The dust has just about settled from the whirlwind that was GIE+Expo 2015. Once again, I proudly represented Include Software on the trade show floor along with a handful of other members from Team Include. Booth 9063 became our home away from home for two very busy, very full days.

But before that, Operation GIE started for us on “Trade Show Eve” with a Happy Hour that we hosted for our clients at Champions in the Louisville Marriott Downtown. This, for me, is like a blind date and high school reunion rolled into one. Blind date – it’s the opportunity to put a name with a face and a voice for those clients that I have not yet had the chance to meet in person, but have only interacted with over the phone and email. High school reunion – it’s the once, maybe twice, a year chance to see people, Include clients, who have also happened to become my friends. This is doubling thrilling for me as not only do I get the chance to get caught up with everyone business-wise and on a personal level, but I get to see our clients interact with each other. The brain power, motivation, and energy in that small space was astounding. The networking and idea-sharing abounded. And, a few adult beverages may have flowed, as well.

Then THE day arrived and it was time to “work the booth”.  Displays as far as the eye can see. The massiveness of the GIE+Expo never ceases to amaze me. The stream of traffic this year was constant. We saw many, many clients that make it a point to stop by to see us just to say hi, ask some burning questions about the program, or to get a tidbit or two on what is in store for the future for Asset. Then there are those show-goers that are exploring options to make their businesses better. It’s fascinating and intriguing to talk to people from all over the country that have growing businesses and are so eager and motivated to make them more efficient and successful. The majority of these conversations revolve around us learning more about the nature of these thriving businesses and the needs of their owners. Include and our products are unlike any of our competitors and it is very exciting to explain the many ways in which we are in a league of our own and compelling to get to briefly know these individuals and garner a little insight into what they do, who they are, and where they want to go.

And if the fit is right, maybe next year they will part of my GIE-Expo 2016 “hig school reunion”.