Mike Baker (the sponser of the MAF) might disagree, but my opinion is that the value of the MAF for manufacturers is the feedback posted on the internet of those who go, and not so much by the few hundred attendees directly.
Let me try to repeat that.
There will be a couple hundred attendees give or take. These folks will be impressed with much of the equipment at the show. They can only buy so much equipment, but many will post on what they saw and heard and this will be the main benifit IMO.
The show last year had about 10 rooms IIRC. This was a great show to attend because it was so relaxing. You could get the sweetspot in any room without much waiting. You could talk to the venders without a lot of hangers on.
From an attendees point of view, for me the show was about perfect.
From a manufacturers point of view, I would think they might want it more like the crowds at CES or Cedia.
Any way, I did not want to give the wrong impression of the show.
From an attendees standpoint it was great. I think almost all who went had a great time.
It looks like almost all manufacturers who came last year (except Rick Craig/Jim Griffen) will be there again, including nOrh who comes all the way from Thailand! Kevin Haskins (DIYcable) is coming from the Pacific Northwest! Maybe it's an OK show for manufacturers after all
Anyway, those are my thoughts, maybe some other attendees can share their thoughts on MAF.
I do want to say that it was great meeting several of the online friends I had coresponded with over the years, and I look very much forward to doing the same this year.
For me the MAF is more of a social event with my hobby thrown in, then my hobby first with some social events later.
For the venders though....all things being equal, people would rather buy from those they know and like than from someone they don't. The MAF is a way to let people know you.
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