WCAF trade show tips

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Greg Fremstad

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Joined
Sep 4, 2002
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1,112
Loc
Eugene OR
After doing trade shows for over 35 years (both as a framer and a manufacturer) I would like to share some ideas I have about doing trade shows:

Take plenty of business cards. (So you don't have to stand there wasting show time doing the address thing).

Ask your present suppliers "What's New"? (A lot of suppliers use the shows to debut new products. I see a lot of framers pass up my booth saying "We already use your stuff" - They will never find out what's new unless they see an ad or new product release.)

Seek out NEW SUPPLIERS. There are so many good suppliers with "fresh to you" products. (If you just stop and chat with your present suppliers you'll miss this stuff.

Drink plenty of fluids (hehe) as you can get dehydrated in Las Vegas - even in the winter.

Take some classes! They are the best available!. Where else do you learn your trade? Schools? Magazine articles? Books on framing? Right... that's what I thought.

Splurge and go to a show. You deserve it - it's your vacation already.

Stop by and ask me "What's New?" I'd like to meet you.
 
Anyone who has not met Greg or has not visited his website is not doing their job. I have watched him talk and even tell the same info on new products to different customers, just because he enjoys it so much. Oh yeah and I learn a ton by listening to him. Thanks for the tips.


PL
 
Ditto what Patrick said.
I look forward to seeing you Greg, I'll be at your booth early to say hello and spend the rest of the time looking at new products.
 
Going, Going...Some Gone already.

Yes, Greg's FrameTek booth has all sorts of neat ideas to see, and Greg's demonstrations are entertaining as well as informative. He's a must-see at every important trade show.

Here's another tip...
As WCAF National Conference classes begin to sell out and the number of A-List classes becomes smaller and smaller, a sort of domino-effect happens, and it has begun. If you haven't yet registered, do it ASAP. Don't miss your A-List classes.

FYI, in case you're not on the email list, here is the latest registration status of WCAF classes, according the email from PFM today:

Going, Going…
The following classes at the National Conference are now closed:
MC707 Defining the Mat: Fillets and More
M272 Decorative Papers Workshop
F116W1 Complete Guide to Shadowboxes Workshop 1
F116W2 Complete Guide to Shadowboxes Workshop 2
F160 Fabric Wrapping Mats and Liners
S568 Shopping the World Market Center
M264 Fabric Wrapping Workshop
F134 Practical Preservation Workshop
F158 Canvas Transfers Workshop

The following classes are almost sold out:
P376 Do the Math: A Business Workshop
G421 The Basics of Fine Art Identification
MC701 Mat Cutting: Back to Basics
H613 The Sgriffito Workshop
H616 The Granito Workshop
M201W Creative Mounting and Laminating Workshop
F161 Dry Mounting & Laminating Made Easy
 
Anybody hear when we might expect confirmation of our schedules?

I signed up for all my classes on November 10th. Haven't yet heard anything, except that my credit card was charged on Nov 15th.... I'm getting nervous.
 
As a framer and a manufacture...like Greg...I too have seen the business from both sides of the fence for many years. Now, with the shows being an important part of my Attach-EZ business I understand the complexities that people are faced with when they attend a show. There is so much to see, learn, and hopefully purchase in a very short amount of time.

Because I do live demonstrations throughout the shows, it gives me a chance to talk to a lot of framers, and what I hear most often is: "I took so many classes that I didn't have nearly enough time to see everything I wanted to!"

My suggestion to this problem is to schedule time specifically for the trade show floor...just like you do for the classes. While classes are very important to a framer, it is also important to be informed about the new products that are on the market. The trade show is only as strong as the companies who make up the show floor, and the attendees who give them a reason to be there. Without the vendors there is no show...any more than there is without the classes. Each one has it's place to keep the show strong. This strength is what gives all of us all a reason to come back year after year. So please don't forget to schedule some time for both.

Here's wishing you all a happy and prosperous new year!
 
To follow up on Val's question, I repeat, When do we get confirmation? And why does it have to take so long?

It seems that it would be reasonable to receive confirmation within no more than 2 weeks from the registration date. In the event an error was made, many classes are now filled and there would be no way to correct.

This potentially penalizes those who register early, only to be left without an option which would otherwise have still been open had the confirmation been sent out in a timely fashion.

As the weeks fly by, I am left with a very uneasy feeling, which I am not real happy about. And yes, I signed up for the email updates but have never yet received any information.

I'm trying to keep positive thoughts that there will be no errors with my registration and all will be fine.

Amy
 
Don't get too anxious. Every year we have similar questions and it is usually only a short time before the show that you receive everything in the mail. And don't fret, if you forget things at home or they don't arrive in time, they can/will reprint everything on the spot for you. At least that is how it has been in the past.
 
Amy, I think I remember seeing a notice at the time I registered that if there was a conflict, we would be notified by phone. Wendy, the woman who is involved with the scheduling for WCAF, is out of her office until Jan 2nd. We can call her after that....I think we'll be fine....I'm just anxious!
 
Pat, I agree with your viewpoint about scheduling trade show time as you would class time. I've run into the problem in the past. So much to see, so little time. It's like being back in college and taking elective courses along with the required ones.
:cool: Rick
 
Last year they added an hour to the "floor show" and many people did NOT take advantage of it. Those that did come in that last hour to our booth (Frank's Fabric booth #2101) enjoied seeing us without a huge crowd and got all of their answers questioned. And it was a nice time for us to talk to them as well. I remember Jpaul and his very nice wife were one of those.

So as you stumble out of 6 hours of classes... and its 4pm.... and you're thinking nap...

Just remember these three short days.. only happen today. Freeze that carp. or was it Seize dem carp .? ;)

Pat and Frank are great on the phone... but even better in person.
 
Thanks for the kind words Baer. I find that the first thing in the morning or late afternoon...in the last hour...like you said is the best time for those who really want to be able to see the demo's and to get their questions answered.

Some will get angry and leave because they can't ask a question as quickly as they would like and are in a rush to get to the next booth. I really understand this because I used to be on their side of the table and know how frustrating it can be.

For those who are attending and stop by my booth with a question please understand that there are times when I will have three different people asking questions, about three differnt systems, all at the same time. By midafternoon my brain gets a little fried. I really do try to get to everyone, but with the many different systems of Attach-EZ to demo, it sometimes just isn't possible to get to everyone in a timely basis. If this happens and you don't get your questions answered while you are there, please feel free to call me after the show. 1-800-527-1521. I am almost always available from 7am to 6pm CST Mon. - Fri. and will do my best to help you.
 
Good points. I'm chilling out and am no longer stressing about confirmation. No news is good news.

Amy
 
I'm finalizing my schedule for WCAF, and am booked with classes all day Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. But I have left Wednesday open for the trade show floor.

My dilemma is this: I have to fly out at 6:30p.m. on Wednesday. And would like to squeeze in the Wizard Integrated Framer class on Wednesday from 10-noon. Will this give me enough time to tour the floor? What's the latest I have to be at the airport? And how much time will I need to tour the trade show, if I have a pretty good plan on which exhibitors to visit??

I am seriously contemplating getting Integrated Framer and wonder how much this class will help beforehand. But I really want to tour the trade show too!!! Decisions, decisions!!!
 
Val, you have a dilemma. If your flight leaves at 6:30, you should be checked in and past the ticket counter by 5:30. You might breeze through security, but it might take that whole hour -- you can't tell in advance. So, you ought to be riding a taxi in the direction of the airport no later than 5:00 pm from the Hilton, and that's cutting it closer than I would suggest.

By Wednesday your brain probably will be overflowing with new data, and a quick run through the trade show might not add much to the take-home. Especially if you have a long To-Do List for visits to the exhibitors -- and I'll bet you do, then I suggest taking all day Wednesday for the show.

If you take the IF seminar till noon and grab a bite on the way down the hall, you would have only about 4-1/2 hours for the trade show, realistically. If you were fresh, and if you were a seasoned trade show runner, and if you didn't have any serious missions to accomplish, that might be enough. What's your pleasure?

The IF seminar is useful, from what I've heard (have not taken it), but I'd bet you can make the buying decision without it. The seminar would get you up to speed faster, but whatever program you choose, the software is user-friendly. We're talking days, not weeks or months, to reach acceptable proficiency for in-front-of-customer usefulness.

If I were you, right away I'd download and try out the demos for the visualization systems you are considering, decide whether you want one, and make the final decision at the show. You can have a good Q&A session with all of the visualization vendors on the show floor, and take advantage of a "Show Special" discount deal, which might be on a bundle with camera & mount, or on the subscription, or later upgrades.
 
Jim Miller said:
Val, you have a dilemma. If your flight leaves at 6:30, you should be checked in and past the ticket counter by 5:30. You might breeze through security, but it might take that whole hour -- you can't tell in advance.
Click to expand...

With all the titanium I have inside right now, my security experience might not be a breeze! They don't accept letters of confirmation of implants from the surgeons or issue cards anymore, anyone could do that....I will just make sure I have slip on shoes and elastic waistband pants for easy in-and-out! Oy!!

Thanks Jim, you just helped make my decision easier....I think I'll just save the day for the floor.
 
Opinion....

We've done just as you have scheduled for a couple of years, got our money's worth in education but felt regret for not scheduling enough time for the show floor once we returned home. Since then, we try to divide our time 40% ed, 40% floor & 20% networking. This may be the only time of the year to actually visit face to face with some of your vendors.

Use the time between classes to hit the floor... isnt there about an hour at lunch and about an hour at the end of the day... each day?
 
When do I get to eat???

My classes will be going until 5:30 Monday and Tuesday, so looks like the hour between classes will work, and since I posted that question, I've decided to leave Wednesday open for the show floor. I'm still considering going to the PPFA conference in March, for more classes that I couldn't take this time around.
 
Smart girl.;)

As for the airport... Jim doesn't have the metal in him that we do. Leave the building at 4pm. Taxi ride is/canbe 15-25 minutes. LV is freaky and never makes sense.:icon11:
 
"Original equipment" people have an advantage, for sure.

Baer Charlton said:
...As for the airport... Jim doesn't have the metal in him that we do. Leave the building at 4pm. Taxi ride is/canbe 15-25 minutes...:icon11:
Click to expand...

That's sensible advice for the timing. A half hour taxi ride is about right. One hour in the airport usually is adequate, but two hours can only be adequater.

Baer, it is true that I have no metal body parts, but do you have any idea how many Jim Millers are on the Homeland Security "no fly" list? When the ticketing clerk bothers to check my name, the usual wait is about 15 minutes. You can always tell when it happens...she gives you that "Why aren't you in jail?" look, and then politely excuses your drivers license into a back room. Meanwhile, everyone in line behind you groans impatiently, but all you can do is be nice and wait.:icon20:
 
Jim Miller said:
do you have any idea how many Jim Millers are on the Homeland Security "no fly" list? :icon20:
Click to expand...

Well, there you go. That's what you get from all that Shadow Boxing... a famous name.

With my name, they just look at me funny and ask "is this really your passport?" :help:
 
May I make a suggestion to those who are booked heavily into classes...sit in the back of the classes you think you may have already seen, or that the class is a topic that won't give you enough new information to warrant the amount of time it will take to stay. By sitting in the back you can quietly leave without disrupting the class. Then...use that precious time for the show floor. All of the educators will understand this because it is in their best interest to keep the show strong. Those of us on the show floor are half of the foundation and strength of the show. Keeping both aspects (the vendors and the education) strong is in everyone's best interest
 
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Pat,

GREAT IDEA!!!

Not to sound selfish, but us greenhorn, newbie, rookies can get closer to the front so we can see and hear better - and at my age, I need help to see and hear better!

Thanks!

Jerry S.
 
Invest wisely. No shortcuts.

Pat Kotnour said:
...sit in the back of the classes you think you may have already seen, or that the class is a topic that won't give you enough new information to warrant the amount of time it will take to stay. By sitting in the back you can quietly leave without disrupting the class...
Click to expand...

Pat:
We agree that it is very important to support the exhibitors who pay serious money to buy booth space in order to show us their new products and services. Thank you for your great products, and for your support of our industry.

Framers:
Pat's Attach-EZ booth is among the must-see attractions at WCAF, and so are your target classes. Pat has some eye-opening demonstrations, so don't stand across the aisle, where you can't see the details of her demonstration. Get right up close and see everything she has to offer. And likewise, when you go to a class, don't sit in the back of the room. Sit right up front as close to your instructor as possible. Watch the visuals carefully, grill your instructor with pertinent questions and comments, and don't miss anything of the discussion.

Pat responds to those at her booth who watch closely and ask about her demonstrations. She often gets to the most advanced & interesting topics after a while, answering the interests of the group at hand. Leaving her demonstration early would be a mistake. Likewise in class, most instructors get to the more advanced topics, and focus more closely on the interests of the people in the room, later in the session, so leaving class early would be a mistake.

Trade show time is prime time for all of us who go. Everyone is well advised to spend that considerable investment of time and money wisely. Education is important, and so is visiting exhibitors. Plan the time you need to see it all, and to accomplish everything on your carefully-developed To-Do list. I hope you'll make the most of your time in Pat's booth, and in my classes.
 
Im working on getting my boss to pay for me to go... This will be my first trip... I'm looking for some advise for which classes to take... that are still available. Ive been framing here in my photo store for 2 1/2 years. Mainly do photos but have done a few shadowboxes, a couple jerseys, etc. We would like to expand our framing dept. For now, we get everything in joined from LJ (space issues)

More advanced matting (i have done many fillets and double, triple mats and multiple openings) and some business classes would be good...

Also, aside from travel, what do you think is a good $ estimate? I am not a big eater, though i would like to go to the grumble dinner and meet some of you whos esteemed advice ive been reading for quite some time now!
 
Kris, if you figure $225/day for room and board... you've probably got it covered.
Limo is/was $20 and $20 for the dinner is over coverage. I think our table last year went a whooping $14 each with the tip...It's actually one of the cheapest dinners in town.

If you stay in the Hilton, Paridise Cafe at breakfast can be a bottle neck, and it's not much cheaper than the buffett down into the casino, turn left and walk 100 yards back up the big hall....

On the other had, Paridise Cafe has a 15oz prime rib dinner for about $15 that includes the baker and all, and comes out of the same kitchen that the steak house does where their 12oz PR is $24 + $5 for the baked potato. . . . but they do have that dim mood lighting... :smileyshot22:

As for leaving early out of my classes.... I totally understand.. and when they show up the next year and re-take the class, I totally understand. A joy either way.

But I agree with Jim, don't miss Pat's booth. Support the little independent, as she will support you too.
 
Paul N said:
As Pat said, but I like to sit in the front; and sometimes I may have to take a "very long important phone call".......:o
Click to expand...

good lord Paul...you'll only be away from Monica a few days...just HOW long does phone sex take??
 
Jim and Baer, thank you for the wonderful plug. These gentlemen are also both must see's at the show.

I hope everyone knows that when I suggested to sit in the back, this suggestion was meant for seasoned trade show people who have been to many classes over the years. Newbies like JDS should absolutely sit right down in front and take as many classes as possible. It was the seasoned show attendees to which I was referring and the classes that won't give them enough new information to warrant the time it takes to sit through.

I know for a fact that Jim Miller is one of those classes to which everyone should try to take in. Although I don't get out of my booth during the shows, I get a lot of feed back from shop owners, and they tell me that his class is always very informative and worth taking. Unfortunately I have never been able to take in a class or demonstration from either Jim or Baer because I am always working, but from the threads here on the G and from customer feedback, I know that Baer is a must see person at the show as well.

Baer once told me that he was surprised to learn that I could teach an old dog new tricks, and Jim almost always takes the time to stop by to see if there is anything new that he needs to see. Both men have been very receptive to learning new techniques. They aren't afraid to mix new ideas with the old...even if the new ideas weren't their own. In my book the mark of a great educator is one who recognizes that there is always something to learn. Both Jim and Baer are on the top of my list when it comes to great educators.
 
Pat, you're embarrassing me now.:icon19:

. . . . you were talking about that new 10-742 with the overlocking DPL rated at 984 with a 5% delphing varient...:help:

well sweet talker you, . . . . I don't know what that is, but I totally want it! :D
 
Thanks for the advice, $ sound about what I thought.

As more classes id like to take get filled without getting the go ahead to book them from my boss, im wondering if there are ever last minute seats, cancellations or the like?
 
Our badges came in but all the classes Andy signed up for online arent printed on his badge. Looking further, the company credit card was never charged for his classes. Speaking with others in the live chat, their cards were charged and their class schedules are printed on the name badges. There may have been some kind of technical problem.

If you signed up online, make sure this didnt happen to you too. Andy is calling Monday to see what happened, and if he is indeed registered for the classes he picked a month ago.

Mike
 
OH BOY!!!

Got my badge/class tickets today. Everything's in order, and I got all the classes I signed up for.

All is well....sigh.

Now.......
.
.
.
.
.............I'M SOOOOOO EXCITED!!!!! ....:D :D :D
 
WCAF Class Tickets

Mike,

We also received our entrance badges but no class tickets. This is the first time this has happened in the 4 years we have attended WCAF. I tried to call Hobby Publications, and the WCAF, but can't get through. Does anyone have a good number to actually reach these people?

Thanks.

Kirstie Bennett
The Framer's Workshop, Berkeley
 
wroman@hobbypub.com Wendy Roman is probably the least crazed at the moment..... but no guarantee..... and email doesn't give you the satisfaction of talking to a real live breathing pressure crazed whacko..... but...

If you have to call, [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]732-536-5160 then use the auto directory. But DO NOT use my name...:D
[/FONT]
 
I had to call them on Friday about a last-minute class add-on. Leave your message with your phone number and time zone on Wendy Roman's voice mail, and she has helpers to help return calls and answer our questions....they will call.... and they are pretty swamped right now....but they will call you back!
 
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