If you're going to a tradeshow, why you should consider IMIS in Indy

First off, let me say that if you ever want to have a chance to build a relationship with the people who manufacture the parts in our business, you need to consider going to one of the racing trade shows. I have been to both PRI and IMIS. Here's a few reasons why I prefer the IMIS show, and why you should consider attending.

You have to come to a trade show in the right frame of mind. If you think that you are going to carry a briefcase full of sponsor proposals and come out of there with a bunch of product deals and some money, you're probably not going to be pleased with what the show does for you. First off free product deals and discounts are very hard to come by, and very rarely do you come away with these type of deals on a cold call meeting at a show.

Trade shows are a place to meet people and build relationships. They are also great to get info on the latest products, and do some business with the companies in attendance. If you ever want to have a chance at getting some sort of deal with companies you need to have a relationship with the decision makers. "Hello I'm Joe Smith and I run TAD. I also run your product (or I'm interested in your products)..." ask a question, comment, offer feed back, etc. At the end, exchange business cards (you do have those right?). I keep a spreadsheet of who I talked to, record contacts and make notes of my conversations after the show. After the show, a follow up email goes a long way. Now you are on that person's radar. If you ever want to 'do business' in this business, you HAVE to have relationships.

I've went to PRI since 2005, and have been to the past 2 IMIS shows (since it's inception). I have nothing against PRI, and the nature of my business requires me to be at both, but from a racer point of view, here's a few reasons why I like IMIS.

Motorsports is the first word that comes to mind when you think of Indianapolis. Rightfully so because there are so many professional teams and industry business in the area. The city really rolls out the red carpet for the show.

I've seen the show, particularly the drag racing side of the show grow tremendously each year. This show is a little more geared towards the hardcore racing side of the industry. You don't have as many fuzzy dice and pink tie strap booths at IMIS.

Another thing I like about IMIS is it is all centrally located. There are a number of hotels downtown that are either connected by walk-ways or a short walk from the convention center. What that means is you can either catch a cab or a shuttle bus downtown from the airport - no rental car needed, no parking in the morning.

Along with that, there's plenty of night life within walking distance down town. Whether you want a high end joint like St. Elmo's Steakhouse or Steak n Shake is more your speed, they're all right there. After dinner there's plenty of places to catch a drink. The Slippery Noodle blues bar is a popular hang out. No driving is always a plus.

When you go to Orlando, everything is a lot more spread out. There are shuttle buses, but you'll spend as much in taxi's as rental for the weekend, so a rental car is just about a must. Sure there is a lot to do right there on International Drive, but it's a pretty good walk from most of the hotels to the restaurants and bars. In about the same distance it takes you to walk from the floor at PRI to your car in the parking lot, you could walk to your hotel in downtown Indy.

This year NHRA has scheduled the Division 3 Banquet the Saturday night after the show, so there will be plenty of racers in attendance for that. If you are coming to the banquet, it would be a shame not to come to the show.

You're bound to find some other racers you know, so it's a good chance to catch up with friends during the offseason.

In closing, another reason you should support IMIS is that they are very interested in our type of racing. That is why they chose to sponsor our site.

Find out more at www.imis-indy.com. You can register and book your rooms on the website. Hope to see you there!