Obviously I ask what proof they have on this, and this is where the conversation usually quickly changes tack.
Of course all businesses have been affected to some degree by the economic downturn, but from personal experience, and watching the market, there are strong indicators to suggest that the fallout isn't as bad as first expected.
I think this idea comes from the fact that most businesses, when faced with a gloomy economy, initially look to cut costs across all departments. They then quickly learn that they can't afford not to spend money promoting their product. There's very little point in having a product with minimal overheads if nobody is aware of it!
My resolve has been strengthened by the report that Gamescom has just finished and attracted 248,000 visitors, becoming the largest games fair in the world.
Reports from other areas of the world report that attendees to trade shows and exhibitions are better than expected for the current climate, and the general consensus is that this industry is in a excellent position to recover from the impacts of the global recession.
We are doing our bit for the industry at Discount Displays. Through publishing guides and promotions we are doing all we can to help businesses realise that exhibiting doesn't have to be as costly as they first fear.
