The Career-Lasting Impact of Motion + Power Technology Expo

If you are not familiar with the trade show world, it can be quite overwhelming. In a matter of days (with months and even years of planning behind it), you will see a large, empty convention center turn into a city filled with booths and exhibits that are bustling with companies all vying to showcase their products and solutions. Motion + Power Technology Expo (formerly Gear Expo) remains one of my favorite shows of all time. It not only taught me about the importance of face-to-face networking, but it truly helped me in my professional development.

I fondly remember in 2007, attending my first show as a young manufacturing engineer and just being in awe. I instantly noticed months’ worth of business accomplished in a week from having so many customers coming to one place. I got the opportunity to meet hundreds of industry peers, subject matter experts and find my own place in this unique and niche sector of power transmission solutions.

Having attended MPT Expo for several years and in different roles from different companies, I can attest that each show has delivered value: I have come away with two to three major leads that justified the investment of exhibiting (as a machine tool exhibitor and a gear manufacturer). Although MPT Expo is an affordable show, companies need to prioritize their best return on investment, and for Kapp Niles, 2019 MPT was officially the best show we have ever exhibited at for North America in terms of machines sold—we look forward to surpassing that this October at Booth #219.

Not only are we exhibitors at MPT Expo, but I also believe in the show’s success and value to the industry. I joined the MPMA Trade Show Advisory Committee to help develop the Expo and its programming. As a steward for the association and the show, I do have some advice on how to best capitalize on the experience:

• Bring your developing staff members to help them learn. There are educational classes, technical conferences and speaking opportunities that will provide professional development to your team.
• Include your engineers in the Expo experience so that they can witness the latest technology to hit the market in person. They will also be able to help understand the full sales process and feel more included in the overall strategic goals.
• Go to the networking events. Of course, you will want to take your customers out while you have them in person but also attend the show happy hours to meet new people. We often get leads at MPT Expo from brand new customers, which makes it imperative to meet them at the open events.
• If you are an exhibitor, become a sponsor, work with the show media to boost your presence and get involved with programming. MPMA has fantastic resources that will help with brand awareness, story telling and connecting you to thousands of readers, members and listeners through their advertising platforms.

If you are looking to go to a large show, you might find yourself getting lost in the shuffle. However, if you want to be found easily by customers that truly need your solutions, attend MPT Expo this October 21–23 in Detroit. This show has not only helped my company with quality business development, but it has also been a training tool that has helped me further my career. I hope and look forward to seeing you there and would encourage you to use our guest pass for a free Expo-Only entry: MPT004.