They have a great new convention center there in Orlando, Fla., which I was told is the second largest in the United States - and who could complain about the weather or other things to do there? Of course, Disney World is in the midst of a major renovation right now, but this is truly a family vacation city with easy access, low motel rates, and cheap rental cars. But then again, I don't live too far away. I'm not looking forward to going to Chicago in the dead of winter for next year's show though (but I plan to be there).
What was the news at this Expo? All the equipment manufacturers were abuzz about the rapidly rising prices of steel, copper, and aluminum. Everybody had different figures, but one source said their costs for metals had risen almost 90% in the past 12 months, which is really driving up prices in our industry - and we don't use as much steel as they do in automobiles and home appliances. So, it looks like our country is about to see a huge round of inflation.