We’ve had a tumultuous time in our industry, but now is not the time to look around and ask who is going to exhibit at The 2023 Travel Goods Show and who is going to attend. Now is the time for individual companies and individual buyers to commit to attending. It is time for leaders to stand up for our industry — not take a wait-and-see attitude.

We need to stand together and face the future together.

The No. 1 benefit we get out of The Show is that face-to-face interaction between exhibitors and attendees. The Show is a chance to seek out and exchange ideas on trends, successes, issues and challenges, to meet with exhibitors and buyers — large and small — and learn from them. I’ve always been amazed by the people I have met at The Show over several decades and the ideas I’ve come away with. There is always something to learn.

This is the reason for The Show.

We haven’t had a show for three years, and the industry is changing — has changed. There has been innovation, and more is coming. There are lots of new items coming into the market. Manufacturers will know best what the trends are, and The Show is the place to find out, seize opportunity and stay on top of our game.

We know there are companies struggling, but business is trending up. Airlines are selling seats. America is traveling at near pre-COVID levels. A new generation of manufacturers and buyers is coming — and it is especially important to commit to being at The Show.

Yes, we all compete, but we’re all in the same boat. Some row stronger, some row weaker. That doesn’t matter. What does matter is that we all keep rowing.

You can’t wait around until fall to decide to attend. Book now and show your commitment to this industry and to each other.

If you’re an exhibitor, exhibit. If you’re a buyer, attend.