I’ve joked for years that I’m always the last retailer off the show floor—could count on me still writing an order somewhere (usually in the Constance Kay booth) when the a/c turned off, the lights came down, and the carpets began to roll up…literally.
So, of course, it made complete sense I was sitting in the conference area of the Epson booth, enjoying a debrief with Patrick and the lead engineers from Japan an hour after show closed. While walls were deconstructing around us, we shared the things we’d seen, the possibilities ahead (can’t tell you what those are, sorry), and the projects that could be launched most quickly.
Suffice it to say, when things begin rolling out this next couple of years, you’re gonna be happy.
Happy happy.
I come away from this show feeling really good about where we’re all headed—in part because the last blast of enthusiastic desperation at my final NSS Advisory Board meeting several years ago is now bearing fruit in a big way. Laurie Robinson, Kelly Bristol, and later Patti Stracher, all listened to my pleas about needing technology at this show, understood the reasoning, and fought to bring it in. What Epson talks about today will completely change our industry tomorrow…and I mean that, with total sincerity.
It’s time. We’re there. And I couldn’t be happier to be part of the process.
This show went fast—really fast. Could be because I was in perpetual motion the entire time, but still…went just plain fast.
Today’s stint in the Epson booth was the best by far—began with a consulting appointment with two really neat women from Birmingham, Alabama who “get” how important it is to turn their print operation into a profit center. During our appointment, Patti Stracher and Kelly Bristol (NSS Show Manager and Asst. Manager, respectively…and both dear friends) stopped in to chat. After the consult ended, Linda invited me to sit in on a meeting with the largest US paper distributor in the industry to chat about “things to come.” Later, as I was slipping out of the booth for one last run at the show (which, at this point, I’ve accepted I won’t finish), Caroline—Epson’s media maven—pulled me aside so she could introduce me to Martha Stewart Magazine’s editor, Darcy Miller.
Funny thing is that I actually met Darcy several years ago, although I certainly didn’t expect her to remember it. One Thursday, after the show had ended, Mom and I had a private appointment and lunch with a couture engraver named Nancy Sharon Collins. As soon as we arrived at her studio, Nancy apologized profusely, explaining that another woman needed to see the line too, but could only come in while we were there. If it was okay with us, she’d work with the four of us together, which of course, was fine with us.
So in walks Darcy and her mother. Turns out she (Darcy) was engaged, looking for wedding invitations, so we all chatted and noshed over some of the most exquisite engraved monograms and designs on earth. Very fun. Very laid back. Very mother/daughter for all of us.
Very small world, yet again.
And yes, Darcy remembered.
Ick.
Ick, ick, ick.
The empty scotch glass with the lemon twist has now been here fermenting in front of my door for three days.
Housekeeping has been here at least that many times.
What gives, Westin?
I’ve joked for years that I’m always the last retailer off the show floor—could count on me still writing an order somewhere (usually in the Constance Kay booth) when the a/c turned off, the lights came down, and the carpets began to roll up…literally.
