The shed-building industry was finally able to get together September 29-30 during the inaugural Shed Builder Expo, produced by Shed Builder Magazine.
The DeVos Place Convention Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan, hosted the trade show for shed builders, dealers, haulers, and suppliers.
Attendees and exhibitors alike expressed their satisfaction with the new show—and relief at finally being able to meet face-to-face.
“Thank you for the overwhelming support from attendees and exhibitors at the 2021 Shed Builder Expo in Grand Rapids,” says Marty Boltres, publisher.
More than 1,350 builders, dealers, and haulers visited with 85 exhibitors on the show floor. Overall, more than 450 shed-related companies networked during the Expo.
“I was looking for an alternative source for some materials, and I already found it here,” shares Casey Wiggins, president and owner of United Portable Buildings in Temple, Texas.
TWO-DAY FORMAT
Organizers planned the two-day schedule to allow flexibility for builders who couldn’t be away from the shop for more than one day. Business partners could alternate days so someone was always at the shop.
“I’ve been in house construction, and now I’m moving into larger sheds and cabins,” says Jerill Schrock of Schrock Construction in Mesa, Idaho. “I came here to make contact with vendors and get ideas.”
Also, with the floor open two days, attendees didn’t have to rush through the exhibits, knowing they had another day to meet with vendors.
More than a thousand shed industry folks arrived for the first day of the Expo, which saw the floor open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Day Two, while slower in terms of traffic, still saw hundreds of attendees on the floor, exploring shed-related equipment, supplies, and services exhibitors had on hand from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS
Besides a full trade show floor, attendees were able to take part in one of nine educational sessions on allocations, RTO (the legal side, accurately presenting to customers), core commitments for success, online challenges and opportunities, introducing standards, making sales easier, color trends, and successfully selling sheds online.
“A special thank you to each seminar presenter who willingly gave of their time to prepare and deliver their unique insights into the shed industry,” expresses Boltres.
Organizers scheduled the sessions before the show floor opened at 10 a.m. so that everyone could attend sessions without taking time away from the floor.
The first sessions started with 120 seats each but quickly filled to standing-room-only. More chairs were added for the rest of the educational opportunities on Days One and Two, but the sessions still ended up with only standing room available.
SHED BUILDER EXPO 2022
After the success of the Grand Rapids show, organizers plan for the Shed Builder Expo to be an annual event.
“We are hard at work finalizing a new location and venue for 2022,” Boltres shares. “Look for our announcement very soon.”
“This has been a great experience,” says Lawrence Shirk from Sunrise Structures in Rochester, Indiana. “I’m looking forward to next year.”
