Last month, Joe Kannapell took us on a terrific tour of BCMCs past in his column, The Last Word on 2020 BCMC – Virtually! Because we cannot attend an in-person BCMC show this fall, I’ve been thinking about ways to capture some of the spirit of BCMC.
Step 1. See Products Without Booths
You may not be able to walk up and touch the cold metal of a new piece of equipment—but you can still take a look at some! Check out our advertisers at https://componentadvertiser.com/in-our-pages/advertisers and then click through to their websites! Of course, you can find out more about their products and services in these pages, too. Our advertisers provide manufacturing and handling equipment, saws, software and plates, connectors, business management, third-party inspection, financing, forklifts, and additional products and services to support your business.
Step 2. Connect With People
You may not be able to walk up and shake a warm hand—but you can still make a direct connection by picking up the phone! If you’d like a face-to-face meeting, try Zoom or Skype. In my opinion, the best part of BCMC is being able to say to someone, “Hey, long time, no see—how have you been?!” And, if connecting in real time on the phone is a problem because of busy schedules and pressing issues, then there is the tried-and-true method of email. It comes with a little time delay, but electronic communication remains a solid option.
So, instead of booking a plane ticket or planning a road trip, try this—grab a snack and beverage of choice, pick up a phone or laptop, and see how you can make a little of your own BCMC this year. You may have a lot of fun and learn a few things, too.