did you take a class in Atlanta?

[Lisa]

If you did, I would like to know what it was and if you would recommend it.

 

[joe]

Yes I took a class taught by William Parker. It delt with improving cash flow, turning inventory and watching your inventory. It was excellent. I recommend it.

 

[Puppyraiser]

I took Wizard University for the 4th time, which I now hear is not a record. There is someone more dense than I am. I really learned a lot in that one.

I took Frame Shop of the Future. It was OK, mainly preaching to the choir, but some nuggets in it.

I took Jared Davis' Marketing and Merchandising class and came home with at bundle of ideas.

Yeah, education is always worth it, even when it may not be what you were expecting....

 

[AWG]

Education comes even if you're not looking for it - after-class discussions, meeting reps and other framers on the floor and sharing ideas there and other places - just as much as the formal classes. For the record we took classes from Bob Carter (all 3 on Saturday) and 2 marketing seminars - all worthwhile and reccomended for the future.
Tony

 

[Lisa]

I took 3 classes also, but was a bit disappointed with 2 of them, was looking for ideas for next year, so I don't feel like I wasted my money.

 

[Bob Carter]

Classes are like trying a new restaurant

If you aren't crazy about that style of food, you think the restaurant is lousy. But the person that loves nouvelle Mongol Sushi thought it was spectacular

I think the best "classes" are the panels where you get folks that openly give their opinions

William's panel was a lot of fun with great differing opinions

When you walk out of a class, you should be able to write down all the tings you need to implement (or remember) when you get home

The longer the list, the "better" the class

After Jim Miller's class on Mylar, we had a page or two

Worst class I ever took only cost me a few bucks and a couple of hours; that's pretty low risk

 

[TessaE]

Yes I took a class taught by William Parker. It delt with improving cash flow, turning inventory and watching your inventory. It was excellent. I recommend it.

I also took this class and got a lot out of it. I would take any of his classes in a heart beat. I also took marketing to a new generation and got a lot out of Meg Peters ideas. Some I was already doing, but ways to make it better. I was also at the panel on Surviving the first three years and beyond, got a lot of info out of that! I have taken something out of every class that I took even if it was not what I hoped it to be.

 

[Bob Carter]

Hey Tessa-We don't go church every Sunday to "learn" something new, but to be "reminded".

So, it is with education.

We should all have those "Oh, yeah" moments

What three things did you take away from the panel discussion?

 

[TessaE]

Oh soooo many things! I think the main things that stuck with me were:

continue to learn the craft
the importance of branding and developing yourself as an expert
knowing your customers
and get a mentor and be a mentor (which the grumble is such a great tool for)

 

[surferbill]

I took Wizard University for the 4th time, which I now hear is not a record. There is someone more dense than I am. I really learned a lot in that one.

I took Frame Shop of the Future. It was OK, mainly preaching to the choir, but some nuggets in it.

I took Jared Davis' Marketing and Merchandising class and came home with at bundle of ideas.
Yeah, education is always worth it, even when it may not be what you were expecting....

Ellen, When you say "mainly preaching to the choir" what did you mean? I attended a lunchtime forum on "the frame shop of the future" last year, and it was mainly about digital custom printing. Can you tell us what the class this year was about?
Lisa, not trying to hijack thread.

 

[Puppyraiser]

Ellen, When you say "mainly preaching to the choir" what did you mean? I attended a lunchtime forum on "the frame shop of the future" last year, and it was mainly about digital custom printing. Can you tell us what the class this year was about?
Lisa, not trying to hijack thread.

Digital custom printing came up (we already do that, so that was preaching to this alto, anyway) Hanging systems were mentioned too (alto again) Branching out into other things (are you kidding? Sometimes art supplies bring in all the money for the day) I believe that the mere fact that the attendees of the class were also attending the show (duh) meant they were already committed to changing, which is what the future will be. Thus the choir...

 

[Lisa]

Are the classes at the different shows basically the same? Do you find it is really beneficial to go to more than one show a year?

Nona Powers spoke highly of the grumble in a class that I took - she's is definately correct that it is a great place for information.

 

[Julia]

The classes tend to overlap at the different shows. There always seems to be new classes and/or instructors offered each year. I've taken Vivian Kistler's class twice and added Lynda Griffith's class this year. I've have always come away with something new. As Tony had mentioned earlier, sometimes it is in the exchange after classes that is of great benefit. Networking with other framers from around the country is a huge benefit as well.

I've also begun to include a trip to the Atlanta Gift Mart. I went Sunday afternoon and Monday all day; found some last minute products to bring in for the holidays and an awesome idea for holiday decorations. Did you know they have four floors of holiday merchandise? Sensory overload, let me tell you. Since we are part of the home furnishings market, this is an invaluable tool (IMHO).

Julia

 

[Julia]

May I also add that after we attend the shows (Vegas, Atlanta, Baltimore) we immediately send out an e-mail/press release and blog including what we've seen, new products our clients can look forward to, color trends, etc. Shows we keep up with trends and technology and that we are very much involved in our industry.

Julia

 

[Jim Miller]

Are the classes at the different shows basically the same?

No, all classes are not created equal. Every instructor researches and develops his/her own classes, so style and content may be entirely different, even on the same topic. In terms of useful information you can take home and use to make money, some classes represent better value than others. Read class descriptions carefully; they are usually accurate.

Even among the instructors, some classes are exclusive to certain venues. For example, some of my classes are available exclusively at PPFA venues, and others are available exclusively at PFM Seminars venues -- "The Complete Guide to Shadowboxes and Framing Objects", a 6-hour combination lecture/workshop, is available only at WCAF in Las Vegas (Atlantic City would have set a new precedent if it had not been canceled). When classes are developed specifically for certain sponsors, they determine the venues.

Do you find it is really beneficial to go to more than one show a year?

Depends what you want. If you are seeking the greatest selection of exhibitors for tools and equipment, Atlanta is probably still the biggest, but you can find some very good classes there.

If you want education, WCAF is undoubtedly the best venue. PFM Seminars' "National Conference", which runs concurrently with WCAF, usually includes more classes than any other venue. The most popular instructors in our industry are there, teaching all the classes they can squeeze into the schedule -- on every technical and business topic. It is exhausting, but worth it.

The PPFA Annual Convention is not only a very good educational venue, but lots of roundtables, luncheon lectures, and other special events for framers make that venue unique. The CPF and MCPF exams are there, as are the recertification & maintenance classes. Exhibitors are mostly absent there, however.

If you want to cherry-pick your educational opportunities, your local PPFA chapter may offer excellent classes at monthly or quarterly meetings. The per-class cost is generally lower than major trade shows, and travel is usually not an issue. Overall, an excellent buy.

 

[Baer Charlton]

Are the classes at the different shows basically the same? Do you find it is really beneficial to go to more than one show a year?

I can't speak for Atlanta, as I wasn't there or involved so didn't even look past who was teaching what about fabric to the east coast.

But Vegas, I can speak a bit. . . . and why it will be an OUTSTANDING value.

First and foremost, PPFA had worked hard in their education schedule to NOT replicate anything that will be presented at WCAF.

For my end of things, I will not be teaching any "formal" classes at WCAF, but will be focusing on our ad-hock education at Frank's Fabric booth where people can get one-on-one with Frank, Bonnie, and myself.

Thursday and Friday at PPFA I will be teaching not only a beginning (101) fabric wrapping, but the Advanced class as well [something we can't offer in the booth.] Also, due to the popularity of ovals and strange shaped frames, I will once again be teaching using a $9 hand cutter to cut all of your glass.

Sheila at PPFA, has also made the space for adding a second Fabric 101 class on Friday late afternoon if the first is overloaded.

If you call the LV Hilton directly, you can make reservations for the entire week at the WCAF rate, and on the PPFA days, get a healthy morning walk in across the two parking lots to the LV Convention Center next door to the Hilton Convention Center.

Airfares to Vegas are always cheap, and staying in the same hotel, and getting a little walking in is a bonus. Enough Vendors to make you horse just listening to them, education and a Chinese dinner on Tuesday night.......
The PPFA Super Saver at $199 for breakfast table, fabulous lunches, wine gatherings, Face-to-Face, and enough education to mind the numb.... THAT is the "one-week" DEAL you've been looking for.

 

[Kirstie]

Sounds great Baer! What date do classes open for registration? Last year it was during Val's family wedding. Remember she dashed down to the hotel computer to make her reservations?

 

[Kirstie]

May I also add that after we attend the shows (Vegas, Atlanta, Baltimore) we immediately send out an e-mail/press release and blog including what we've seen, new products our clients can look forward to, color trends, etc. Shows we keep up with trends and technology and that we are very much involved in our industry.

Julia

We do the same after WCAF, and this is a very good point, Julia. I hadn't thought of press releases as well. We are such a big metro area that if the local paper's won't pick up a story, it is more difficult to get the big ones interested in frame shop doings. But not impossible. There are tricks to this. Hmmm...sounds like a marketing class. Is there one?

Ah..Ellen said: I took Jared Davis' Marketing and Merchandising class and came home with at bundle of ideas.

That's what I get for reading only page two of the thread. Off to work now. Working 7 days right now because one manager away, one employee away, one sick, and we are busy. So I go in late. House is a wreck!

No more "cruise ship classes" for me.

 

[Val]

Kirstie, you make me sound like such a lunatic! It wasn't during the wedding, it was after the reception was over.... at least I waited at least that long! Sheesh!

I can see it now, when they ask during the ceremony, "Does anyone here have an objection? Speak now or forever hold your peace, (piece?)" and the Mother of the Bride stands up and hollers "Wait! Stop the Wedding! I have to register for the Framer's Convention right NOW!"

That was on November 10th, btw.

 

[Jim Miller]

Baer makes a good point about PPFA doing their best to offer unique classes -- especially since there is only one day between the WCAF and PPFA events. A lot of framers will wisely plan to attend both, because there will be no overlap at all in their educational offerings.

The schedule for WCAF has not been developed yet, but here are three more PPFA presentations you will not find there:

Fabric Mounts for Textiles, Objects, and Documents
Thursday, 1/31, 9:30 to 11:30 am -- About using fine mesh fabrics, such as tulle, Stabiltex, and Crepeline in framing; a lecture with demos and examples.

Clear Film Mounting with Mylar and Melinex
Thursday, 1/31, 4:20 to 6:20 pm -- This is the clear film mounting class, a lecture with lots of examples about using Melinex 516 for documents and objects.

Selling Preservation Framing to Budget-Minded Consumers -- 10 Tips to Boost Sales
Friday, 2/1, 11:50 am to 12:50 pm -- Luncheon keynote address

Hope to see you there.

 

[Lisa]

Sound advice, thanks to all - especially Jim and Baer.

 

[Rob Markoff]

I will be teaching THREE classes for PPFA that will not be at WCAF:

Here is an advance press release:

In addition to the Trade Show Tour, which will be offered Thursday afternoon, Jan. 31 and Friday morning, Feb. 1, Markoff is teaching a topic new to the PPFA Convention, “Canvas Transfer Alternatives with Gels,” on Thursday morning; plus “Wonderful Wax Finishes” on Friday afternoon; and “Strip Lining and Stretching Canvas” on Saturday morning, Feb. 2.

The technique taught in the “Canvas Transfer Alternatives” class is fast, easy and fun, according to Markoff, who adds that the results look finished and expensive. “This technique could be a significant advantage in allowing a framer to create a product that looks significantly more expensive than it costs to produce,” he says. “It is a great skill to have and is highly saleable.”

The hands-on session will cover substrate selection, mounting techniques, and the selection and application of gels to achieve a variety of textures. Each student will go home with three finished examples that they created in class and samples of some of the products they worked with. “If a student frames and displays the examples produced in the class, they will have an immediate jump start on selling these techniques in their shop,” says Markoff.

During “Wonderful Wax Finishes,” participants will learn how to quickly create custom finishes using unfinished hardwood moulding and staining waxes. This year, in addition to stained sample sticks, students will finish and complete a hardwood photo frame with a new easel back system. “I am amazed at the consistently beautiful results we achieve in two hours of class time,” says Markoff.

Markoff learned the techniques he teaches in “Strip Lining and Stretching Canvas” through his work with paintings conservators Betty Engel and Gary Hulbert. They also gave him resources for the conservation materials needed, including several types of custom-made stretcher bars. In this class, participants will learn to use Beva 371 film and 8xx polyester to add a tacking margin to the edges of canvas that have been cut off or are not large enough to allow the piece to be stretched. Also included is a review of different types of adjustable stretcher bars and a demonstration of the proper technique for stretching and backing of canvas-borne art.

“Beva 371 is a true ‘conservation grade’ and ‘conservator approved’ adhesive that is very versatile and has many uses in the frame shop,” Markoff explains. “The stretching technique I use saves hours of reworking on giclées that were taut when you finished stretching them in the evening but saggy when you got to the shop in the morning.”

 

[Susan L. Young]

Hmmmm. Beva 371. Sounds intriguing. See you in Vegas.

Susan Young
Be Square Framing

 

[Kirstie]

Kirstie, you make me sound like such a lunatic! It wasn't during the wedding, it was after the reception was over.... at least I waited at least that long! Sheesh!

I can see it now, when they ask during the ceremony, "Does anyone here have an objection? Speak now or forever hold your peace, (piece?)" and the Mother of the Bride stands up and hollers "Wait! Stop the Wedding! I have to register for the Framer's Convention right NOW!"

That was on November 10th, btw.

ROTFL!

 

[Puppyraiser]

Well, while the instructors are mentioning classes:

I will be teaching "First Do No Harm: Reversible Mounting Techniques" It will involve hands-on parts, because I believe that doing it makes it easier to remember than just saying it.

I am also introducing a new national level class called "Oops! Fast Fixes for Framing Faux Pas" This will deal with what to do to repair booboos when working to deadline (Not that this may have ever happened to you...) Some you will already know and some you will learn, and I bet there are some that you will teach me.

BTW: Don't MISS Rob's Trade Show Tour (or the Chinese dinner, for that matter) Sheila at PPFA has really gotten good at putting together a class schedule that is unique to the industry and a great bargain as well. (Can you imagine a WHOLE SHOW's education smorgasbord for $199 INCLUDING lunch?)

Set aside those $3 Education Fees, make your reservations, room with someone if you need to and go home full of new ideas...

We now return to our regularly scheduled thread....

 

[Barb Pelton]

I am also introducing a new national level class called "Oops! Fast Fixes for Framing Faux Pas" ....

This is just one of seventeen new or redesigned classes we are offering at the 2008 PPFA Convention.

The one thing also that is often overlooked is the education you will get on the PMA tradeshow floor. Everytime, I think "This is what the future looks like".

It is exciting, heady stuff.

 

[Bob Carter]

Hey Barb-I know that all of us PPFA attenders (is that a word?) all marvel at the convention and interacting with the PMA side

It really is looking beyond the horizon

 

[Baer Charlton]

Its "attendee" Bob, and I would give my left arm to a certain young lady if I could walk that floor and listen to her and her amazing husband glean that show if its hidden gems.

Personally I will be paying a lot more attention to the "instant photo books" and pamphlet makers.... and I will be taking prepared books to print on a thumb drive..... or two.

 

[Jared Davis CPF GCF]

Hi,

Sorry for speaking, I’m usually pretty quiet, but it’s just been “gently” suggested to me that this thread would be an ideal opportunity for a “shameless” self-promotion of my upcoming breakfast keynote presentation at PMA Las Vegas 2008, called “CUSTOMERS, WHAT DO THEY REALLY MEAN? – FAQ’S ON THE FRONT COUNTER!” …. but I refuse to stoop down to such an obvious level of exploitation….. however, given the fact that no one else has done this yet – I thought I might be the first?

Before I commence my “blatant advertisement”, I would like to make a few comments and thoughts regarding educational seminars in general:

Firstly, “thank you” to Ellen from Howards, for her very kind words regarding my recent “boring”, “long-winded”, “sleepy” presentation at Décor Expo Atlanta – “Merchandizing & Marketing Tricks that work”. Thankfully, she was the only person that stayed awake for the whole thing, which I deeply appreciate – and I also appreciate the “heavy-duty” strong coffee that kept her awake.

OK, let’s get something straight..

OFFICIAL WARNING!!! - I feel personally obligated to warn those of you who have not participated in educational seminars before – EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS ARE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS! In fact, if seminars were a digestible substance, they would be considered an “Health Hazard” by the FDA and banned (…. hmmm….then again, it is America… maybe not?).

Let me give you 3 reasons why -

1. Educational Seminars have been known to cause dangerous issues such as getting one “excited” and “motivated” about their business. It has been scientifically (& economically) proven that educational seminars are the most cost effective way of making an instant, positive impact on someone’s business, and their bottom line. BEWARE!

2. Some people come out of seminars & presentations with delusions of thinking that "they can actually make a difference to their own business"? Given the fact that the biggest investment most framers have is their own business, why would they bother wanting to stay “ahead of the curve” with fresh information, methods and techniques on how to do things better? BEWARE!

3. Educational Seminars are extremely addictive. Once you sit through one seminar, you will instantly only want more…. (which exactly why PPFA have offered the $199 “all you can eat” seminar package – to cater for those people who have this highly common addiction!) Even though PPFA are a non-profit organization here for the benefit of our industry, someone should consider suing them for taking advantage of this! BEWARE!

Seriously - If you only ever plan on attending ONE conference/tradeshow event IN YOUR WHOLE LIFE – then the upcoming opportunity in Las Vegas 2008 to see TWO great shows (WCAF & PMA), back to back, for the price of one airfare, is obviously the best “bang for your buck” you are ever going to find! (not to mention Super Bowl the day after as well!) Please note, this unnatural coincidence only happens once every 75 years (same as Halley’s Comet)… so this means the next “back to back” tradeshow event is due to happen again in 2083 (….book your airfares now!).

I know, I know – many of you (who are still reading!) will be saying, “But Jared, Las Vegas is so boring!”... “There’s nothing to do in Vegas?”... “Why would I ever want to go to Vegas?”… I completely agree… However, if any of you are thinking about attending Rob Markoff’s “Guided Trade Show Tour” – see if you can convince him to put together a special private “Guided Tour of the Las Vegas Strip”…. Rob definitely knows all the cool places to hang out in Vegas, and he knows where to find some really fun “Vegas” activities such as “over 50’s” Bingo Halls, “Live Action” Lawn Bowls, etc, etc!

OK, and now for my “shameless” self-promotion (if you are still reading!)…. I’ll just keep it short..

For those of you looking for the “ego power lifting”, “pumped up”, “Anthony Robbins styled”, “high fiving”, “born again”, “life changing” seminar "experience"…. well my presentation is not exactly it… but I would say it is pretty close?

Here’s the blurb on my Friday morning Keynote Presentation “CUSTOMERS, WHAT DO THEY REALLY MEAN – FAQ’s ON THE FRONT COUNTER” ….

The presentation is designed help decipher the psychology of our retail consumer, and to provide suggested answers and responses to the most frequently asked, difficult questions that we all have to deal with on a regular basis on our front counters.

For example - "I just want something cheap", "I just want a quote on getting this framed", "Wow, that's expensive!" If you have ever "choked up" on hearing these types of questions on the front counter, then this seminar is for you!

Finally, for those of you who are coming to Vegas, and want to “dance with the devil” and get a dark, dangerous taste of “Seminar Addiction” in its purest form, make sure you check the whole PMA seminar program and maybe try out one of Bill McCurry’s presentations…

Now I just feel like a crack dealer…

Jared Davis CPF GCF
www.jared-davis.com

 

[Baer Charlton]

Yo Jared, can you score me two Bill McCurry's, a Bob Carter, and hypo John Ranes JrJr for like less than a Rob Markoff limo ride?

Mik you did that like a psycopathic used car salesman..... I wish I was that good. Good on ya.