August 10, 2022
In the first half of 2022, Schramm, Inc. attended seven global trade shows and exhibited at five, with more shows booked for Q3 and Q4. The busy schedule is a welcome return-to-form after two years of pandemic travel restrictions.
With international and regional businesses of all sizes in attendance, trade shows provide valuable opportunities to showcase the Schramm product line, interface with customers, and target specific market segments. New and remote employees benefit from the industry immersion, networking, and team building opportunities that conferences offer.
“This is a face-to-face industry,” says Craig Mayman [EVP Sales, Marketing & GM Australia]. “It’s about getting to know people—clients, dealers, suppliers—and trade shows enable us to do that.”
After the exhibits close for the day, the Schramm team partakes in food, drink, and leisure activities, like golfing, swimming, and hiking. The shared experiences allow team members to grow relationships in a more casual environment.
"The camaraderie and team building that happens afterhours is arguably the most important part. That’s where friendships are made."
The conferences have been a happy reunion for many in the industry who have waited as long as two years to see each other in person. Market intel from the conferences indicates a healthy demand for new rigs as well as increased need for aftermarket parts and service. Drilling contractors report being booked solid in the coming months and are eager to minimize rig downtime.
Highlights from each exhibition are listed below.
The PDAC convention is one of the industry’s largest shows. This year, in its first showing since the pandemic began, 17,000 people and 1,000 exhibitors attended, including a large Schramm contingent.
The Schramm booth featured updated graphics, new displays, and plenty of giveaways.
“There was great representation from all over the world,” says Craig. “We met with leadership teams and other key people in the RC space. Our intel indicates a buoyant market.”
Team Schramm identified opportunities for rig sales in the US and Mexico, pursued a significant contract for Hammers & Bits, and discussed distribution and logistics with several dealers.
The sentiment from the show was one of shared excitement and gratitude for a return to normalcy.
DRILL 2022 featured more than 55 exhibitors, many from Australia’s massive national mining industry. Schramm, a sponsor of the event, gave a presentation led by Craig Mayman.
“The presentation was successful because we didn’t explicitly pitch a product,” says Craig.
“We asked a client to share their real experience using a Fury T130 in the field. The Fury incorporates new technologies that improve operator safety, so it became a conversation about driller wellbeing. As a result, people were engaged and interested.”
The team reported that the show had a celebratory and social atmosphere, with late nights and fun had by all. “It felt more like a reunion than a tradeshow,” says Craig.
DEC featured more than 70 speakers and 100+ booths. “Although it’s a smaller show, it really draws the entire Indian drilling industry,” says Alan.
Schramm India dealer Jeetendra Nayak [Minerva Auto Motors, IND] and his daughter co-ran the booth.
“We have a lot of customers in India, and and several rigs working in the coal bed methane fields.”
Alan says the Indian market is very keen on Schramm rigs. In a recent tender, one general manager requested that only contractors with Schramm rigs apply for the project.
Elko Mine Expo is located near some of the busiest mines in North America. It is a relatively small show, but is highly representative of the regional community, in which mining plays an important role.
Students of every age, from elementary school to college, attend the show to learn about the industry and explore potential careers. The Schramm team answered questions about RC drilling from an inquisitive group of 3rd graders.
In addition to mingling with the community and catching up with current customers, the team took advantage of networking opportunities the show afforded with small to midsize companies.
After the show the team went for a hike in the nearby Ruby Mountains and went for a swim in a lake near the summit.
The Oman Petroleum & Energy Show featured more than 350 exhibitors from 22 countries, including industry heavy hitters Shell and BP. Alan Watson and his team promoted the Schramm Telemast series of rigs, many of which are active in Oman’s petroleum fields.
“One of our TXD customers has been very successful and is interested in acquiring another TXD,” Alan says.
“I’m headed back to Oman to hopefully finalize the deal.”
