Autism Show

[CinnamonPretzel]

Anyone going to the Autism Show on the 24th/25th June?

Www.AutismShow.co.uk

Didn't read that page!

That's just in case you thought it was about the children and adults using the services, rather than maximising profits for companies.
I'll probably go on the Saturday with my eyes open, notepad in hand, credit card at home and purse closed. I like to glean ideas and think on them.

Only £12 a pop as well.

Surely there has to be a commercial element to be able to hold an event on this scale at this venue. If they didn't do teh hard sell on the exhibitors who pay to exhibit it probably would not go ahead & not attract the speakers etc.

Just go along for the freebees!

Just a thought... discount for groups, down to £7, is it worth going as a group? (i know that means a bit of trust, as someone will have to pay up front, but we could post cheques to that person...)

Just an idea... Also might be nice to have a kind of meet up point and time, {oh dear sounds like a blind date doesn't it!}

I am hoping to go but have to check the teaching schedule for that weekend. I know I am already busy on the Sun, but may be booked for the sat too... .

It's £9 for an individual if bought in advance, which I don't think is too bad

I never buy in advance, something always happens to cock it up.If I wait until the day, the Fates smile and I can go.
Didn't mean to sound quite so negative though, I just get a bit wary of all the snakeoil salespeople mixed in with the helpful and innovative stuff.

I understand your wariness but as the owner and organiser of The Autism Show, as well as a parent of an autistic child, I can assure you that we are extremely sensitive to the nature of the organisations exhibiting with us. An event of this scale and specialism takes a very significant financial investment and we need to attempt to at least cover our costs. Although I have other motivations beyond profit for organising this event, and have for instance pushed the entrance fee to the lowest level possible, the reality is that it only exists because it is run on a commercial basis, and thanks to the support of exhibiting suppliers and sponsors, it will be benefiting thousands of individuals who live and work with autism. The alternative would be that these individuals would otherwise not have access to the specialist information, advice, products and services available at the event. Of course the suppliers exhibiting want to meet new potential customers but they are there to offer a range of services to ultimately help someone on the autism spectrum. In my experience of liasing with all the exhibiting suppliers at the show, the staff of these organisation are outstandingly dedicated and caring and would be hurt to read of your description of them. Individuals on the spectrum need as much help and support as they can get especially in this new era of austerity in public services and The Autism Show is a small attempt to make an actual, positive and practical difference. I hope you manage to visit the event and find it valuable in your support of an individual or individuals on the autism spectrum.

'In my experience of liasing with all the exhibiting suppliers at the show, the staff of these organisation are outstandingly dedicated and caring and would be hurt to read of your description of them. '

Really? Then let's hope that everything I see is useful, relevant and priced appropriately. Then I'll hand out apologies all round.
However, if one is a business enterprise, one has to become accustomed to some level of suspicion on the part of the punters customers and wanting to know what is being offered and on what terms.
Everyone is outstandingly dedicated and caring? That will be lovely.

Thanks Nargis for the detail.
I appreciate that all exhibitions, whether charity or not need some form Publisisation, its the section where exhibitors can view detail on why it will be good for them.

"Generate onsite sales and receive maximum return on your investment"

This area should be within a login page for them to view, and not for the general public?!

I'm hoping to be able to attend as it will be beneficial :)

I hope you find it useful. The text you refer to is in the exhibitor section so visitors would obviously not normally wish to venture onto this page. Nevertheless to in essence hide it from public view as you suggest would indicate that it is somehow negative or offensive. What is wrong with companies wanting to develop their business and see a return on their investment? The fact that these companies are willing to invest in the event means that it can benefit thousands of people on the autism spectrum. Ultimately, that's what it is all about.

I can see what you're saying, understand it, and fully appreciate the need for it. You have your business head on, which isn't a bad thing.
Think of it from the view of a parent who doesn't regularly deal on that side of the fence.

That particular note reads 'if you come and exhibit, you can make a quick buck from these desperate souls and walk out with a neat investment.'

Yes, that's how the world works
No, that might not be what it means
Yes, that's how it can be perceived

Right or wrong, things need to be worded carefully, especially when it involves such a stressful, frustrating and delicate subject such as Autism. The majority of people won't bat an eyelid at such text, but for others it offends.

I hope I've explained that right and not offended anyone, but that's what I understand to be the view?