As managing editor of Someone seems to be taking the results of this week's Web poll very seriously.
The poll on our home page asks readers, "Would you prefer to attend NPE2012 in Chicago or Orlando, Fla.?"
It's a hot topic, and voting was pretty heavy on Monday and Tuesday.
Today, though, it went through the roof.
As of 5:45 p.m. ET, we've had more than 1,200 people vote in the poll. That figure far exceeds the previous record for one of our PN weekly polls. (The previous top spot: Oct. 1, 2004, we asked readers if the presidential election was held today, who would they elect. George W. Bush won with 60.4 percent of the votes).
On the NPE poll, Orlando was winning until today, and suddenly Chicago has picked up a couple of hundred votes -- with almost none for Orlando.
I can't tell if they're voting in alphabetical order, but it's obvious that the folks in McCormick Place discovered the poll.
Kathy Knusta, project coordinator with the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (which owns McCormick Place) even posted a comment:
"Chicago is the best town! I have been a Chicagoan my whole life and when I travel I really realize how much I love my hometown! From the great people, the great food and the great events and sightseeing there is to do! Just recently, a friend came into town and she asked what could I do for the weekend? I didn´t even know where to begin because there is so much for us to offer! I don´t know one person I met that said they didn´t like Chicago after they left! Come visit and you´ll see!"
Thanks Kathy, and congratulations on the get-out-the-vote effort.
I've got some personal experience with Chicago elections -- I was an exit poll taker for WBBM TV in 1983, when Harold Washington won his first Democratic primary for the mayor's job, beating Jane Byrne and Richard M. Daley. So I can appreciate the effort being taken by the Chicago voters today.
It's all in fun, after all. And it doesn't hurt to show the Society of the Plastics Industry Inc. members that Chicago wants to keep NPE.
Comments (6)
Re yesterday's mysterious spike in votes for Chicago, it brings to mind the old saying-- attributed alternately to both Richard Daley and Al Capone--"Vote early -- and vote often." The McCormick crew must be very worried. And rightly so.
Posted by Nick Fountas | October 23, 2009 9:39 AM
Posted on October 23, 2009 09:39
Kathy Knusta makes several excellent points about the city of Chicago. Being a former Chicagoan myself, I love the city and all it has to offer. What Kathy fails to mention is the exorbitant costs associated with visiting there, particularly during NPE. For example, hotel rooms at over $200 per night and continental breakfasts at $21 are far outside the norm. Plus McCormick Place charges for booth set-up and even parking make it difficult for companies to exhibit there. Yes, Chicago is a great city ... but is it becoming too cost prohibitive to enjoy?
Posted by Dave Larson | October 23, 2009 10:01 AM
Posted on October 23, 2009 10:01
From my money, there's really no comparison. Yes, Chicago is more expensive in some ways, but in terms of bang for your buck, I don't think Chicago takes a back-seat to any venue.
Being so centrally located, Chicago has always been the transportation capital of the country. That's why it has such an international racial and ethnic make-up in the city, from almost every country in the world. These Chicago citizens bring and do, business with world-wide companies and customers.
Which means that the attendees in Chicago will be much broader based in scope and more likely to be interested in international business with suppliers in the U.S.A.
For the attendees from around the world, also, Chicago is just such a more vibrant and exciting city to visit. I don't have to go into detail to explain that reality.
All in all, the only choice is Chicago.
Posted by Len Dominguez | October 23, 2009 4:04 PM
Posted on October 23, 2009 16:04
Kathy is right, Chicago is the greatest town. I've lived here my whole life as well and never met anyone who has not enjoyed it. Orlando might not be the most desirable place due to the attendance. Chicago is a business town and Orlando is a tourist town.
Posted by Jason | October 26, 2009 9:37 PM
Posted on October 26, 2009 21:37
There is no other like Orlando to have your conventions: number one the weather is awesome,
the choice of hotels is remarkable, the deals are the greatest and the customer service is the best overall. So book your conventions here and I know you won't be sorry. We might be a tourist town, but when it comes to business we
know how to organize and assist you in all you will need to make your best presentations.
Posted by Veta Colon | October 27, 2009 9:50 AM
Posted on October 27, 2009 09:50
Chicago is a great city that is very fun and hospitable to NPE attendee's. I work with 7 company's showing and they resoundingly hate the "hidden" "backend" charges from the Union Thugs...
Many would love to bring in more and larger equipment, but you cannot budget the total costs, because of the screwing you get before you leave..
Posted by Kevin O | October 29, 2009 4:32 PM
Posted on October 29, 2009 16:32