My Take on EMA

I've noticed some talk about the "Power User" panel being non-indicative of the typical HTF member. How true! Please keep in mind, we are not the typical "Power User" consumers the panel was probably looking for.

While VHS may be dead to many of us, believe it or not, there is still a large VHS consumer base out there. If you talk to retailers with an older demographic (senior) customer base, you might be surprised to learn that many older people have problems with DVD menus. DVD menus are often non-intuitive and are usually not simply insert & play. VHS tapes are easier for older folks to deal with. Of course, this means that they are renting older titles and watching newer releases on cable(either through premium channels or VOD).

The High Definition viewing universe is still small in comparison to standard definition. This was made clear over and over again with the statistics and viewing habits touted by EMA and provided by DEG and other groups. Give the general population time. They'll learn how to hook up those HD TVs to get HD signals. Then, when they're ready for High Definition DVDs they'll really be faced with a dilemma. Which end of the High definition DVD egg do they choose to open up? (Read Gulliver's Travels to better understand this analogy or rent the DVD.)

Entertainment content delivery can be physical or electronic, stationary or mobile. There are still approximately 10,000 video retailers out there and the industry is a complex mix of store retailers, internet retailers, downloading, etc. Because of the HTF presentation schedule, we missed the opportunity to sit in on the highly informative panel discussions taking place concurrently that dealt with some of these issues. Perhaps next time the HTF will have a chance to participate in some of these sessions.

As I've written before, there just wasn't enough time to take everything in or to talk to as many retailers as I would have liked. Foot traffic at the show was definitely down from last year. But, all the exhibitors I spoke with said that even with the decrease in attendees, they were having quality meetings with buyers. This could be indicative of the show turning away from the independent retailers who really created the industry and towards the big box stores.

The exhibit suites offer an aura of professionalism but old-timers like me miss the excitement and buzz from a really active sales floor. I've always felt that anyone who had an exhibit suite should also have a presence on the sales floor. The suite to be used for meetings and the sales floor area for distribution of sales material, screeners and celebrity appearances.

Re: My Take on EMA

Since we never saw the other concurrent panel discussions, it's hard to say how good they were. In my experience, it is the smaller panel discussions that are more interesting and allow more interaction between the audience of retailers and the panel members. In that way they are similar to the HTF panels.

For instance, the Wednesday panel, "Multi-Cultural and Specialized Product Offer Growing Opportunities to Satisfy Customers" sounded interesting. What insights could the HTF group offer to learning about new Asian, Bollywood and Anime titles? How different are our learning resources from the retailers? We don't get product sell-sheets. How do we learn about the hottest Korean horror film or the best anime? We could have offered some good info at that session.

The opening business session group of "Power Users" was hyped out of proportion to its importance to the home video retailers. Was anyone there really stunned to learn that the college student doesn't have an HD TV in his dorm room? Or that he doesn't have a large collection of DVDs due to lack of storage space? Now, the single woman who was primarily into games had something interesting to tell. That was learning about how she rents, plays, buys or rapidly moves on to another game if dissatisfied. Of course, this was the first time they've done this type of consumer panel. Hopefully it will be handled differently in the future.

I think the HTF presence definitely had an impact at the show. Both positive and negative. Other members of the press who were not registered with HTF definitely felt left out of our studio swag and free HD and Blu-ray player offers. Studios who didn't know about our presence felt left out of presenting to HTF and would like to have an opportunity next time. Of course, an extra day would be required to allow additional presentations to HTF. If we can arrange this, it would be worthwhile. And we definitely need to do a panel or two with the retailers. If the show really expands to cover the video game industry next time, we might have to run two HTF tracks-one on games and the other on entertainment.

We received mixed press coverage in the show dailies, indicating to some that we were there primarily for swag and that our panel discussions were more acrimonious than they really were. They were lively but that's all. Perhaps a mission statement before attending the next EMA event would help or even issuing our own press releases.

There's only one first time in this reality. We've now "been there and done that." As a group we have skills and knowledge that can be utilized as a resource to the retailers and the industry. That didn't really happen at this show. It's time to analyze what occurred not just with our own survey but with EMA surveying the retailers and exhibitors about our presence and how we can be better integrated into the next EMA show.

Re: My Take on EMA

I'm certain the majors knew about us but the smaller studios/labels didn't. My contact at Naxos certainly expressed surprise and interest in the HTF presence. Now, just how interested HTF might be in a presentation from a smaller studio/label is another story. But, you might recall that it was a small label, Lumivision that released the first DVDs in the US in March 1997. Their titles streeted even before the Warner releases.

Re: My Take on EMA

Hi, Ron,

First of, let me also extend a compliment to Andrew. I rememember him from the View Video days, and he is a good, knowledgeable person, who seems to understand why i see missed opportunites here.

<b>Wow! Adrian, you are truly a gentleman and a scholar! It's been many a year since I worked at VIEW Video (or Kino or Video Marketing & Publications, among other places).</b>

Now, a few comments

It's interesting (but understandable) that anyone would think that
attendees came to the HTF function just for the "swag." Though there
were a few of us who knew in advance about the free players, that
knowledge was limited to those organizing the event. We never told any of
you in advance just how well you were going to be treated because
the last thing we wanted was anyone coming out just for free stuff.

In fact, next year if we are invited back, we are going to make a
point up front that there will be a minimal amount of swag available
to attendees. Those who attended this year were VERY lucky. It
was THE BITS and HTF 10th anniversary and for that reason we
walked away with over $1k worth of goodies. We intend to make
certain to inform people that will NEVER happen again.

First of all. I hope you do come back, and am gald to see your comments here

<b>The industry is filled with sequels. Why should HTF be any different? But, we need to plan our approach for the next EMA.</b>

We want people to come out for the event and experience of being
with other like members -- not for the freebies. Those who came out
to our event this year had no idea what was in store for them so to
be accused otherwise is quite ludicrous. I can understand, however,
people not knowing the situation first-hand thinking otherwise.

Here I'll slightly disagree. Since the freebies became a focal point of the coverage, and the initial post-convention comments, including some people doing a $$$ total on the stuff, it is fully understandable why I and others would focus on that aspect as well. Given that some of you knew in advance, It should have occured that this would be perceived as such, and I'll go more into that below.

<b> I personally was profoundly surprised to be offered the free HD-DVD & Blu-players. Having attended DEG events at CES, I expected a certain amount of studio swag and thought the participating studios were indeed generous to HTF. Although I usually don't turn down freebies, for me EMA was about making or continuing contacts with the studios/labels and establishing or maintaining a relationship to obtain product to review on a regular basis. Parties are fun but with over 30 years in the film and video industry in one capacity or another, I have a vested interest in continuously learning about the industry I love and what I can do to regularly participate in it as on-line press.</b>

On the other hand, I think being this was our very first effort to
put on a show like this, I think we did pretty damn well. I give a
lot of credit to SV SOUND and BenQ for supplying us with
state-of-the-art equipment. And as much credit that has been given
to me for organizing things with all of you, a much bigger credit needs
to be given to Adam Gregorich who negotiated not only to get
the presenters we had, but pushed to get all of you extra freebies in your
hands. Adam did a remarkable job as did Gregg Loewen.

This is where I have to disagree. you must remember that you were invited to OUR event, and that all indications were that Questex, who actually puts on the event, never made the effort to integrate your portion of the show into what the indie retailers come for, and that is knowledge. Would it be afar to say that coverage of your event by HMR, which by the way, is owned by Questex, would cut coevrage of what the indie retailers there, and reading at home, would accomplish? iDEA , which is the indie wing of EMA, introduced an intenet bacbone and system that will allow indie retailers to act like a Netflix, and particiapte in downloads in the future, but did you see a speck of coverage in HMR? You are descrbing extra effort to get your equipment, your presenters, and your extra freebies, but you gave nothing back to the indie retailers, and all we want is your experience.

<b> I disagree with Adrian on this. This was a first time event for HTF, confusing, awkward and over too quickly. Typically, not everyone was fully satisfied by the experience. HTF was not responsible for the show coverage by HMR or VB. If we do our own press releases or have a designated press spokesperson, we'll have a little better control over our image and how we're covered at the next show.</b>

In another thread, I believe that you stated that you seminars were the best during the show. I STRONGLY beg to differ, for many of the same reasons Andrew mentions. As a trade show, the iDEA seminars were excellently received and powerful for the attendees. while , because of your focus, your seminars were great for your group, they did nothing for us, because we weren't notified of an participation opportunities. Again, you came to a trade show, whose major purpose is to educate and help retailers. We could have used your knowledge and advice. We have a deep vested interest in the future of this business, and have to battle Questex to get attention.

Someone mentioned that you guys grew out of the events at Dave's Place [Laser Disc]. Do you think Dave's Place would exist today given the studios attitude towards indie retailers? Indie retailers are a sepcial a breed as HTF members. Once you saw what indie retailers are capable of today, we might have had another advocate to work with the studios. Agaim,while I am glad you came, and love the forum, you should have known who comes and why we come, and the main purpose and expectations for the even from the attendees, who also pay a lot of money to come

<b> I agree with Adrian that more interaction with the retailers and participation in additional seminars will allow the attendees the opportunity to use HTF as a resource. It's a question of co-ordinating the HTF schedule with the other panel seminars. We want to make HTF an essential part of the industry with relevent information and ideas to its continued success. This is definitely a must at the next EMA. </b>

We are concerned that the smaller companies felt slighted that they
were not asked to present to our group -- and trust me, we considered
having them aboard --- but realistically, do you think they would hold
the attention of everyone there? I don't mean to sound as negative as
I seem, but these smaller companies have very obscure product that
only a sect of the audience would relate with. Actually, I think that
when it comes to these smaller companies it's better that those with
a particular interest in that genre visit the companies on their own.

If the purpose of your trip was to learn and experience, and advance the format, I would hope your would pay attention to ALL size distributors, and not just the majors. Being that you are blogging and are perceived as experts, to not want to know all about every aspect would disappoint me. Refering to some of these as obscure is just as belittling as when TK Arnold claims in HMR that the show was successful, but that there is a "conflict" with the indie retailers, and alludes to the need to not have us there.

<b> I think there are quality smaller studios/labels out there that would hold as much attention or more as the THX presentation at EMA. As Paul Suarez writes in his response, we should look into getting a music presence at the next show. Naxos is a possibility because they are actively involved in restoring archival jazz performance video footage to DVDs and the story behind the restoration process should be of interest to many HTF members. Dealing with video/film restoration and music rights are part of the industry, especially for TV shows on DVD.</b>

All things aside, I think that the presence of consumers at EMA is
an absolute necessity. Of course some may interpret my opinion as
being bias, but from what I saw, the show is in great need of a new
paint job. If I were there as a retailer I would have been bored to
death. As I may have mentioned before, I think what we had going
on in our room was the best part of the entire EMA show.

Again, I absolutely disagree, because, for indie retailers, you were as close to us as the East Coast was to Vegas. For your group, the statement may be true, but for us, I can name a number of better seminars. That doesn't mean you couldn't be the best in the show, but since we didn't interact, we will never actually know. As a retailer, we WERE bored to death at the parties and the opening session, but we were really amazing during our IndieExpo and our seminars. Since this is a trade show, adding consumers makes it E3, and while that worked for a couple of years, you saw E3 contact its size and scope bigtime this year, eleiminating much of the consumer admittance.

<b> VSDA (now EMA) has adapted and evolved over the years just as the home video industry has adapted and evolved. A consumer presence (other than HTF) would seem warranted only if they have something viable and valuable to contribute to the show and the industry. Since most HTF members never saw the other panel discussions, I don't think we can comment on our room being the best at the show. Perhaps best for the HTF attendees but not best for the inherent purpose of the other show attendees-the retailers.</b>

And you know what? We have already told EMA our interest in
coming back next year. I think that THE BITS/TSOD and HTF can
do something even more amazing next year -- and we would love
to share it with as many Press and EMA attendees as we can.

I would love you particiaption in the convention next year,and at other indie events, like The IndieEXPO at sEA, and a proposed Indie CAMP. I do have to ask, though, who you actuall interacted with during the show who was actually from EMA, aand who was actually from Questex, because they are two entirely different groups. I've seen the name Martin Blyhte reffered to as EMA, and as far as I know, he only works for the show, and is not an actual employee of EMA. Did you meet Bo Andersen, or Sean Bersell, or Jim Loperfido or any of the iDEA Board Of Trustees or Frank Lucca or any of the EMA/IDEa staff?

<b> Actually, I did have a personal meeting with an EMA VP the last hour of the show and recived an indication that the HTF presence was considered a success as far as EMA was concerned. I think we should return and the next time we'll be pre-planned and primed to participate fully and contribute mightily!</b>

Again, I love the forum, and really do not blame you or envy anything that took place, except for the missed oppotunites, and how Questex made sure we didn't get in the way of your event, even though you were at out event. I would strongly urge you to take advantage of Andrew's experience and knoledge and, most of all, wisdom if you attend again. You have a chance to really grow this entire business, and we have a lot to show you as well.

<b> Adrian, would that my clients, my wife and my cats venerated my knowledge and wisdom as you do! </b>

Adrian Hickman
IDEA
TLA Video
Andrew, if EMA does invite us back, we would happy to consider
any advice you would have for us to make the show better for
everyone.[/quote]


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Adrian Hickman
IDEA Member
TLA Video, Philly