9-20-07

Dear Midwest Attendee

I regret to inform you that, in the best interest of all parties involved, we have made the decision to cancel this year’s INTERIORS EXPO Midwest. It is a very difficult decision for us to make, but we are concerned that we may not be able to fulfill your show expectations and deliver the return on investment that you deserve in attending this show.

Our pre-registration numbers are significantly lower than last year’s despite our dramatically increased marketing and promotion efforts. Our telemarketing has indicated that the main reason for the decrease in attendance is a concern about the economy – low business due to the housing market, expenses to attend, etc. It certainly does not help that dismal figures regarding these economic indicators were just recently released through the media. 

We sincerely apologize for any and all inconvenience that this may cause you in making arrangements to attend this event. Your registration and seminar fees will be reimbursed from our Registration Company.  I assure you that this is the best business decision that we could make for you, our customer, at this time.  In fact, it would be much less expensive for us to go on with the show than it will be to cancel it. However, in all good conscience, we feel that it is better to cancel it as your interests would not be met. 

The industry is changing and evolving. Let’s all work together to promote window fashions to the consumer and ride out this economic tide. I clearly remember that during the most recent recession, companies that continued to promote their benefits and strengths gained the most momentum when the market turned around again, giving them an advantage over competition. As designers and decorators, it is not business as usual any longer.  We here at GMI are dedicated to identifying opportunities to share through our magazine and products throughout this year.  It is our goal to help you stay positioned for that eventual upturn.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or suggestions at 651/293-1544, extension 3009. I look forward to working together to grow your business.

Sincerely,

Grace McNamara
Grace McNamara Inc.
President and CEO