Mahts 2009

[JZap]

So, I guess everyone knows by now... ? MAHTS is NOT going to be AC this year. EP Henry claims they are "taking the show on the raod" to 8 locations to accomodate us... I'm thinking it's an effort to lower their own high standards. Not to rant, but 3-4 years ago at MAHTS I remember them drilling it home they cared for the contractor AND the improvement of the industry as a whole. Last year they decided to exclude the ICPI/NCMA classes. The same organizations they praised the year prior. Of course they are in the business to sell product, not to enlighten "Joe the hardscaper" (nice reference, if I do say so myself) on the industry standards through basic certifications.
I'm wondering where this "road show" is going to be held in my area, for how long? Will it be nothing more than a glorified trailer with some EP Henry employees in a parking lot? Or will they offer a selection of great classes that can benefit all of us and in turn sell more of their product?
Maybe I'm over reacting, but I think the educational classes are the most important reason for attending MAHTS. An added benefit is that we learn about new products and techniques... What does MAHTS have to offer besides selling EP Henry products to their already loyal customers if the entire trade show is downsized to just EP Henry employees and products and maybe a couple vendors?
This is all just speculation on my part that they won't be offering classes, etc. (meaning Dale Carnegie, Vander Koi, lighting... not the free seminars), but if we are left to pursue a place where we can attend these classes, learn about many new products (not just pavers and wall block), buy some tools at great prices, and network... I think the sound of the trade show down South is more appealing... I'll keep an open mind until more information is released about the regional shows, but I don't see how you can take a step backwards once you've raised the bar by creating MAHTS to begin with.

[mckeeland]

I got that email this week and didn't really read the MAHTS article, thought it was they where doing some dealer tours like Techo has done. John are you sure they are not doing AC? I went to the MAHTS website and its still has it posted as in ac on Feb 18-19 and there has been fliers at my supplier since like sept.

If this is true, its a bunch of crap! I mean just come out and say what we all all ready know. Sales are way down, competition is way up, attendance and vendor sponsorship was less than ideal the past two years and we cant afford to do the type of show we have done in the past when things where better for all of us.

i think EP Henry needs to clear this up ASAP, becasue its very unclear and very poor marketing on their part.

[ClearValley]

I got that email this week and didn't really read the MAHTS article, thought it was they where doing some dealer tours like Techo has done. John are you sure they are not doing AC? I went to the MAHTS website and its still has it posted as in ac on Feb 18-19 and there has been fliers at my supplier since like sept.

If this is true, its a bunch of crap! I mean just come out and say what we all all ready know. Sales are way down, competition is way up, attendance and vendor sponsorship was less than ideal the past two years and we cant afford to do the type of show we have done in the past when things where better for all of us.

i think EP Henry needs to clear this up ASAP, becasue its very unclear and very poor marketing on their part.

I saw the brochures also.
Been out about a month or so. Still there ( at my supplier) as of a week or two ago(As I remember)

[WoodwardsChris]

Mahts is still listed on their website. I have called my rep and will update you as soon as I hear from him.

I think Henry still cares and still works to promote the industry. One of the reasons they have scaled back some is that their efforts help all contractors...those using EP and those who use other companies as well. I think that after carrying the torch for so many years, they have no choice but to scale back given the current state of our economy.

[WoodwardsChris]

JZ...you may be confusing Pants and Mahts. Pants will not be in AC this year at they are moving to Oaks.

[Mbella]

John is correct. Here is a link...http://www.hardscapingconnection.com/Article.aspx?id=368

[NewHorizon's Land]

Maybe AC is one of the eight places. I thought it was pretty lame that its on the road. The only benefit I could see is you could find other more local suppliers that at MAHTS.

[WoodwardsChris]

Just spoke to my rep and Mahts will be on the road this year. Details are to be worked out towards the end of November, but there will be no 2/3 day Mahts show at AC.

I'll be happy to pass on details when I get them.

[NewHorizon's Land]

Looks like a lot more people will be going to Georgia this year

[mckeeland]

WEAK!
:tsk::tsk::tsk:

[JZap]

I've always raved about MAHTS and how beneficial it is for a us, as contractors on many levels... now, I guess we will spend even more money b/c either A) we can goto Georgia or B) spend more money attending classes when/where they are available to continue education. Hey, maybe the trailer will have all of this inside, but I doubt it. Everyone is losing money now, I absolutely would agree they should downsize the show if there is poor attendance, but to get rid of the event they claimed as their contributuon to the industry and helping the contractor? I don't see how these mini-shows will anything besides maybe a free lunch and EP Henry explaining how they are trying to keep up with their competitors... "We're introducing step threads this year... a brand new concept!" I think they will find their sales will be even worse if more contractors goto "other" trade shows.

[NewHorizon's Land]

If they are not going to do the entire show they probably should do one small show that shows the new products and thats it. One day new products in the morning q&a in the afternoon

[bigvictu]

I loved a break from the winter doldrums. This stinks, I doubt i'm gonna shell out for georgia. But I'm guessing that the economy is forcing them to scale back. Maybe they were scared that people wouldn't pay an extra fee to attend. I will say that they are the only ones to put on a show like this, Techo, Belgard etc, never did so you can't really blame them for stopping. Dissapointing to say the least.

[JZap]

I think we all understand times are tough, but like others mentioned... this was changed just recently? If there is nothing to learn from these small shows other than new products from EP Henry... I'd rather wait til they make them available (you know, mid-summer). But it's getting to the point where our distributor offers more to us than the manufacturer.

[mckeeland]

here is a question, who would even run MAHTS and teach the classes if they had it. maybe this dawned on them halfway during prep for the show, oh yeah, we dont have contractor services anymore and all the incredibly talented and knowledgeable people that use to do it no longer work here.

[SCgreenscapes]

we will be in the ATL this year. I went to Hardscape North America last year in Nashville and had a great time. I wish it was in Nashville again, but will settle for ATL I have not been to MAHTS, but HNA is a great show in my opinion. Only thing i would like to see at HNA would be more large equipment like skid steers and mini-x's. But this is only thier third show and think it will continue to grow.

[Mbella]

From what I've read, they plan to hold MAHTS in traditional form in 2010. Is the change this year due to them not wanting to spend the money? Or, do they really anticipate that many contractors won't spend the money to come to them, so they want to go to the contractor?

Who knows??? I don't know if EP Henry makes money, breaks even, or loses money on MAHTS. With my best guess, I would say they cover their costs, which would lead me to believe they are assuming that most contractors won't make the trip to MAHTS, advertisers (vendors) won't spend the money to attend, or a combination of both, so they will go to the contractor in order to maintain their presence.

[mckeeland]

we all get the economical aspect of the change, are we all disappointed, yes but we understand. so why BS us, just tell it like it is. thats the thing that really aggravates me. dont piss on my leg and tell me its raining!

[JZap]

Exactly, I'm not as upset about them not having it in AC as the way it's like "Surprise! We're doing you a favor!" ??? I've vented enough, we'll definately have to have our own get together this winter then. Haha, maybe we should go back to the EP plant and say "Surprise! We're came to you instead!"

[CMSStoneworks]

I was really looking forward to this. I think I'll be making it down to Atlanta as long as Its in the budget.

[mrusk]

Exactly, I'm not as upset about them not having it in AC as the way it's like "Surprise! We're doing you a favor!" ??? I've vented enough, we'll definately have to have our own get together this winter then. Haha, maybe we should go back to the EP plant and say "Surprise! We're came to you instead!"

If we bring the gentlemans club to the ep plant if might feel like AC.

[cgland]

Now all we need are some gentlemen

[JZap]

They asked for suggestions... here's mine...
"Offer the same great classes, networking events and vendor opportunity that EP Henry always has in the past. These are the most valuable tools for us "the contractor." I think there is a lot more value to having many vendors with new products which in turn would sell your products (i.e. pre-cast fire rings, outdoor fireplaces). It's going to be a tough year for everyone, I feel as if we need to be on top of game now more than ever... we will be attending classes to improve ourselves regardless of whether they are offered on your "road tour." And they will cost more money to attend than at MAHTS in the past. EP Henry has always been about customer service and helping the contractor... it doesn't feel that way right now... "

I also like the fact they wrote up a full article on our competitor literally a 1/2 mile away from us. No leads, no recognition, no educational seminars, no AC trade show? I'm sure they understand that we decide what gets put in our customers' houses right? They don't ask for EP Henry by name anymore, they say "paver patio" or "paver walkway" and we tell what would look good... if I say OTC Harvest blend they say "ok." If I say some other company, they will say the same... b/c I sell their products to the consumer, not vice versa. The market is changing drastically now and into next season for sure, I'm sure this will have an affect on our decision-making as well. At no point did we say MAHTS is too expensive this year, we can't go. When times are tough, like they are now, we need to have new ideas and skills to offer our customers new services at more affordable pricing.:deadhorse: I'm done beating the horse for now!

[JZap]

http://www.prestigebrickandstone.com/ImageTechoBlocTrailer2.jpg

Date Event
January 20, 2009 Contractor Showcase - Glen Allen, VA
January 23, 2009 Contractor Showcase - Dover, DE
January 26, 2009 Contractor Showcase - Mars, PA
January 28, 2009 Contractor Showcase - Carlisle, PA
January 30, 2009 Contractor Showcase - Ellicott City, MD
February 3, 2009 Contractor Showcase - Chantilly, VA
February 4, 2009 Contractor Showcase - Mount Laurel, NJ
February 6, 2009 Contractor Showcase - King of Prussia, PA
February 10, 2009 Contractor Showcase - Bethlehem, PA
February 12, 2009 Contractor Showcase - Parsipanny, NJ
February 13, 2009 Contractor Showcase - Edison, NJ
February 17, 2009 Contractor Showcase - Melville, NY
February 19, 2009 Contractor Showcase - Farmington, CT
February 20, 2009 Contractor Showcase - Farmington, CT
February 23, 2009 Contractor Showcase - South Portland, ME
February 25, 2009 Contractor Showcase - Nashua, NH
February 27, 2009 Contractor Showcase - Framingham, MA
March 2, 2009 Contractor Showcase - Albany, NY
March 4, 2009 Contractor Showcase - Geneva, NY
__________________________________________________ _____________
February 6, 2009 - Contractor Showcase - King of Prussia, PA

Location
The Sheraton Park Ridge Hotel & Conference Center
480 North Gulf Road
King of Prussia, PA 19406
Tel.: 610-337-1800

Your free pass to the Winner's Podium!

Don't miss the unveiling of our 10 new products, 4 new natural colors and new Techo-Tools! In addition, there will be over $250,000 in gifts, prizes and giveaways!

Techo-Bloc puts you in the pole position:
- IMPROVE YOUR STRATEGIC PLAN
- GET YOUR CREW UP TO SPEED
- BE THE LEADER OF THE PACK
- INCREASE YOUR TEAM'S PERFORMANCE

To register, click on the button below and complete the online form or click on the link below to download a printable version of the registration form that you can fax to us. (NOTICE THE EASE OF ACCESS)


Event Agenda
8:00 am - 9:00 am: Access to Mobile Display Center, registration and breakfast
9:00 am - 11:00 am: Showcase Part 1
11:00 pm - 12:00 pm: Lunch
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm: Showcase Part 2 (raffle and door prizes)
__________________________________________________ _______________

http://www.mahts.com/images/MAHTS2006.jpg
Jan. 20 - Dover, DE
Jan. 22 - Chantilly, VA
Jan. 27 - Long Island, NY
Feb. 2 - Trenton, NJ
Feb. 5 - Hershey, PA
Feb. 9 - Mahwah, NJ
Feb. 12- Columbia, MD
Feb. 18- Atlantic City, NJ
Feb. 23- King of Prussia, PA

"Please stay tuned, as we will be posting updates as soon as they are available."
:noidea: Not sure what is going to take place on this tour?

[bcwsport]

MAHTS 2009 Road Tour Dates Set
Shows to roll out in 9 different locations across region
EP Henry is excited to announce the dates and locations for the MAHTS 2009 Road Tour:
Jan. 20 - Dover, DE
Jan. 22 - Chantilly, VA
Jan. 27 - Long Island, NY
Feb. 2 - Trenton, NJ
Feb. 5 - Hershey, PA
Feb. 9 - Mahwah, NJ
Feb. 12- Columbia, MD
Feb. 18- Atlantic City, NJ
Feb. 23- King of Prussia, PA
Check MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from

[bcwsport]

I spoke to my EP HENRY REP and he doesn't have much details on the tour stops as of yet. But, I am stoked for the tour to stop in my hometown of Columbia MD

[JZap]

I spoke to my EP HENRY REP and he doesn't have much details on the tour stops as of yet. But, I am stoked for the tour to stop in my hometown of Columbia MD

Have you ever gone to trade show?

[bcwsport]

Not to the MAHTS tradeshow. Should be really cool.

[JZap]

Let's just say, I wouldn't base your impression of trade shows off this year's show.

[paponte]

Anyone hear anything on 2010 as of yet? I have a couple of guys that missed out on 08' due to snow, and were a little bummed about last year with no show.

[bigvictu]

Dates are out for mahts 2010.

[bigvictu]

Anybody going to the 2010 shows? I attended a techo contractor dinner this week and they gave us the schedule for their upcoming demo's and showcases.

[joeymaze]

I am going to Techo's showcase in Febuary In Albany, NY