Page 56 - BusinessWest August 18, 2021

The Home Show also works for contractors because it allows them to fill their project pipeline with future work.
“While most contractors are straight out right now, many don’t know what their business will be like in the coming fall and winter months,” Crane said.
By labeling it a “special summer edition,” Crane made it clear this is intended to be a one- time event. Plans are full speed ahead for the 2022 Home Show in its traditional late-March timing. The summer show is a way to fill the void left
“Many people will research their home project online, but at some point they need to see and touch the products they want and speak to professionals who can get the job done.”
when COVID-19 forced cancellation of the 2020 and 2021 editions of the Home Show.
The special edition will be a scaled-down ver- sion of the full show, running only three days instead of four and setting up in only one build- ing at the Eastern States Exposition grounds. The smaller event will still look similar to past shows, with booths set up in the Better Living Center and
several outdoor displays. Chris Grenier, owner of Grenier Painting & Finish-
ing, said he appreciates having any version of the Home Show this year.
“I’m very busy right now, but it’s well worth it for me to be at the show because I still need a steady stream of work that I can plan for in
the months ahead,” he explained.
BusinessWest spoke with a few contractors who have found both short-term and long-term benefits from participat- ing in the show.
Frank Webb Home in Springfield sells a wide range of kitchen and bath fixtures, as well as light- ing. Manager Lori Lough- lin said taking a booth at the Home Show is well worth the investment.
Chris Grenier says even a scaled-back show brings value to vendors.
“We often see a 40%
increase in business right after the Home Show,” Loughlin said. “Even though we’re in a busy time right now, that can change, so we want people to keep us in the loop when they plan their kitchen and bath projects in the future.”
For the last five years, Gisele Gilpatrick, project manager for Pro-Tech Waterproofing Solutions in Chicopee, has chaired the Home Show organizing
committee. Her company has always done well at the event.
“It’s a chance to meet people one on one and for them to collect business cards,” she said. “Peo- ple will often call us six months to a year after the show to say they are ready to fix their wet base- ment.” She also said it’s not unusual to hear from people up to five or six years later.
When Gilpatrick meets people at the Pro-Tech
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