSume that you are attending as an exhibitor, not just an attendee. In that case, there are a number of things I can think of to maximize your COMDEX presence.
Get a program and floor map as soon as possible - make your own map to point out Linux-based/compatible vendors
Have some stickers, or better yet, table-tent or pop-up signs (like monitor toppers) printed, distribute to any exhibitor willing to put one on their stuff, showing where you are located and who you are.
Ask for swag! COMDEX/fall was usually good for enough freebies for the group that we had doorpizes all year long
Ask if vendors would let you feature their product at your booth - one more logo placement is usually a "yes" at COMDEX
Offer a drawing for a single quality item at the end of the show in return for signing a mailing list opt-in.
Give away swag with your logo and contact info - COMDEX has scaled back in recent years, but I used to never need to buy a pen, frisbee, or stress-ball during the rest of the year.
Use the access opportunities to line up presenters for the year - The big guys are available, and usually willing to make the trip
Think about organizing a party for Linux vendors/developers at a spot that you, as locals, know about, but is off the beaten tourist trail.
These are a few things off the top of my head. A user group can do a lot of self-promotion to locals and the industry at an event like COMDEX. Remember that your image at the show is what the developers and equipment guys will remember. Politeness goes without saying, but nearly every company responds favorably to some professionalism. Work from the standpoint that you have something to offer them, not just looking for a handout - You do have a valuable commodity. You have over 1000 members, each of which has to purchase something, somewhere. And that is the true goal of the exhibitor at COMDEX: Marketing, marketing, marketing.
Good luck!
The TinWeasle: "Worming Out of Culpability since 1978" - Opinions expressed are mine alone, yadda, yadda, yadda