The Pumper & Cleaner Expo 2010 – 30th Anniversary Show!

Over 12,000 people from 4,000 companies attended this year’s Expo, rated as one of the top trade shows by Tradeshow Week Magazine. It’s also one of the fastest growing, offering an incredible 500 exhibits and over 75 free seminars covering all aspects of the industry.

Gideon Smith, publisher of American Liquid Waste, enjoyed the hectic pace, as well as the chance to speak with readers and advertisers in person. “You deal with people every day over the phone and through email,” said Smith. “It’s great to shake hands and say hi to the people we publish for. They gave us a lot input for articles they’d like to see in the coming year.”

The Expo, this year held at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville from February 24 to 27, provided attendees with the information and connections to improve their services while increasing company profits. The Expo serves several industries, including septic system installers and contractors, portable restroom service companies, drain and sewer cleaning and repair, and municipal water and sewer system maintenance managers.

Exhibitors covered every aspect of the industry. Companies offered business support such as consulting, insurance, engineering services, marketing and promotion; educational information and opportunities; machinery, equipment, uniform and chemical suppliers. Plus, 16 national, regional and corporate industry associations were on hand to support their members.

February 24 was Education Day, which gave attendees the opportunity to attend seminars without missing any exhibit activity. Over the course of the event the Expo offered a variety of seminars, some of which applied toward continuing education credits with the ease of a quick badge scan and the award of an attendance certificate.

Many of the seminars covered the latest high-tech advances in the industry. Technological advances occur quickly now, and there are constant upgrades and new equipment and methods that you can offer to your customers which both improve their operation and your bottom line. Many of these advances are affordable to even the smallest operators, helping them to stay current and grow their business.

Thursday afternoon, after the exhibit hall closed, many attendees relaxed and refreshed at the Industry Appreciation Party held at the Cole Pub. It was a chance to catch up in person with people in the industry, as well as put faces to the names of the people you deal with regularly.

The expo ended with a cheer, accompanied by Sawyer Brown and Phil Vassar at the Saturday Evening Jam, Revisited. Sawyer Brown, an energetic ensemble featured at the ’03 and ’04 expos, had the hall on its feet for their popular mix of originals and covers. Phil Vassar, who you might have seen at the Grand Ole Opry in 2005, played hits from his latest album as well as old favorites.

Smith and his associates had a great time, “You don’t stop moving for four days, and I can’t wait to do it again next year.”

Story by Catia Whitmore

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