what did everyone think about philly?

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stud d

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philly was my first trade show. i was wondering what folks thought about it? specially in comparison to ny show? i think that might be my next and wonder what everyone has to say about philly then ny.
thanks
dddnnnis
 
I thought Philly was a beautiful little show and has incredible possibilities. It was not large as it was the first, but the convention center size would allow it to grow into something special. The hotels and parking are VERY convenient. I really like Philly and I was please at the attendance for my class. Again there weren't as many people as Las Vegas but the show was much smaller. I personally would love to see this show replace New York. The location offers so very much! Good job PFM.
 
dns...you oughta check out the Atlanta show!
 
We enjoyed the Philly show. Drove in for Sunday. Easy to get in and out, affordable parking close by. The PA Convention Center rocks. It's a beautiful venue. (The Philadelphia Flower Show - the largest flower show in the world- is held there every March). In comparison with other shows, it was small, less crowded, we got to talk to many vendors at length. (missed United- I had an order all ready to go, I'll have to call it in today). Lois, I never considered the possibility. It would be great if it replaced NY. Great city, less expensive, easy to drive to. Lots of reasonable restaurants and hotels within a five minute walk. Had a wonderful lunch a half block from the show - Maggianno's Little Italy.
Dennis - if you thought it was too small, plan on Atlanta. In three days, you probably won't get through everything. It's different. New products will be introduced. You'll see lots and lots, there will be a zillion vendors, but you won't have time to talk to them. It's crowded, they're busy selling - that's the name of the game.
I think the Philadelphia show was more of an educational opportunity but I"d like to see it grow into a bigger show (but not as big as Atlanta)......when we were there, it wasn't very crowded. I hope it was a profitable day for all concerned.

[ 07-01-2003, 07:53 AM: Message edited by: Maryann ]
 
i am sure there will be more replies today,but since atlanta was mentioned. when might that show be? who may i get in contact to find out about it?
thanks
dddeeniis
 
For information regarding DECOR Expo Atlanta, September 5-7, 2003, please visit http://www.decor-expo.com or call 888-608-5300 to speak with a DECOR Expo customer service representative.

Thanks!
 
Loved Philly, loved our hotel, loved the convention center and it's convenience, enjoyed talking to various exhibitors.
Did everyone get a chance to see the Reading Market adjacent to the show? WOW, I bought the best nectarines of this season there. (and those of you who know the goddess, know that that's somethin'!)
We had several nice dinners in Old City (found the neatest Cuban restaurant there,) saw the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall on the way and went for lovely swims in Loew's lap pool.
The show was very good! I learned scads of tricks about FrameReady directly from the nicest computer geeks in the biz, Bert and Carol holding court in their booth as well as from the FrameReady class. (The best $35.00 I ever spent!)
I also was lucky enough to attend Yozo Suzuki's class on toning gilded frames. I enjoyed watching Yozo work- he showed that rare blend of experience and instinct working perfectly in tandem.
disfordennis, these "smaller" shows are great for getting to know "smaller" vendors as well as checking out the education. Make sure you buy the package that allows you to take as many classes as you can fit into your schedule and take 'em. Go to the big mamajama shows (New York and Atlanta) to see new products and for hobnobbing with picture framing's finest- Grumblers!

See ya'll in Atlanta next...?!
edie the andeverythingwasairconditionedtoo goddess
 
If Philly was your first framing trade show, you will be blown away by the Atlanta DecorExpo (September)..."mamajama" as The Goddess appropriately calls it.

This first East Coast Art Frame Show (ECAF) in Philly was successful by all accounts, but it pales in comparison with Atlanta, Las Vegas, and New York. Could it replace New York some day, as the east coast destination show? You bet.

When choosing trade shows, consider what you're going for.

If you want to see everything offered by every exhibitor under the framing sun, then Atlanta's the show for you. Good education there is provided by PFM Seminars (who organized the Philly show and also do WCAF-Las Vegas).

If extracurricular activities -- shows, dinners, and sightseeing are your bag, then DecorExpo New York is great fun. It's big enough to have a good selection of exhibitors and classes. But New York is an expensive place to exhibit, and to travel, sleep, and eat -- which may be why it seems to be shrinking.

West Coast Art & Frame Show (WCAF) in Las Vegas (January) is the best educational venue in the country, and a respectable show of exhibitors, too. Because it's a primo gambling destination, travel, hotels, and food are top-notch and very reasonably priced. And even if you don't enjoy gambling (I don't), there's plenty to do and see there. In terms of value -- what you get for what you pay -- WCAF Las Vegas is hard to beat.

And then there's the growing selection of regional shows organized by PPFA and others. They are designed for low cost and easy access, which appeals to many framers who hesitate to leave their shops and commit bigger money for a national trade show.

One thing's for sure: Every show has value for the framer who goes with a purpose. That is, learn what's going on at the shows you can attend, plan your classes and activities, spend your money & time wisely. If you do, then every show you can attend will not only pay for itself, but will become a valuable investment for the advancement of your framing business.

See you at the shows!
 
From an exhibitors point of view - I was quite pleased. The venue was terrific, the Loes hotel was splendid, great bar and food. Some great restaurants all close by. I'll be there next year for sure.

One continuing problem though: I keep seeing the same framers walk by - over and over - and they never stop to see what's new! We have several new items that they won't find out about until they either read an ad or see it in their suppliers catalog and that may take a year!

Why not ask each vendor what they have that's new? Why not stop and talk to new vendors to see what they have to offer? Why bother doing the shows if you don't really DO the shows?

Sorry to rant so but it's getting harder and harder to WANT to do these very expensive shows when there is so little reciprocation.

Greg Fremstad
Frame Tek, Inc.
 
Hey, Greg, what's new?

You're right, of course. If you're going to go to a show and be shy, you're going to waste a lot of time. You say your momma taught you not to talk to strangers? She wasn't talking abou trade shows! Talk to EVERYBODY. The people around you in the lines, across the aisle on the bus, the pretty lady with the short skirt and the boots on the corner . . .

Okay, so maybe your momma WAS talking about her.

[ 07-01-2003, 12:06 PM: Message edited by: Ron Eggers ]
 
I didn't get to Philly, however on the Line of Master Miller, The KY/TN Chapter Event is being held in Lexington Kentucky on the 20th of July with Education sessions by Jim Miller, MCPF, GCF (Master Miller) and Dianna Tindell, PLUS ME, I'LL BE THERE AND YOU CAN MEET ME. This ought to draw people from all over the Midwest!!!!
 
Originally posted by jvandy57:
...I'LL BE THERE AND YOU CAN MEET ME. This ought to draw people from all over the Midwest!!!!
Click to expand...
Heck, Jerry, in Philly I heard there's a guy named Guido from New Jersey who's looking for you. So it looks like you're drawing folks from the east coast, too. Awesome.

Is it true you're buying drinks for everyone Saturday night? :cool:
 
Originally posted by Jim Miller:
Is it true you're buying drinks for everyone Saturday night? :cool:
Click to expand...
Hospitality suite will be open Saturday Night
Beer, Wine and Softdrinks available BYOS.

What's your preference?
 
This post is from both of us... Susan May and Linda Foote.

We stopped by the Frame Tek's booth and Greg showed us a new hinging technique and his new 3/8th inch spacer. See? We were paying attention!

We took several classes (never saw Edie!) Jim Miller taught a new class demonstrating basic mounting methods. Several framers in the class asked questions about conservation mounting. Jim was quick to include information on that subject. We heard from others that Jim's class on shadow boxes was a great success (We had taken this class in Atlanta and came back with lots of enthusiasm for framing "things") Take his classes if you can!

Specialty Soft gave a terrific class for framers using or just considering using their software for design and POS. (We have been using this program for a year now.) This class was very helpful and will worth the $35. As the software is updated, we will probably take the class every time they offer it. Olivia Shaw is a great presenter and the class was very responsive... a very successful class!!

Paul MacFarland's class in Traditional French Matting included a History of mat decoration. It is always impressive to our customers when we can share this kind of information with them. Paul is very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. If you get a chance to take a class with him, jump at it. the mat that Susan did in this class is already impressing our customers.

We also had an impromptu class on use of the Fletcher Oval Cutter with John Ranes. We had not signed up for the class because we own a different brand of oval cutter... but having seen what John could show us on the Fletcher, we have other thoughts...

We had dinner at Maggiano's one night (our salesmen, Don and Criss from Furst Bros. were at the next table!) and at Penn's View Cafe another night. Both restaurants were excellent, reasonably priced, and CLOSE to the hotel and Convention Center. (We were too tired to walk further.)

We stayed at the Hampton Inn (across the street from the back of the C.C.) Very nice and less expensive than the Marriott or Loew's.

We hope the Philly show will take the place of the NY show. There is lots to do and see in Philly and very close to the Convention Center. It is easy to drive to the Convention Center or take a train there. It is MUCH LESS EXPENSIVE than NY for the exhibitors as well as the buyers. The convention Center is plenty big for the show to expand.

We certainly hope that PFM and DECOR will read what we are saying here and consider how much better Philly would be for an East Coast show.

Susan May and Linda Foote
 
It sounds like the philly show was pretty nice, I was going to go, however..... as my husband and I were getting ready to go on that beautiful Sunday morning, I looked at my map of philly, and thought of the traffic, parking, smog and greasy hot dogs, and then looked at the ad for the Kutztown Folk Festival, with the rolling hills, glass blowers, PA Dutch food ....and then I looked at my husband, and, well.... I'll try to get to the philly show next year.... maybe it'll rain.
 
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