By Jamie Swann, Contributing Writer
A plethora of pirates strolled up and down the rows of booths, smiles on their faces and drinks in their hands.
The excitement in the large convention hall was overflowing.
It was a different atmosphere than in recent years, as exhibitors and attendees at the 2016 Realtor Builder Tradeshow seemed to have an anything goes sort of attitude.
That mentality was evident in the extravagant booths.
Massive ships, treasure chests, skeletons and pirate ship masts were on full display — an attempt to catch the eye of the passers-by.
“Seeing the ornate booths again is exciting,” said trade show Chairman Tim Newman, Bank of England. “There was a time when people would just come and set up their table. The extra money wasn’t there to spend on big displays.”
With the changing economy, builders have extra funds in their marketing budget and for many, the trade show was the perfect place to use them.
Those with larger displays called on prop suppliers like Jacksonville-based Mugwump Productions to make their booths stand out.
Some smaller booths kept it simple with a photo booth for attendees to get silly in.
All the extra effort didn’t go unnoticed by attendees.
The crowds flocked to the pirate-themed booths, cameras in hand, ready for their close up with Johnny Depp cutouts and life-sized pirate statues.
Trade shows are valuable marketing events, a chance to get to meet clients.
“This show is a great opportunity for agents to see what’s new and reconnect,” said Sherry Davidson, president of Davidson Realty, while goofing off in an exhibitor’s photo booth.
Attendees visit the annual show to see what is new in the quickly growing area.
“Often times, this is a reminder of where builders are currently building,” said Davidson. “With the rapid growth, it’s becoming harder to keep track.”
One of the biggest opportunities at the trade show, which attracted 700 to 800 people, is gathering leads for future business.
“We see potential in every attendee,” said Amber King, marketing director for CalAtlantic Homes. “We enjoy meeting new people at trade shows and creating lasting relationships with them.”