Speculation made prior to this year’s ISSA show in Orlando left everyone wondering what kind of attendance exhibitors could expect from distributors and end users.

Attendance was down. That’s understandable, considering recent events.

What’s more important to recognize, however, is the many people who did make it to Orlando.

For the manufacturers who traveled to the show, many claimed it was one of their most successful ever. Attendees were not “tire kickers,” as one manufacturer put it, and many exhibitors walked away with some impressive orders.

There’s also something to be said for the prevailing, “Let’s Get Going” attitude among attendees. The motto ISSA chose was fitting.

It’s often been said that things will never be quite the same following the September 11 attacks. However, as individuals and as an industry, we have the power to control our business destiny. It was encouraging to experience the air of business optimism that was apparent at the show.

If the attitudes prevalent at ISSA are any indication of what we can expect in coming months, we’re confident our economy and our country will bounce back from whatever setbacks we experience.




POSTED ON: 11/1/2001