Time for Trade Shows!

Don’t look now, but Christmas decorations are at the ready in your nearby department store and it’s time for some of us to start hauling in the firewood. It seems like September and October went by in a flash!

At Sub Sea Systems’ headquarters, ‘tis the season for travel and trade shows. Staff members book flights, pack up our huge and colorful booth and swag, and head off to share our innovations, make new contacts, and learn more about our industry.

This year, we’ve already set up and displayed at WWA trade show and in just a couple of weeks, we’ll head to IAAPA show for another big undertaking. So, what are these shows exactly, and what is involved in putting forth our best effort? We interviewed Kyle Mayfield, Sub Sea’s Vice President of Production, to learn more about the shows and what it’s like to take them on. Here’s what Kyle had to share about the trade show experience.

What is the WWA?
WWA is the World Waterpark Association, a trade organization that provides education and networking for the waterpark and aquatic attractions industry.

The event we attended is their annual trade show that brings vendors and operators together.

Why does Sub Sea Systems participate in the WWA?
Waterparks are a relatively new and emerging industry for our products, and this show provides a great venue to share what we do. It also helps us stay current with emerging trends and attractions in the industry.

What products did SSS feature at the WWA?
With Aquaticar being our newest innovation, it took front stage, but Sea TREK, Clear Lounge and FunCat were represented too.

How long does it take to set up the booth? What’s the trickiest part?
We had a new booth and several items to assemble and prepare this year, but we still got it up in less than 2 hours. Just getting everything there in one piece is the trickiest part- the rest is following instructions and trying not to spill your beer (thoughtfully provided by the show organizer).

What product drew the most attention from show attendees? 
Everyone is instantly drawn to Aquaticar! And, with our mini Aquaticar model on display, it just begs so many intriguing questions.

Coming up next is IAPPA. What makes IAAPA unique?
IAAPA– International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions– is a massive show representing all parts of the amusement industry, from creative designers to manufacturers and suppliers of anything and everything that one can find at major entertainment attractions.

Why do we exhibit there?
This is THE show to see and be seen. It provides a wealth of contacts, connections and exposure for our products.

What is the most challenging part of displaying at IAPPA? 
For us, it is two-fold. We need to create a booth that makes an impact and features all the cool things we do… while also being challenged with the logistics of shipping 2000+ lbs. of materials. This year, we shipped a very large crate containing a full size Aquaticar, Sea TREK helmet, mini models, brochures, stands, and more. It will travel cross-country via rail, and must arrive on time and completely intact (fingers crossed!). I’m pretty sure this year’s crate could double as a luxury apartment in San Francisco.

What do we display at IAPPA?
For the second consecutive year we are sharing a large booth with ClowardH20– a world-renowned aquatic engineering firm. Sub Sea is displaying our latest production version of Aquaticar (sporting an eye catching shade of green). We will also show off representations of our Aquaticar track system (scale model), Sea TREK helmet (8’ helmet display lift), and a scale model of Clear Lounge.

What are the benefits of being at this show?
Exposure! Connections! Fun!

What’s the best thing you’ve seen in past shows? 
A 5000-gallon fish tank filled with people wearing these crazy breathing helmets. ☺


Are you a trade show aficionado? What’s the best SWAG item you’ve ever snagged at a trade show? Share below!