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Also, having the company's "best" presenter, someone products, vendors shouldn't chat among themselves; they
who is a public speaker, show the products in front of a should approach me to find out what I'm interested in. The
group would be better than hiring an outsider or a techie worst thing I encountered was to be ignored by a vendor
to explain what the product can do. When I've heard, for who was texting and checking email. Why bother to exhibit
example, Tim McWeeney of Verifone explain his products, if your reps are going to behave this way? Body language
I've understood and been motivated. When I've heard a says it all.
Verifone tech person do the same thing, I've gotten lost.
It might be helpful for vendors to receive a memo beforehand
Hook attendees that explains the importance of engaging with everyone
What about some real giveaways? If you want to keep who comes by the booth. Offering them incentives before
people at the show, have hourly drawings that require the show might also be helpful – and providing stronger
people to be present to win gifts. Again, the idea is to coffee.
keep attendees from leaving. There can be some serious
giveaways for spending a full day at the show. Maybe some I know a lot of work goes into an event like Transact. I
of the sponsorship money could be used for that. apologize if I am too critical. I want to wake people up,
not beat them up. The ETA has the platform to engage and
About the food: I tried to sample from the three chaffing the members to attend. I'd like to see this event be one that
trays of beef, pork or chicken, but they weren't appetizing. people look forward to, one where they look forward to
There were other choices, but I wound up by the chaffing what's coming the following year. My suggestions aren't
dishes. Simple sandwiches would work well. A barbecue meant to hurt, but to change the complacency that seems
stand with grilled hot dogs, turkey burgers/hamburgers to have turned this event into what I feel is an expensive,
always creates potential for a great meal. Remember, mediocre event.
Americans eat more burgers than any other type of food.
Steven Feldshuh, President of Merchants' Choice Payment Solutions East,
Be prepared
has 18 years' experience in sales and ISO development. Directly prior to
I walked by numerous booths at the show, and some of the joining MCPSE in 2012, he was President of Payment Partners. In his current
vendors seemed bored out of their minds. When I engaged position, Steven devotes the bulk of his time to assisting agents in building
some vendors, it appeared to take great effort for them to their portfolios. Contact him by email at stevenf@mcpseast.com or by
explain what their software or product did. Some vendors phone at 212-392-9202.
didn't bother to ask about my business; they had no clue
I had an ISO. When I attend a conference to learn about

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