Since I entered the video business in 1984, I have attended every VSDA convention. Each year the convention and the video industry have been very different. Each year, at VSDA, everyone talks about how great the convention was in years past. Each year, everyone meets at a party, a seminar, a meeting room, or on the show floor and renews “old” acquaintances. Each year, new acquaintances are made. The press is usually “cruising” the show floor in search of some news. All of this is beneficial!

    Over the years, the “action” on the show floor in terms of hype and hoopla has been toned down. The studios don’t seem to spend as much time and money on expensive booths and bringing in celebrities. But, every year, anyone who is anyone in the video business does make an appearance at VSDA. It is just a matter of when and where. The key is how to best take advantage of these opportunities.

    Special interest programming has always been considered a “step-child” in the video business. The retail stores and major studios never really took it seriously. It was also difficult to get any media coverage to help promote the independent programs. However, over the years, persistence has prevailed and industry interest has increased.  

I believe that any convention is an opportunity for enhancement and growth. This year’s VSDA was no exception. If you can network with someone to take advantage of an opportunity, the trip was worthwhile. It is probably not worth the price of a booth to attend the convention, but if you can find a way to have a presence, some representation and make some contacts, it is a favorable show. Ask around to see how other producers are taking advantage of such opportunities and try to work together.

The conventions for video producers that are usually most beneficial are:

1. VSDA (Video Software Dealer’s Association, usually held in Las Vegas)

2. ESVC (East Coast Video Show, usually held in Atlantic City)

3. Seminars/meetings sponsored by AIM (upcoming)

4. PMA (Publisher’s Marketing Association held in conjunction with BEA, Book Expo Association)

5. Select library (ALA) and television (NATPE) conferences 

   Good luck!

     
Leslie McClure