Ship-to-Shore showcases Tradeshow success!

The Ship-to-Shore Industrial Tradeshow brought in vendors from across the country to showcase their products and services on Oct. 8 at the Naden Athletic Centre. Photos: Paul Dagonese, Lookout Newspaper

Paul Dagonese, 
Staff Writer, Lookout Newspaper 

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The Lookout Newspaper’s Ship-to-Shore Industrial Tradeshow was held on Tuesday, Oct. 8 at the Naden Athletic Centre, an annual event bringing local, military and private sector vendors to CFB Esquimalt for a day of fun and excitement.

Robert Adle, a sales manager for Jastram Technologies, was at the tradeshow promoting commercial grade marine products, such as search lights, horns, and steering equipment. As he chatted with visitors to the tradeshow, he met Domenic Downs, an electrician with the Fleet Maintenance Facility (FMF). They discussed the industry and mutual connections, as well as the Jastram Technologies products that Downs appreciates. NextCorr, a Jastram product, with its corrosion suppression anodes that eliminate marine growth such as barnacles, was their subject. Downs knew the equipment and how it worked. “We can share some stories I bet,” said Adle as they continued to discuss the tools used in the industry.

This exchange between sales and tech showed another side of the tradeshow experience. Many of the people attending are already customers or those on the frontline using the tools and products. For members, it provides invaluable transactions with industry professionals to expand their knowledge and increase their contacts. For vendors, it was an opportunity to meet people one-on-one, and to create a rapport with the military members actually working with the products, a chance to hear their stories.

And Adle agreed. For him, these shows are really about the face-to-face exposure it provides. And he admits, “Anything above that is just gravy”.

When approaching Local 258 IBEW Veterans Committee’s booth, Co-chair Jordan Geddert, was eager to explain how they serve CAF’s members.

“Our goal is to connect with them early enough so that when they transition, they’re ready,” Geddert said.

Part of Local 258’s service is to help CAF members realize their value and transfer them into civilian life upon retirement from the Forces.

“Some don’t realize their potential,” she said. “But they really do have skills that are transferrable, and we see value in these skills”. Local 258’s initiative helps CAF members “get on paper” those tangible skills that will prove themselves successful after retirement.

And just down the aisle, a few booths over, new connections were being made.

At times, Elysia Allen Real Estate (EARE)’s booth was so busy, she recruited help to answer questions. While Elysia was busy with a client, her parents Debbie and Jack were happy to jump in and explain how EARE specializes in Canadian Military, RCMP, and civilian government personnel housing relocation. Jack was proud to mention Elysia had served in the Royal Canadian Navy for over 13 years, and how her military experience made her an ideal candidate for listening, fine-tuning, and helping military people find homes.

Amongst those excited about the latest high end military technology such as DENIOS’ lithium-ion charging and fire prevention cabinets, and Visiontec Systems’ Pendar X10, a handheld laser mechanism that identifies explosives and illicit drugs from two meters away, were members learning more about Personnel Support Programs clubs and community recreation activities and others gathering swag, winning toll sets and drills, enjoying a free lunch, and signing ballots for door prizes and more giveaways.

The Lookout Newspaper’s Ship-to-Shore Industrial Tradeshow showcased a successful day for all.