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A Short History of the CSC Toronto Chapter No Frills Trade Show
It may be a little exaggerated to say but, in the mid 70’s the general consensus among CSC members was “The chapter’s broke – the Association is operating on a shoestring.” The Toronto Chapter Trade Show was an attempt to help fund the Chapter’s activities for the benefit of the Chapter, the industry and CSC as a whole.
The original committee with, Moe (Maurice) McGill as chair, included Peter Zahradnik, Joe Dunleavy, Bill Kernohan, Len McLeod, Jim Tobros, Fred Clarke and David Pinkney. Starting from scratch, with no how-to manual, these courageous souls ventured forth into the unknown.
Book the hall, advertise, rent tables and chairs, advertise, pay deposits, advertise, sign guarantees, advertise… and so on. I understand that the night before the show Moe turned grey! The success (not losing money) of that first show in 1979 in the west hall of Union Station allowed it to become an annual event. Paying off the barber, who had a shop in the west hall, a day’s pay became a minor detail.
After a few years at Union Station we graduated to a larger space at St Lawrence Market North. By this time the formula was working well and the Chapter was urged to expand the show again. The result, a quantum leap (more butterflies and grey hair), The Harbour Castle Convention Centre. We had arrived! We’re talking carpet and chandeliers!
The venue was perfect, allowing the show to expand in increments by taking larger portions of the main ballroom. Eventually it became harder to book the convention space a year in advance as the hotel’s main function is to sell hotel rooms and a one day show in their conference facility doesn’t sell rooms. If the International Society of Nit Pickers wanted to have their convention at the same time, we’d get bumped. That brings us to the present, The Metro Toronto Convention Centre – the whole nine yards!
I hope you will take the opportunity to exhibit in this unique environment. The emphasis is on knowledge and networking instead of large expensive displays. You can exhibit what you can carry in and simply use the table provided or put up a small pop-up booth if you choose. A half day commitment and an excellent networking opportunity.
As a visitor you will see a compact, organized exhibition of over 200 vendors of construction products and services.
See you there! 2010 marks our 32nd annual show.
Bob Mercer, FCSC
Trade Show Chair |
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Attendee Testimonials |
As a former member of the Toronto Chapter Trade Show Committee, I know first hand about the benefits of attending this annual “meat and potatoes” Trade Show. Geared strictly for the construction industry, it is a place to get acquainted or re-acquainted with both new and familiar technical representatives and “discover” new products and manufacturers. One will be hard pressed to see the entire Show in a leisurely manner, so it will be wise to gather whatever information one would want, including business cards of course, and then follow up with the contact person at some future date. It is the ONE Show which one shouldn’t miss!
Tosh Sakamoto
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Being located between the greater Toronto area and London, the second centre for product representatives, I try to get to the CSC Toronto No Frills Trade Show every year. In one afternoon see more product suppliers than I would in my office in three to four years. As a Past President it also becomes a yearly visit with members I may have lost touch with. I would recommend it to anyone who needs the straight goods on new & old products, materials, or systems as the best source for our Canadian Construction Industry.
John Clinckett, RSW,CCCA,FCSC
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To me, the No Frills Trade Show is a must see. It is one of only two trade shows that I make sure I attend every year, without fail. It gives me, as a specification writer, one day where I can come see what manufacturer's have to offer.
No Frills is about information. There is no glitz and glamour. It is one of the few trade shows that is more about the product and less about the socializing.
Simple table top displays let me see what the manufacturers have to offer; both new and tried and true products, and ask questions. This show deals with building materials, and pretty much everything is represented. I do not have to wade through rows and rows of booths that pertain to things like property management that has no bearing on what I do.
I also like the size of the No Frills Trade Show. It is not so large that I need to take two days off work to be able to see all the booths. In one day, I can get in, see what is there and get out and back to the office the next day.
Catherine Waterson
Specification Writer
Toronto Chapter Past-Chair
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