Fact of life

if you do something a lot, sooner or later, you are likly to screw up

Nikon do a heck of a lot of Trade shows

The stands are manned by human beings

and once in a blue moon, somthing is is going to go tits up

Howdy, fellow Texan and Nikon Photographer here.

I got to the show around noon on Saturday and my first impression was "this is going to be very profitable for Arlington Camera" (the show sponsor). They had the entire side of the showroom hall with tables loaded with every photo product you could imagine to buy. For example: You could visit the Sigma booth, look at the shiny new lenses, then walk over to Arlington Camera's booth and buy it.

I, too, was surprised at how little Nikon was represented. Their booth was in the very back of the showroom with one little sign. Except for the two guys "manning" the booth along with all the cameras on the back table, the booth would have looked deserted. I can't speak to the behavior nor knowledge of the "reps" as I didn't stop and talk. I'm a HUGE Nikon fan, used their products since the 1970's. But since I didn't need anything Nikon-wise, I just didn't stop to look and talk. I can get the info I need online or visiting the store.

I don't know why they made the decision to be "put back in the corner" or why there was not much Nikon "presence" with signs, posters, salespeople, etc. Even in the Arlington Camera booth, I noticed only one small table with Nikon bodies, kits and lenses, but that was maybe 5% of their entire booth.

Heck, if Nikon had asked ME, I would have gladly "manned" the booth and been their biggest salesman, I love Nikon!

In defense of Nikon, several years ago, Arlington Camera sponsored a Photo Field Trip to Fossil Rim Wildlife Park in Glenrose, TX. This is one of those "drive through" wildlife parks. The Nikon rep was there with every exotic Nikon lens you could imagine: 300 2.8, 400 2.8, 600 4.0, along with several flashes and bodies. These could be loaned out through the day to photograph the giraffes, tigers and springboks at the park. Some of this equipment I had never held in my hands, and it was incredible!

The best Nikon "presence" I ever saw was at the Galveston FeatherFest this past April. Each year, in Galveston TX, the migratory birds come through the Texas Coastal Area. Birders from all over the country come to Galveston for FeatherFest, where they can go on outings to photograph the birds. The "Birders Bazaar" at the Registration Booth had representatives from Nikon, Canon, Swarovski and other camera and spotting scope manufacturers. Nikon was represented by Houston Camera with a table of the Exotics (200-400 4.0, 600 4.0) along with the brand new D800. They took much time with me showing me the features of the camera, letting me hold the items and answering my questions. It was incredible holding the 200-400 4.0 Zoom-Nikkor. Wish I had the money.

It is impossible to know what Nikon's motives were at this show. It might not have been a marketing priority, or maybe they are confident in their television, print and online advertising. Maybe they have a different idea of what sells their equipment, i.e. sponsoring workshops where attendees can actually try out and use the equipment.

Either way, I got the info I needed from the show and enjoyed attending. And, I will "bleed Nikon yellow" until I die.

I'm going to say this only one more time:

*I* was not the person who went to the show (at least one asked me where the venue was by PM; I don't know, I didn't even know it was on.

*I* am not the person making a complaint to Nikon; *I* didn't go to the event and *I* won't get a reply, my friend will.

If she hears anything back from Nikon and she tells me (I think she won't), I'll post it here.

NSXType-R said:
Are you sure the show was company sponsored and not just a couple representatives from a local store hawking Nikon products?

From some coverage I've seen of the trade show in the Javits Convention Center in NY, it looks like they had some aweseome coverage.

+1

Companies pick and choose their trade shows, they don't go to all of them. It could be also their stuff got held up and was set up after your friend left. Looked like quite a small trade show from their site. Seems much ado about nothing to me.

I expect you will not get much of a response other than a canned message.

spraynpray said:
Right, so give that info to your friend who started by saying she would love someone @ Nikon's email address and let her follow through!

Keep us posted.

Already done.

If we hear anything, I'll let you know...

^ +1

bjrichus said:
Ms.M./NSXType, I did not go to the show, it's not my complaint, etc, I am just passing one what a consumer person who is another "Nikon person" (she is an enthusiast level person) and these are HER comments, so don't ask ME to answer anything.

From what she tells me, these were NIKON USA people, but I agree that if so, this is most unlike Nikon USA who are usually very up-beat and put on a good show at events like this.

Right, so give that info to your friend who started by saying she would love someone @ Nikon's email address and let her follow through!

Keep us posted.

Ms.M./NSXType, I did not go to the show, it's not my complaint, etc, I am just passing one what a consumer person who is another "Nikon person" (she is an enthusiast level person) and these are HER comments, so don't ask ME to answer anything.

From what she tells me, these were NIKON USA people, but I agree that if so, this is most unlike Nikon USA who are usually very up-beat and put on a good show at events like this.

It is highly unlikely this was a Nikon USA production. Most likely as described above of a local store attempting to do something.

In any case, the way to handle a situation like this, if one wishes to point out the venue to Nikon USA, is to photograph the exhibit, print the photos, send them to an executive at Nikon USA.

Jerry Grossman, vice president of Marketing
Joseph Carfora, vice-president of Sales;

Nikon Inc.
1300 Walt Whitman Road
Melville, NY 11747-3064, U.S.A.

Please understand, a representative of one of those folks will get back to you and possibly with gratitude if this was not a Nikon USA booth. Nikon appreciates feedback, but try to offer something positive, such as "I thought you would like to see this exhibit."

Are you sure the show was company sponsored and not just a couple representatives from a local store hawking Nikon products?

From some coverage I've seen of the trade show in the Javits Convention Center in NY, it looks like they had some aweseome coverage.

sevencrossing said:
never been to "consumer show" but at trade shows Nikon's reps are first class

Exactly my point. Did Nikon screw it up with so many potential buyers on hand?

Far better NOT to be there at all than put on a display as my lady friend says they did.

never been to "consumer show" but at trade shows Nikon's reps are first class

I'd like it if someone from Nikon (as they don't publish email addresses on the web site) would take this to senior management and kick whoever is responsible for this out... Please? No?

A friend who lives on the other side of my area and we communicate a lot about cameras as we are both Nikon users, went to a camera show at the weekend. She has been self employed (as have I) and we know something about marketing and running businesses, one of which I still do.

It's not a trade show, but was aimed at consumers - you know, the saps who pay full price for camera gear at retail and who are the biggest profit generators for companies like Nikon.

Whatever, this is (most of) her summary of the Nikon presence at the show:

= = = =

"... went to that DFW Photo Expo this past weekend ... OMG.....You would have DIED if you had seen the lackluster, indifferent attitude and booth appearance at this show by NIKON - I would love to have someone's email @ Nikon to write and tell them about it, too. Who would I write? I can't locate an email address.

Two young guys were in a single booth - NO signage, NO banners, NO literature and just their cameras scattered on a table behind them in no rows or order. The only way you knew it was a Nikon booth was from the little white vendor sign they post so you know where your booth is located. And get this ...One of the reps didn't even know whether or not the camera had GPS capability when asked. They acted like they couldn't be bothered, it was a total disgrace.

On the other hand - Canon had the equivalent of 4 spaces, tons of banners/POP literature, and extremely helpful and knowledgeable reps. They also had their new line of printers, too. The rep that helped me (about our age) lives in Irving and even offered to loan me a 5D Mark III, meet me, and show me why I need to consider their camera and even took the time to review what 4 lenses would give me all photo ops in my "bag"....I was impressed with their Macro 100mm lens.

Sony's reps and booth looked wonderful and their reps were extremely knowledgeable. They were courteous and were very professional in why their camera is the best choice. They pointed out (when I said we shoot Nikon) that their cameras already have the "best" sensors, LOL. That A99 is a VERY cool camera, too. Neither the Sony rep nor the Canon rep "bashed" their competitors like the arrogant Nikon rep...I couldn't believe it!

This show ain't no Photokina, but they had a very large crowd. We got there 15 minutes after the show opened on Saturday and the parking lot was about 75% full.

SHAME on Nikon for their very poor appearance, booth, and overall representation~~
I was so ticked off I even chose a Canon bag over the Nikon bag option they gave me to put my vendor purchases and booklets in. I have worked a lot of optical trade shows and Photokina/Vegas sized Expos (and small shows, too) in the past 15 years. I would never embarrass myself or my company and stand in a basic black draped booth like this company did this weekend!"

= = = =

So then ... Leaving all the technical arguments about A99 being worse/better etc, etc. I would agree that show activities certain;y do need proper set up and management.

Sounds to me like a Nikon show "fail" here... but have any others round these here Nikon parts (I am in Texas after all [wink]) encountered the same poor showing by Nikon?

I don't bother with consumer "fairs" or "shows" like these but this is like Nikon marketing didn't even read "How to do a trade show for dummies" book...