If you are interested in exhibiting in the 2019 event, please contact:
SALES: Ken Schulte, (800) 666-6233, kschulte@miramw.org
For all other inquiries: Ila Konja, (800) 666-6233, ikonja@miramw.org
After 34 years of hosting a spring trade show, which has been MIRA’s showcase show, the association is considering integrating it into the fall Holiday Show however, they are giving the Spring Show one more opportunity to prove itself, and in the Spring of 2019, t will be held the Regency Manor on Twelve Mile Road. “Just like the consolidation we see in the industry, we are making necessary decisions to consolidate within the association,” said Auday Arabo, president and CEO. “We must make decisions on how we will focus our time and energy; because of the declining attendance, we are considering combining the spring show with our fall Holiday show but we will give it one more year before we make that decision.”
In an effort to increase attendance, MIRA ramped up the food this year, but it only resulted in leftovers. They also had cash prizes equaling $3,000. “We did everything possible to keep the show going but you can’t stop the inevitable,” said Arabo. “We will see if the change of venue helps the show.”
This particular spring show used to attract 200 exhibitors and the show was shared with Sherwood Foods. Today, Sherwood, Lipari and Great North all have their own shows, making it difficult for MIRA to compete for an audience.
“We are not in the trade show business,” said Arabo. “We are not in the golf business and we are not in the gala business. We are in the association business. We are our biggest critics. These are not easy decisions to make but they must be made. If something is not working, we will cancel the event.”
If retailers don’t show up, the vendors will stop participating. “We don’t want to be the last person standing at the dance,” said Ed Weglarz, director of petroleum. “If the time comes to consolidate the show, we will move forward with different plans.”
The association is hoping the show will pick up next year even though this year’s attendance was quite low. “We have always said that in order to be relevant and to flourish, we have to change when the industry changes,” said Arabo. “They dictate how we operate because we are here to service our members. This will be a forced combination and our focus will be on the September show if the Spring show next year is not successful.”
Trade shows along with the other events subside operating costs. For the first time in six years, the association will increase annual dues effective in 2019. “We will continue to service our members at the highest level,” said Arabo. “This year alone we spent two to three hundred thousand dollars on the half-mile rule issue. We have to cover these costs.”
Meanwhile, members who attended last month’s show commented on the show itself. “These shows over the years have lost their affect. They used to be such a huge deal,” said Ronnie Jamil, longtime MIRA member. “There used to be so much excitement around these shows with a display of so many products. Our industry has changed so much. Our business in general is not so interesting anymore. There used to be big presentations from so many companies. They just don’t do what they used to do. I used to spend two days and four hours each day at the shows. I spend less than an hour in one day. It’s just nowhere near what the shows used to be because our industry is not what it used to be. The suppliers were all here. It was a big social event. They wanted to see their customers. It’s no longer the same event.”
Members are under time constraints are being more strategic regarding shows they attend. “These used to be buying shows. Today, people are buying products online. The industry has changed and so has the way people shop for products. They are still worth attending for networking but they are not what they used to be,” said member Chris Zebari.
Many suppliers and vendors find great value in the show and will continue to have a presence at the consolidated show. Every year Michigan Lottery highlights new games at the show, which they did again this year. “We come to the show to interact with the retailers and vendors and we hear a lot of positive feedback,” said Pat Napoleon, Regional Sales Manager for Michigan Lottery. “They also have a second chance drawing. Retailers drop in their name and get a prize package. They also sold lottery tickets at the event including instant tickets and all of our online tickets, and with the Mega Millions at $45 million tonight, people are excited about buying tickets. It’s a multi-state game. The drawing was that night but no one won that night. It rolled over.”
A full-line janitorial service company, with a niche in marketplace using the Sunburst Chemical program, has attended several shows. “I have been coming to the show for several years and I really like it. I always get new customers. This event is a great way to network,” said Dave Gallant.
EddiePegusowns C-stores called Stop and Shop in Saginaw Michigan. “I haven’t been to an MIRA show in a while and I wanted to see the changes and I really like the show. My husband and I own various businesses. I like the setup and the people are so friendly.”
For an in-store audio marketing platform that helps stores capture the vibe they want for their clients, this past show was their first show. “I really like the show,” said Michael Knapp of Vibanomics. “Everyone is so close-knit and has these great relationships. I have booked appointments already.”
Many members will continue to attend the consolidated show this fall. “The show is about bringing people out of their businesses and showing off products. It is always a great event,” said Frank Ayar.
“I love the show. I find new products and get new ideas to improve my business,” said Layth Kriko, owner of a store in Clinton Township
It was the second show Tom Atto who displayed Wheelhouse Graphics. “We make good connections with members and exhibitors. It is great for me to build brand recognition,” he said.
“I like the show. You get to network with people and try new products. I have been coming for years. The best part is seeing what’s new. This show was a little slower than previous years but still a great show,” Jason Zackar has been coming to shows working for different companies.
Some members bring along employees to learn and observe. “I am really enjoying the show,” Brian White of Hilton Market in Ferndale. “I am most interested in Benchmark products and it’s great that I can look at the bottle and taste the product and figure out what would be best for our store. We have customers asking for specific flavors and various products. It is great to see them and try them. “
For many show goers networking will continue to be their priority. “I love this show because it’s fun. I meet such cool people at the shows. It’s a great networking opportunity,” said Barsha Rabban.
Charlie Elsheick is owner of AmCam Truck Plaza in Dearborn Michigan. “I really like to see the different vendors and talk with them about different ideas and ways to optimize my business,” he said. “They give you encouragement to improve your business. I have signed up with various vendors and have taken advantage of the rebate programs with MIRA.”
Burton Manor, Livonia, Michigan
