[July 30, 2008]

Manufacturing Journalist TR Cutler Profiles AmCon Regional Contract Mfg Expos

In the current issue of AccountingSoftware411.com, Manufacturing Journalist, Thomas R. Cutler, describes why �Regional Manufacturing Shows Much Easier for CFO�s to Cost-Justify.� According to Cutler, �Manufacturing CFO�s are constantly being asked to trim the budget, apply lean principles to spending. Tradeshows and conferences often seem like a logical first place to eliminate waste. Ironically when these events are most effective, there is a direct-bottom line impact ranging to time-to-market improvements to negotiated supplier discounts. With rapidly increasing airfares, hotel stays, car rentals, the big manufacturing tradeshows, like Manufacturing Week among others, may not have the cost-justification to cover the travel, let alone cost of entry fees. The same is not true for local manufacturing expos.�

According to Kati Olson, who produces nearly two dozen Amcon Contract Manufacturing Expos annually, �Local manufacturing events are probably the most cost-effective way to find new suppliers and to compare current suppliers� pricing. Since the shows are regional, travel expenses are minimal, as is time out of the office. The face-to-face interaction, the hands-on atmosphere, and the technical qualifications of the booth staff make these events a far better alternative to seeking sources for custom parts on the internet.�

Regional manufacturing events allow attendees to find multiple sources to take a project from prototype to finished product very quickly. Whether seeking a single part or extensive production runs, these regional conferences provide multiple supplier choices. OEMs can find sources for engineering, design, prototypes, forming, fabricating, machining, finishing, assembly and electronic manufacturing services all under one roof.

Olson suggested that, �In just a few hours both purchasing managers and manufacturing engineers can get quotes on current projects, compare quality, pricing, and lead times from multiple vendors. These data can be reported to the CFO who will quickly assess this time as well spent.� It helps that the AmCon shows are free, including seminars on a variety of manufacturing processes and quality issues. Engineers and buyers can attend the seminars and then visit the exhibits to see how the various processes are being applied.

Geographically most attendees of regional manufacturing expos come within a 200-300 mile radius, and attendees should not come looking for machinery or equipment.

Since the exhibits are staffed with top management and technical personnel, attendees have an in-depth discussion regarding project design, materials and production issues. AmCon shows are free, including seminars on a variety of manufacturing processes and quality issues. Fall 2008 AmCon shows include Grand Rapids, MI - Sept. 17-18; Fort Lauderdale, FL - Sept. 23-24; Minneapolis, MN - Oct. 7-8; Phoenix, AZ - Oct. 14-15; Houston, TX - Oct. 29-30; Greensboro, NC - Nov. 18-19. To register for these shows go to www.AmConshows.com.

The complete article can be read at http://www.accountingsoftware411.com/Press/PressDocView.aspx?docid=9975.

AmCon
www.amconshows.com
Kati Olson, President
news@amconshows.com
978-744-7680

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