Indianapolis: Pumper and Cleaner Expo

February 25-28, 2013. Full title?  The Pumper & Cleaner International Environmental Expo.   Attended by over 4,000 septic, sewer and drain businesses each year, the Pumper & Cleaner Expo shows off the latest products and technologies in the environmental service industry as well as providing educational seminars taught by highly skilled professionals.  500 exhibits spanned more than 500,000 square feet of the convention center, displaying everything from septic system components and trailers to portable sanitation units and industrial sewer equipment.  The Pumper & Cleaner Expo has grown significantly over the last several years, attracting environmental service professionals from 46 countries to discuss onsite installation, portable sanitation, sewer cleaning, utility location, and the like.  One of the remarkable sights at the show was a large crowd gathered alongside a row of porta-potty cabins, and NOT hopping anxiously from one foot to the other.  They were just checking out specs…

Indianapolis: PowerSports

February 15-17, 2013. As the largest and most comprehensive trade show in the powersports (read motorcycle) industry, PowerSports Dealer Expo has positioned itself as the industry gateway for vital business resources. Motorcycle buyers, retailers, distributors and suppliers have all come to depend on this event to help them make buying and selling decisions, find new profit centers, learn the latest technological advances, and figure out new ways to grow their business.  What’s the best part about purchasing a new bike? Continuing the moto-shopping spree by buying all of the little extras needed to stay safe, customize and personalize your ride. In the Marketplace, visitors could find a collection of parts and accessories from their favorite aftermarket manufacturers. They could test out products that fit every budget and lifestyle, guided by specialists there to help explain the ins-and-outs of how these additions to your riding arsenal could enhance the riding experience.  Who’s that with the electric guitar playing “Bat Out Of Hell”…?

Indianapolis: Precast Show

January 11-13, 2013. Precast?  Precast what?  Well, precast concrete, since you ask.  This was the show for precasters and suppliers of products, equipment and services to make the stuff, and incorporate it into building projects.  Precast concrete, we heard, “offers an almost endless variety of products and design options for both above ground and underground construction. From the largest infrastructure projects to the smallest architectural details, precast is one of the most versatile and sustainable building materials available for today’s fast-paced, environmentally conscious construction”.  The strength of precast concrete apparently increases little by little over time, while other materials can deteriorate, experience creep and stress relaxation, and lose their strength over time.  “Build for keeps” was the message here…

Indianapolis: CEDIA

Sept. 5-8, 2012. CEDIA claims to unite every overlapping technology of the Integrated Home, so we’re talking home automation, home health, home security, home entertainment, home networking, energy management and future home technologies.  For many in the industry, the idea of the “smart home” has been around for years. As the industry moves towards entry level/commoditized home automation, the “smart home” term looks to increase in popularity.  Keynoter Dr. Michio Kaku pointed out that most smart homes aren’t “smart” in themselves, but instead they boast a design and installation by talented electronic systems contractors. With future offerings like IPv6, RFID devices and more, the next generation of smart homes is about emerge, creating “The Intuitive Home”.  Hey, it’s for you, it’s your house calling…

Indianapolis: American Coatings Expo

May 8-10, 2012. Despite economic difficulties, the second American Coatings show was a success and the highlight event of the US paint and coatings industry.  Featuring 328 exhibitors, the second American Coatings Show hosted 6,700 industry attendees from 61 countries. Visitors gained insight into state-of-the-art developments ranging from raw materials, laboratory and production equipment, to testing and measuring equipment, as well as services for the coatings industry.  On display was a complete portfolio for the production of high-grade and competitive coatings, paints, sealants, construction chemicals, and adhesives.  The Expo brought together top coatings development decision-makers for a high-level exchange of information.  Y’know, there’s nothing you can’t make a difference to by applying a lick of paint…