Executives from every facet of the gear industry attended GEAR EXPO 2003–the only international trade show devoted exclusively to the gear industry–which was held October 5-8, 2003, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Ohio.
AGMA Vice President and Show Manager Kurt Medert says that "I could tell early on, even during the move-in, that the exhibitors were happy with the Convention Center, the labor force, and the city. There seemed to be a positive buzz in the air. Then, as I talked with many exhibitors during the show, I could sense that the overall feeling about GEAR EXPO 2003 was a good one.
"But it wasn’t until the exhibitors meeting on the last day of the show that I found out how successful it had been," Medert says. "Approximately 85 percent of the exhibitors in the room indicated that they were pleased with their experience in Columbus. The attendance was lower than everyone had hoped, but as usual, the high quality of the people who came to the show more than made up the difference."
More than 150 exhibitors displayed the latest machinery, manufacturing techniques, and much more during the four-day event. Exhibitors were very pleased with the number of high-quality leads they captured during GEAR EXPO 2003. "Although the overall show attendance was down from previous years, those who made the journey to Columbus were serious in their intentions to purchase," says Ian Shearing, vice president of sales for the Mitsubishi Gear Technology Center. "For us, this was confirmed when we sold two machines to walk-up customers during show hours. In addition, there are follow-up leads which show a lot of potential."
Visitors from 41 states and 28 countries attended GEAR EXPO 2003, proving again that it is "The Worldwide Gear Industry Event." Visitors had the opportunity to inspect the more than 400,000 lbs. of machinery that were on display at the show, and they were also able to consult with a variety of suppliers and gear manufacturers regarding their gearing needs. "GEAR EXPO is a very good show," says Sulaman Jamal, managing director of Bevel Gears Pvt. Ltd., of India. "If we hadn’t come to the show, a major machine decision would not have been made."
AGMA also raffled off a Segway HT, the world’s first self-balancing, electric-powered human transportation device. With more than 250 tickets sold, the lucky winner was Jack Galuardi of Phoenix Mecano in Frederick, Maryland. The brand new Segway HT–a $5,000 value–was generously donated to AGMA by three GEAR EXPO 2003 exhibitors: Axicon Technologies, Schafer Gear Works, and SU America. All three of the companies make vital parts for and/or provide manufacturing support for the Segway HT.
Planning is already under way for GEAR EXPO 2005, which will be held October 16-19, 2005, at the Cobo Center in Detroit. More than 30 companies have already reserved exhibit space, and those interested in exhibiting can send e-mail to gearexpo@agma.org, or log on to [www.gearexpo.com] to view a preliminary floor plan and reserve exhibit space.
The American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA) is a trade association representing more than 400 manufacturers of gear and related gearing and coupling products, as well as suppliers and consultants to the industry. For more information, contact Jenny Blackford at (703) 684-0211, or send e-mail to blackford@agma.org. The AGMA Web site can be accessed at [www.agma.org].
