So much more than a trade show...
Let’s get one thing straight from the off – Arc US is not a trade show. We hope this review helps you to see why it’s so much more than that, in terms of who comes, the setup, the vibe, the whole experience and, ultimately, the very real long-term ROI prospects for those who come.
Firstly, all suppliers who headed out to San Antonio on 21-24th November 2024 to take part knew exactly which architects and designers would be there to meet them. What trade show gives you that? You’ll appreciate the challenge of getting America’s most in-demand, Principal-level architects and designers away from their offices and projects for a few days unless there’s a darn good reason for doing so…
A darn good reason to leave the office
In just 3 days at Arc US, these time-pressured architects can go a long way to getting the things they need to help them make better decisions for their clients and for their firms. For, in that short time, they are able to discover the latest products and innovations and to meet the people most qualified to educate them on their benefits. They also get to catch up with their peers at the other top A&D firms and are often visibly moved and delighted to do so. And the unique, thoughtfully curated, AIA-approved seminars add to about a year’s worth of inspiration, education and information gathering in just a few days. This is why many of America’s busiest commercial project leaders prioritise Arc US every year and are rarely seen at any ‘similar’ events.
Want to see who came? Get the full attendee list.
Now take some time to study the firms and job titles. If you can find any other way to get yourself and your products in front of this number and calibre of decision maker over a single weekend, please go right ahead.
Attending architects rated their overall experience at a 4.7/5 average
Keep it up. You're the best in the industry!
Stephen Buck, AIA, CSI Senior Specifier
Get on the bus!
The nerves are always palpable on the first day, particularly for first time attendees. This is all part of the experience and is why the pre-event tour comes so highly recommended. Arc US, like all of BOND's architect events, is about relationships – getting to know people in a way that simply isn’t possible without spending some uninterrupted, quality time together. And a good way to get this rolling is to jump on a bus, sit next to someone you don’t know and simply say hello and see what opens up. And if that person just happens to be one of the most influential architects in the country… You get the picture.
Those who took part in the tour of the Ruby City art center got their networking off to the best start possible and were relieved to see some familiar faces at the Welcome Dinner that evening as they grabbed a cold one and eased themselves in for an evening of relaxed, natural networking amongst America’s most influential and helpful commercial project community. Oh, and some delicious food.
1-on-1 with America's top commercial architects and designers
6 weeks earlier, all confirmed suppliers were given exclusive access to detailed profiles, including project info. (email us for the full project list) on all the attending architects, giving plenty of time to do their research and select and prioritise those they most wanted to meet.
Two weeks before the event, everybody got their provisional schedule, to make any tweaks as desired. That morning, before the first business day got underway, it all became real as everyone received their final 1-on-1 meetings schedule, each with a minimum number guaranteed.
This was the 19th annual edition of Arc US and the two business days that followed saw BOND’s 20-year honed organisation and teamwork come into its own to ensure everyone’s where they need to be, and when, to make the most of 3 days in this company. The meetings are just the start as conversations and introductions continue over breakfast, lunch, coffee, organised evening activities and as far into the night as the mood takes you.
Yeehaw!
And those attending for the first time, not quite sure what to expect, are often blown away by how relaxed and open everybody is here and by how generous they are with their knowledge about who’s working on what and ‘Oh, you need to talk to so-and-so about that – let me introduce you’. Because ‘so-and-so’ usually just happens to be here too. And the most seasoned sales pro’s, hardened by the constant hustle and rebuff are delighted and humbled to be reminded that meaningful business comes to those who are able to cut through the noise – to get past the sales pitch and have a real conversation. So, you start to get to know the person or people in front of you. And they, in turn, start to get a measure of you and that’s when rapport, friendship and trust start to build. And you can almost hear the sound of the doors at the big A&D firms finally opening for you.
Attendees submitted the following comments on their feedback forms and on Linkedin during and after the event:
Attending Suppliers rated their overall experience 4.7/5
Keep doing what you're doing. It's always a fantastic event. However, this was probably the best event ... in terms of the meetings I had. Good quality architects from great firms.
Drew Clausen, Owens Corning, Director or AEC Team, U.S.
How would you rate the customer service you received prior to the event? 4.7
Terrific service on site, friendly staff, eager to help, always checking on meetings too.
Keith Sanford, Specified Technologies Inc. (STI), Sr. Field Engineer
Comments on the quality and variety of Architects/Designers
It was clear we met with decision makers and spec influencers.
Laura Chaney, Hanover Architectural Products, Southeast Sales Director
How would you rate the customer service you received prior to the event? 4.9
Superb! One of the best conferencing experiences. Noting BOND's person-to-person phone call approach (vs. completely digital communication).
Elaine Fitzgerald, Lamar Johnson Collaborative, Principal
Comments on Linkedin
Next time...
Arc US fills up earlier every year. If you're chasing the big commercial projects but are struggling to get the attention of those who can make it happen, we suggest you fill in this enquiry form and we'll be in touch to set up a call.
