On Demand Expo in Philly Draws Solid Crowds

PHILADELPHIA—Judging by the reaction of several booth holders, this week's On Demand Expo at the Pennsylvania Convention Center was encouraging. Whether final sales figures will fly in the face of the economy remains to be seen, but there was considerably more optimism among those on the floor.

"People are asking great questions, taking their time," said C.P. Bourg's Jim Tressler. "I'm quite pleased with the traffic today."

While final attendance figures were not available, a number of exhibitors were caught off guard by the sheer volume of show-goers. But they weren't all tire kickers and glad-handers. "We just sold a $200,000 machine off the floor," said one prominent dealer. "That generally doesn't happen here."