POS Industry Shows Support For RSPA RetailNOW 2010
By Mike Monocello, chief editor
I recently spoke with Nicole Taylor, director of marketing and communications for the Retail Solutions Providers Associations (RSPA) about the organization's upcoming RetailNOW conference and expo, held in Las Vegas. Taylor reminded me that registration for the show, held from July 25 – 28 at Mandalay Bay, closes tomorrow, Wednesday June 30.
Over the past few years, I've written numerous articles on why RSPA membership and attendance of RSPA events like RetailNOW are no-brainers. I've written articles about both the "hard" (shipping discounts, cell phone discounts, free legal counsel) and "soft" benefits (unparalleled networking, education). I've interviewed POS dealers who share how being an RSPA member has improved their business, reduced expenses, and increased revenue. Seriously, how many times do I have to explain that RSPA membership pays for itself!?
If none of that convinces you that the RSPA and RetailNOW are worth your attention, consider this. Taylor revealed that this year's show floor sold out about a month ago and that there currently are 15 vendors on an exhibitor waiting list. In today's economy, exhibitor sell-outs are rare if not unheard of. Indeed, a waiting list tells me that vendors in the retail space believe in RSPA and this upcoming RetailNOW conference; That the RSPA is relevant and that RetailNOW is one of the can't miss shows of the year.
As someone who's job it is to stay on top of the latest trends in the POS industry, for me this show is invaluable and a can't miss event. For you, the POS dealer, it should be of equal importance. If you're interested in adding technologies like video surveillance, digital signage, and mobile POS to your line card, this show is for you. If you're looking at moving into new markets, this show is for you. If you're looking to improve the operations of your business, this show is for you.
Frankly, if you're not attending RetailNOW, you're doing your company a disservice. There's simply no better place or way to get such a large amount of timely dealer-centric POS information. But hey, don't take my word for it, check out the conversation I started on POS Huddle (http://www.poshuddle.com/forum/topics/are-you-attending-retailnow) where a bunch of people explain why this event is important to them.
If you're interested in learning more, you can view the entire RetailNOW agenda, including networking and education descriptions, by visiting http://www.GoRSPA.org/RetailNOW.