[Kristin Petrovich]

Hey Guys – I am the HD EXPO organizer – actually the HD EXPO founder – Kristin Petrovich.

So sorry that your experience in Chicago was less than expected and that you considered your time and efforts a waste of time. I take all of your comments to heart and will address how we can insure that we not repeat them and prove ourselves better to you, our community and attendees. Hearing this sort of feedback, while never pleasant, is how we improve.

Honestly, the Midwest is the hardest region for us to gain traction, with both content creators and technology companies. It is also a more restrictive situation for trade-shows than other parts of the country, due to union rules. We are the only technology tradeshow to keep at it in Chicago, and this was our 6th year. Some of our competitors have only stuck to it for 2 years, then departed out of frustration or giving up on a rewarding bottom line. We have persevered, maybe with some flaws, but with commitment. This year presented its own struggles – the economy, political issues in the community, and other pressures, BUT our onsite attendance grew at its most significant rate — 67%. While our Chicago event is still much smaller than our LA or NYC expos, it’s been a very important part of our community and we have tried hard to make it a responsive and valuable event for the Midwest.

David – yes we had huge parking issues two years ago at the LA HD EXPO – but rectified it with the hotel and delivered a much smoother show last October. Can I make it up to you this year? The next expo is set for November 4th & 5th @ Burbank Marriott – I would love to buy you a drink if you are willing to give us a try again. We will once again have 3D Day on the 5th in addition to the HD EXPO.

We pride ourselves on presenting technologies and speakers/panels that are valuable, informative, career advancing and FREE for all attendees. Speakers like Wally Pfister, ASC, Patrick Lussier, Eric Brevig, Peter Anderson,ASC, and Vince Pace, to just name a few have joined us over the years. Might want to pop on and see many of our panels streaming : https://hdexpo.net/virtual/panels.htmlstreaming

I will take all of your thoughts, comments, venting and reflect on what we can do to “step it up” for all of our expos and workshops for that matter. Live events are ever evolving and we are committed to delivering an even better experience every time. Give us a chance to take in your feedback in and evolve.

I would agree that the business of trade shows is changing and we hope to also be changing with the times. We are in the midst of a major name/brand change to Createasphere. We have outgrown a name that is connected to a technology and we offer so much more from exhibitors and technology than just HD. Createasphere is a better reflection of who we serve – content creators. One of the news aspects is to have monthly evening events around the country. We kicked these off with an evening of 3D at 3ality Digital and this Thursday in NYC at Mega Playground.

With all this being said, I apologize and hope to serve you and our community better with your comments. We want to hear from you — so please feel free to contact me Kristin@hdexpo.net
Learn, evolve & create!
Kristin