NewMark Show: What a joke!

[FrameMakers]

I went to this show yesterday. Three and a half hour drive each way. There were less than 20 exibiters in the whole show. It took longer for the guy at regestration to make my name badge than to go thru the show (NO JOKE).

I didn't attend any classes at this event HAHA so I won't pass judgement on them. I did here from one vendor that the 3 of the classes only had 2 students in them.

The only good thing that came out of this trip is that my freind Terry won $32 at the casino. I don't place bets, being self employed is enough of a gamble.

[jvandy57]

Diver Dave,
What did you expect from a Regional Tradeshow, Decor Expo Atlanta. How many people would you like in a class? 30...40 the less people in a class is a good thing when you are a participant, more one-on-one.
More time to spend with the vendors that are there.
Artist reception last night was well attended, Chapter Breakfast was attended--counts as another meeting for the KY/TN Chapter.

Instead of making fun of something help make it better next time.

[BUDDY]

It has been My experience that Vendors are slow to join these regional shows. It has also been my experience that you missed the best part of the show. The education and comaradery (Networking) is the big plus. I have also seen other better attened shows get their start this same way.So maybe you should be a little more tolerent and understanding as well as patienet.
BUDDY

[FrameMakers]

What did you expect from a Regional Tradeshow No, I expected a show a little smaller than the old Cincinnati ABC show 50-100 vendors.

How many people would you like in a class? 30...40 the less people in a class is a good thing when you are a participant, more one-on-one.
While it is true that this gives more one-on-one time, it is also much harder on the presenter. It is hard to speak to an empty room. These presentations take many hours to prepare and a great deal more mental time to polish. I would feel that teh time spent preparing was in vein if only 2 people showed up. Yes I have put on presentation in the past and have several scheduled in the next months.

More time to spend with the vendors that are there. Only to here them grip about how poor the show is.
The vendors I spoke with were very disapointed and didn't feel that they would even cover costs.

Was this show marketed outside of Newmark clients and the PPFA. I did'nt see any listings for this show in the trade mags or even on the PPFA OLE calander.

Even though the addmision to the show was free, there is still a cost to attend. This show was plain and simply not worth going to.

[Framerguy]

Well, Dave, to each his own.

I enjoyed the show and, yes, it was small. I too expected more vendors but there weren't more vendors in attendance so I made the most of what was there.

I made 3 trips through the show, 2 on Sunday and 1 this morning and I was nursing 2 cracked bones in my left foot which didn't make walking any easy task. (That's what I get for kicking the vicious guard dog!) I talked to most everyone who had a display there and made some really nice, pleasant new friends. I have some new moulding samples coming, a new set of Tru-Vue mat samples personally delivered to me this morning from Masters Frame Shop Supply (thanks guys for the warm welcome and the humorous fun), and I even got a personal demonstration from ol' John Whats-is-name ;) on the intrincasies of the Fletcher CMC. (Sorry John, couldn't resist that one!!)

I have gone to a few of the old ABC shows in the past and they were also small but this weekend we had free parking (and admission to the show), good room rates (and clean rooms), very good food overall (well, the buffet was only average), and a fine opportunity to lose a week's wages on the casino boat. (I did twice as good as the last time I went on one of those boats!)

If I were you Dave, and I was THAT upset about the show, I would ask for a refund! I understand that Newmark is offering a double refund on your admission if you weren't satisfied. tongue.gif

Framerguy, (a little more educated now than I was last Friday)

[Mike Anglesey]

From a vendors point of view, you are right...the show was small. However, I met some wonderful new people and sold a few CMC's. More than enough to make the trip worthwhile.

CMC's are something that framers want to "test drive", so even a small show is better than sitting in my office talking about them over the phone.

Having experienced Louisville for the first time, I would gladly return next year for the opportunity to speak to old friends and make new ones. It is amazing what you can learn if you just listen.

Thanks to all who stopped by.

[Barb Pelton]

I thought the NewMark show was great, and I accomplished a great deal while I was there.
1. I was recertified. I'd rather take care of that task in a small venue than to take up a day at, say , Atlanta.
2. I was able to schedule in some additional classes. Education is always important.
3. I was able to spend time enjoying the PPFA framing competition, and observed a great deal there.
4. I loved meeting the artists and getting acquainted with new people, and reaquainted with others. Networking is so important --expecially in our small industry, and there is so much to be learned from others. We are a diverse lot!
I thought the setting was very comfortable. I'm sorry you didn't enjoy the show. Every show shouldn't be the same, and you might want to select the show that best fits your expectations. I like to go to Atlanta and spend lots of time on the floor, but in the past, I've had a hard time getting into some of the classes. I absolutely love being in a small class where I can interact with the instructor. Both of my classes were excellent, and one of them went 1 1/2 hrs over the allotted time because we were all really into it!
At the last Atlanta show, I was in the market for a CMC, and I wanted to see them all. I had to fight a mob at those sites. I've already purchased my CMC, but it would have been terrific if I could have gone to a small regional show such as this and compared Wizard, Eclipse, AND Flecther!! Wow! Talk about an opportunity to have some real one-to-one instruction!!
I also drove 6 hrs. each way, and walked ALOT for 2 days (also nursing 2 cracked bones in my left foot-framerguy, I didn't know we had This in common TOO!), and I got alot out of it for my efforts. smile.gif
I'm sorry this is long, but we need to support our quality regional shows, or all that will be left will be the mega shows. Not everyone can swing a trip to NY or Atlanta, etc. Our industry needs every resource available to continue to grow.
Respectfully,

[tnframer408]

I can empathize with Dave, since I live in EastTennessee and the drive would have been longer than Dave took. Unfortunately, I could not attend the show because I had previously arranged a trip to visit one of my sons.

BUT, Dave, the next show is scheduled for Erlanger, right in your own back yard. How about pitching in and helping us put it together so our turnout can be tripled if not more? You can help us find a venue hotels, etc etc. And our friend Linda McCollum of Nielsen Bainbridge, who also lives in the area, said she'd be glad tohelp also. So, Dave, you start with a committee of two from the area. Plus, help from all of us from KY/TN PPFA chapter. :D :D :D

For those ofyou who don't know, Erlanger KY is a suburb of Cincinnati, so we can hit more folks from another portionof the geography.