Wow! It feels like I have traveled back in time to 2007! The show floor at this year's VM World in San Francisco was JAMMED with attendees and exhibits!

I am so happy that we seem to be over the "economic slow-down" in the marketing circles that were affecting conventions and meetings. After all, optimism is good for everybody's bottom line...

Give-aways, live presenters, contests, models, and of course magicians are all in high gear on the tradeshow floor once again. However, the only problem is that a few booths here have indeed down-sized their presence as a knee-jerk reaction to THEIR (perceived) "recession". Analysts tell us that the economy is on the mend now, but some of these companies are sending out a "thrift" vibe instead of sending out a "spend" vibe!?!

Think about it, these exhibits can't afford to look like they are in tough times when they are looking for new customers to spend real money on their newest products. Especially when their competition looks fresher, increasingly dynamic, and simply more optimistic about future sales (just because their booth was cleaner, more active and energetic)!

Hmmmmm, my Dad always used to say; "if you want to be successful you've gotta' look successful!"

Thankfully Isilon Systems understands this, and with the help of Corporate-Fx they saw record sized crowds and an amazing lead count! Plus, their nearest competition was suffering from a "down-sized" marketing budget vibe allowing Isilon to multiply the effectiveness of their exhibiting dollar!

Way to go Isilon! And, welcome back optimism!!!