The Seattle Traveler

Review: Adventure Travel Expo

by Mary Jo on September 13th, 2008

I spent most of this afternoon wandering the aisles at the Adventure Travel Expo. 

One thing that I’ve always liked about this show is that there is always great signage showing you where you need to go.  In a venue as large as the Washington State Convention Center, and with other events going on, it’s nice to have the way clearly marked so that you aren’t stumbling around.

Unfortunately, the Seattle show is small compared to other venues, but still there was lots of good stuff to see.  Because today was also a big home Husky football game, attendance was light.  While I’m sure that is a disappointment for staff management and exhibitors, I took advantage of the light crowds to see everything, talk to people a little more in depth, and get lots of questions answered.

Although this is a mature show, the day was not without a few hiccups.  Many of the booths were unattended for fairly long periods of time.  Although I checked back a couple of times, still no one to talk to. 

Another problem, and one that I think is correlate directly to the show debut here in Seattle, is that many exhibitors did not know how to staff a show booth.  For example, the State of Washington had a fairly large booth, with many people staffing it, but although I browsed their for over 5 minutes, not one person spoke to me.  That’s not just bad for a trade show, but bad manners.  If you’re going to work a booth, spend less time talking with one another and more time talking with visitors.

The show continues on Sunday, and it’s really worth a few hours of your time.  If you are there at 11 am, you can catch a great panel discussion:

Wandering Women…Planning Your Next Great Adventure!  Panel Moderator is Beth Whitman from Wanderlust and Lipstick, and the panel includes  Pam Mandel from Nerd’s Eye View, Chris Mackay from Crooked Trails, and ME!  We’ll be talking about how to craft an adventure experience that just right for you.  The session is on Sunday, September 14th, 11 am – noon, in the Adventure Travel Theater.

After the panel, allow 60-90 minutes to walk the show floor.  You’ll find lots of great information for your next adventure, and there’s also lots of fun giveaways.  Bring a business card or fill out the entry forms to win free stuff, too!

To entice you to check it out, I have FREE tickets for you!  Here’s all you have to do to:

Sign up for your free Expo tickets online,  and in the box indicated for a promotion code enter SPK.  Fill out the information for the tickets, print it out and take it with you.  Present the voucher at the advance ticket booth at registration, and get a wrist band for entry.  There is no limit to the number of free tickets you can print out.

Location:  Washington State Convention & Trade Center, 800 Convention Place (map it)

Date & Time:  September 13-14th, 2008.  Saturday, 10:30 am – 5:30 pm, and Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm.  The show opens at 9 am on Saturday for members of the travel trade; credential required.

Tickets:  $12/day.  Children under 12 are FREE, but must be accompanied by an adult.  Admission includes the expo floor and all conference sessions.

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POSTED IN: Events, Tours - Guided or Self-Guided, Travel Tips - General Information