For 2011 the South West Industrial Fabrics Association decided to team up with their western affiliate, the WCPA, for a joint conference/trade show hosted at the Mesa Hilton in Phoenix AZ.  We have been a long time attendee of the SWIFA conference and were excited to meet WCPA — we were not disappointed.  We enjoyed an opportunity to meet with companies from California, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Louisiana, and all over Texas.  Below is a quick picture recap of the show.  Including a short video above of the exhibition hall.

We were especially pleased with the comradery  between all of the exhibitors, with everyone lending a hand helping all of the booths setup and look their best.  Once we setup, it was time to retire to the hospitality suite to catchup with our old friends from SWIFA and meet our new friends from WCPA.  See the video above for a look at Market Day on Saturday!

Vatche gave a lecture on “Delivering Happiness” referencing the new book by Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh.  Love your people and your vendors and teach them to love your customers and you can deliver a “WOW” experience every time.

We had a great time with SWIFA and WCPA.  Special thanks to Vatche Azirian, Ryan Chism, Mike Matthews, Julie Mowery, and The Cosarts for making this a trip to remember.  Good luck to the Cosarts on their upcoming trip to China!!  We are looking forward to SWIFA in Austin TX next year (there is talk of timing it with SXSW)!

If you have a trade show in your area you would like us to attend, please let us know.  Check the “News” section of our blog for upcoming events!