Letters to the Editor

Re: “Las Vegas Gets a Little Less Magic” (Feb. 18, 2008)

Dear Editor:

The WWIN (WomensWear in Nevada) tradeshow, whose dates coincide with MAGIC (Marketplace), has announced that it will remain a four-day show. WWIN grew out of the former B.A.T.WOMAN (Big And Tall Woman's Show), which started in Las Vegas long before MAGIC moved there.

WWIN specializes in the Missy and Plus-size markets with apparel and accessories for these women. It is a market niche that is growing as the population in general gets bigger. Unlike many shows, WWIN finds buyer attendance growing, even as some stores close and fewer buyers are going to the mega shows.

We find that many buyers prefer our boutique atmosphere and amenities, so we have no desire to grow the exhibitors' side. Until we see a decline in the attendance figures that other shows have experienced, we will remain a four-day show, opening one day before or staying open one day after WWDMAGIC.

Jeff Yunis

President

Specialty Trade Shows

Coconut Grove, Fla.

Re: “CES Visitors React to News” (Jan. 21, 2008)

Dear Editor:

First, I would like to commend you for including comments from Intl. CES attendees in your recent article. We certainly recognize the frustration that some people experience with the cost of attending CES. As a service provider to the Las Vegas Convention Center, I would like to personally address comments made about the price of telecommunications services.

Smart City fees are in line and even below those of similar providers. In fact, we have not raised our rates in more than seven years. We constantly keep up with new and emerging technology to ensure exhibitors have the latest offerings available. We do everything we can to properly assess client needs in advance to determine the types of services required, which helps keep costs low.

Smart City customer service representatives are trained to educate customers about our products to match them with their needs. In order for us to ensure that people get the right services, we have to have a thorough explanation of their needs. After that, we take care of the rest.

With any event, there is a significant amount of pre-planning involved for us to be able to deliver service in a timely manner, which is why rates increase closer to the event. When clients order services on site, the rate we charge is to cover quick installation because we have to accommodate the change in the established installation schedule. It takes time for the new service to be programmed, installed and delivered properly to the client. This is why we encourage people to plan in advance and order services early. To get the most out of any service provider, communicate early and often. Work closely with the customer service representative. They are there to help you and save you money. That is a Smart City promise.

Paul Ashley

President

Smart City

Las Vegas

Letters to the editor of Tradeshow Week are always welcome. Please send them to Editor-in-Chief Michael Hart (by mail) Tradeshow Week, 5700 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 120, Los Angeles, Calif. 90036-5804; (by e-mail) hartm@reedbusiness.com; or (by fax) (323) 965-5306.