It’s Only NPE but I Like It
Canadian Plastics
By the time you receive this issue there will be a little over a month until NPE 2003 kicks off in Chicago. Coming after a war that has spread uncertainty into the world economy, as well as after thre...
By the time you receive this issue there will be a little over a month until NPE 2003 kicks off in Chicago. Coming after a war that has spread uncertainty into the world economy, as well as after three straight years of slow to negligible growth in most North American manufacturing sectors, many equipment and materials suppliers are hoping that NPE will be the elixir that breaks the voodoo-grip of gloom and tight-spending that has pervaded the industry.
This may or may not be the case. There is some concern that the U.S. economy today may not be the same robust economy that fueled unprecedented expansion throughout most of the ’90s. Manufacturing has taken a particularly hard hit. The health of this sector has become such a concern that a quasi-industry trade group has been formed to campaign and lobby Washington for regulatory reforms and economic aid. While some economists expect North American firms to increase capital spending, this may not occur until the latter half of 2003 or early 2004.
Still, the appearance of NPE can’t hurt. Earlier rumors that many companies would not exhibit at this year’s show have apparently not panned out. NPE organizers predict there will be around 2000 exhibitors at this year’s NPE, which will nearly match the record-setting NPE of three years ago. To cut costs, some companies are using smaller exhibits or sending fewer staff. Some companies have downsized their booth size.
Yet, outrageously expensive hotel rooms and tight budgets notwithstanding, most companies realize they have to be at NPE. The competition will be there, for one thing. But mostly, the bang you get for your marketing buck at NPE can’t be beat.
When you boil it down, NPE is essentially an exercise in optimism. The mood is upbeat, electric. Walking with the crowd into McCormick Place in the morning, you can’t help but feel a palpable excitement in the air.
I think this is a tribute to the both the venue and the city. Reflecting the atmosphere of Chicago, NPE is quintessentially American — relaxed, informal, loud, and a bit chaotic. In this respect NPE is everything the K show isn’t. The contrast between the two shows is intriguing. For a trade journalist, it’s the best of both worlds, once every three years: good copy and European refinement on the one hand, and good copy and back-slapping, all-you-can-eat Americana on the other. Yet, with apologies to the fine folks who run the magnificent K show, I’d rather spend a week in Chicago than a week in Dusseldorf. There are more, better diversions for post-show wired syndrome.
If you are going to NPE, have a great show. And make sure you get to bed on time.
Michael LeGault, editor
e-mail: mlegault@canplastics.com