Good morning.

Well here I am shoving things into suitcases and briefcases as I get ready to leave for the airport. Boy have times changed. Last year I was worried that I had enough notebooks and business cards, this year I'm wrangling a laptop, iPod and digital camera. Travelling light is an oxymoron in business. 

From what I hear, people will really be making the most of peer networking opportunities this week at the show. Whether it is organized chats or a "let's catch up in the hotel lounge" I see an extra effort to reach out.

One of the best things about trade shows, something we take for granted, is the chance to catch up with colleagues that we may deal with every day by phone or email, but see only at trade shows. That "face time" is invaluable. The Internet certainly has made the world smaller. With email I can follow up with international show attendees as easily as I follow up with colleagues in the states.  But without trade shows I would never get to see those friendly faces.

These relationships, and the gatherings where we exchange stories, are really the cherry on top of the trade show sundae. Sure we go there to see new products and identify trends but we also get as much out of catching up with our industry friends.

I can't tell you how many times I have gotten story ideas or great resources from a casual conversation in the Press Room or cafeteria. My favorite question- What are you seeing? I love to hear what people say and I track trends by tallying up similar responses.

If you don't already make it a habit, ask your colleagues what is working for them- it could be a class, a way to handle a staffing issue, a great designer. And, share your success stories. Retailers should especially be exchanging ideas for classes, demos and displays with store owners from other parts of the country. Spread the good ideas around!

I'm looking forward to seeing you at the show and if I do... be prepared because I'm going to ask, What are you seeing? Safe journey-Beth

Thank you for joining me on this exciting new adventure.

Those of you who know me well know I have resisted the lure of technology and the opportunities it offers. I cherish my collection of coffee-splattered, dog-eared steno notebooks. I'm not giving those up yet but I am officially leaving the Luddite community.  Since I've joined the staff of F+W Publications, I've jumped into the fascinating world of online media. Now that I am here, I see dozens of ways that CNA can not only bring more information you, but more importantly provide that information to you in a more timely manner. It's all very, very exciting.

Like many of you I am knee-deep in last-minute preparations and scheduling for the CHA Show. The steady stream of new product press releases and requests for appointments suggests that exhibitors know they are going to have to do even more to get the Buyer's attention at this show.

I hear from manufacturers that one of the ongoing challenges they face is shrinking product development time. In the "old days" manufacturers introduced new products for the CHA Show in the winter and the ACCI Show in the summer (now known as CHA Summer). As manufacturers move into different product areas and participate in category-specific shows they feel an obligation to bring new product to each venue in order to feed the buying community's insatiable appetite for new product. The pressure to consistently produce winners is enormous.

That tide may be changing. This weekend I expect to see evidence of vendors rethinking their positions on new product introductions in order to maximize both financial and human resources. I think we'll see tons of new product but perhaps fewer new lines or items. By carefully editing new introductions, companies can put more energy into marketing support. I believe that is good news for all links in the supply chain.

I also expect to see more new programs for independent retailers. These could be independent-exclusive collections, special promotions or lines that will not discounted for Chains. That last one is tough because the world revolves around volume discounts so if I ferret one out, I'll let you know.

What are your expectations? I'd like to hear from you, so get out your crystal ball and share your forecast with me: Beth.Mauro@fwpubs.com.

If you're going to CHA I wish you safe travels and healthy kids. For those of you who won't be joining us in Anaheim, stay in touch through cnamag.com.-- Beth