SOME QUESTION IMPACT OF VSDA SHOW DATE CHANGE

RANDY WEDDINGTON

LAS VEGAS -- As the 19th Annual Video Software Dealers Association Convention & Expo gets underway here this weekend, July 8 to10, there is some speculation that next year's change in convention dates could soften show attendance this year.

This year's convention at the Venetian Hotel/Sands Expo will be the last to be held in midsummer. Future conventions, as was announced last year, will take place each January to coincide with the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Jan. 6 to 9, 2001.

"Most supermarket retailers are looking forward to CES," said Bill Bryant, vice president, sales, grocery and drug, Ingram Entertainment, La Vergne, Tenn., "since many haven't attended it in the past. However, some supermarkets have elected not to attend in July, but rather to wait for next January."

Other industry observers questioned whether or not another video trade show coming in just six months might not hurt this year's turnout. Over the last several runs VSDA has experience up and down fluctuations in its show attendance. Last year drew a surprising turnout of 11,273 total attendance, up 11%.

Retailer reaction has been largely positive to moving the show into the CES time frame. "We're excited about it," said a video specialist for a midsize Southern chain. "This may give us an opportunity for joint projects between our general merchandise and video departments."