Conventions

If you can make it there, you’ll make it anywhere… And that “anywhere” includes a New York sky-scraper sized pile of alluring travel destinations, some familiar, some so exotic you’d be pushed to find them on the world map. And all courtesy of this New York Times-sponsored monster of a travel show. So where were you thinking of going? A cruise to Alaska, perhaps (from the observation deck you can see Russia AND Sarah Palin’s house…). A gemstone safari in Botswana? Wanna visit the Burmese Generals’ “paradise on Earth” (for trippers, that is, not local residents) with Myanmar Shalom Travel? Or maybe you want to mountain-bike up vertical cliffs with BikeSherpa? Trust us, however vivid your imagination, these excursion experts can come up with a recreational travel option that even you hadn’t thought of. Quark Expeditions? Is that the one where a rocket ship takes you on a visit to black holes in outer space, and you get to form your own galaxy out of dark matter? I’m telling you, the trip is worth it just for the T-shirt, though the bunk beds are a little narrow…

We’re out West again, and visiting with the WPMA. To you and me, that’s the Western Petroleum Marketers Association. Nervous looks and twitching hands seemed to abound at the show, and it wasn’t all because of last night’s losses at the craps table or roulette wheel. The petroleum industry has plenty to be nervous about right now, what with chaos ripping through North African and Gulf State oil-producing countries (guess which way prices went?); plus president-for-eternity Hugo Chavez in Venezuela honing his performance as the worst manager of oil wealth in the history of the Americas; and then of course voices on Capitol Hill beginning to nod resignedly at the mention of likely future gasoline taxes to dampen demand and curb “America’s dangerous oil addiction”. The only way this could get worse, some seemed to be saying, would be GM developing a wind-powered car…

Full name? PPAI/UPIC, and already we’re in acronym heaven here. PPAI is the Promotional Products Association International, and UPIC means the Universal Promotional Identification Code. This year the show was almost double what it was in 2010 utilizing both upper and lower floors of the Mandalay Bay. Upper level housed the product pavillions “New Products”, “Made in the USA” and “Green” while down stairs were the rabbit warren like main floor. Mandalay Bay Exhibit Hall is not laid out so well. 1800+ exhibitors crammed into the hall with attendees rolling suitcases for schwag behind them. This show is partially people who sell promotional product lines to find new promos and buying groups like casinos who are looking for the newest giveaway for their contests.

Franchising has grown huge in all kinds of industries, including retailing, restaurant chains, health and beauty, gyms and fitness facilities, home improvements, childcare, travel and leisure. This Toronto event is designed for exploring the option of self-employment — buying a business franchise means you are in business for yourself, but with the help and support of a parent company. Owning a franchise means you get a slice of a proven business concept, and have the support you need to make a success of it. Many franchisor companies offer financial assistance or help franchisees find a bank or lender who will stake them the franchise fee, so delegates come to meet face to face with people that can help finance a venture, plus suppliers in industries such as Legal Services, Financial Advisors, Marketing & Advertising Assistance, IT Support and Accounting & Bookkeeping. But remember, the self-employed work for the world’s toughest boss…