Who Attended 2009 PMA, and Why?

March 11, 2009

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PMA attendees of all shapes and sizes come to the show for all kinds of reasons—to see new product, listen to speakers, to test a machine that's piqued their interest, and/or even to meet up with industry buddies. Attendance was fairly light on day one, thanks in part to the economy and the raging snowstorm that blind-sided the east coast. But the low numbers may have also been due to the fact that there weren't any real blockbuster products or new technologies to draw bigger crowds.

Mark Gustavson, Director, Marketing and Communication, for distributor Wynit, like many on the floor, had no comment when it came to discussing the economy. But as far as product was concerned, he said he did see a couple of interesting pro-based products such as the digital LED camera/video lights (instead of flash). "But everything else [shown at the exhibit] is sort of an extension of what's going on. I haven't seen a lot of innovation, though I've seen a lot of repackaging of items," stated Gustavson. "I think a lot of people are defending the goal line, solidifying relationships with their present customers and making sure they're not losing ground."

Interfit Photographic, LTD, which specializes in lighting equipment for pro studios, had two diverse market segments in mind for its product. Company spokesperson Tracy Rice, stated, "We're in the show to demonstrate our new video and lighting equipment. [PMA] is a good facility for us to demonstrate our products not only to the end user but also to the distributors." Interfit's strategies for the coming year include "making a great product with great value."

No Worries for Some Pros
Advertising/commercial photographer Mario Massens of Massens Photography in San Diego and Las Vegas, came to the show to visit many of the vendors he uses online to see what new products they might have. "[PMA] is not just for retailers," stated Massens. "There's stuff here for photographers and for anybody in the photo business.

The economy is not an issue for me because there are a lot of vertical markets I'm tapping into such as the manufacturers and companies here in Las Vegas. And everybody needs to advertise, especially in this economy."  Massens also noted that many wedding photographers he knows are seeing an increase in business as more people are getting married for the tax benefits. "They're charging a little less," he says, "but they're getting more work."