Boston – worth the journey?

The AIA are starting to ramp up the publicity for ‘The Vision Show,’ (this year in Boston, MA. June 10-12,) but is worth the time and expense to attend?

First of all, note that Cognex are not going to be there. What does that tell you? Well probably that this show is more for integrators of sophisticated vision hardware and software than for end users. Cognex make their money from smart cameras and code readers that are sold through distributors and they probably figure that their customers already know who they are and what they do.

Second, if you want to learn about product offerings, why not just use the list of exhibitors and peruse their websites? Much easier on the feet than slogging round a show.

Third, if you’re an end-user of vision technology and need something beyond the basic presence/absence functionality you’re probably better off talking to integrators than the OEMs. I don’t see a lot of these on the exhibitor list, although I’m certain that NI will be very pleased to hook you up with one of their Alliance partners.

And last in my list of reasons not to go, Boston is not a low-cost destination. Figure at least a grand on flight, hotel and meals, so will you learn enough to justify that outlay? More to the point, can you convince the boss that it’s worth the trip?

But, since there are two sides to every story, here are a couple of reasons why it might be worth your while to endure the indignities of air travel:

The tutorials and conference sessions are usually very good, and in my experience, are aimed at the end-user. Buy just the days you need, unless your budget and schedule will let you spend 4 days at the show, in which you should go for the “All Access Pass”.
There are a few new names on the roster, (new to me anyway.) For example, AGP (enclosures,) Novacam (profilometers,) and Sarnoff (not really sure what they do but they employ lots of smart people.) Your assignment is to check them out and report back.

So what does ‘machinevision4users’ recommend? If you’re an end-user who needs to learn about machine vision, and your budget permits, go to the tutorials and conference sessions and walk the floor during the very long lunch breaks. If you’re an integrator or OEM I really have to question the value of this show for you. But perhaps a chance to sup a cold beer with old friends is reason enough.

Send me a postcard!