Why aren't you going to Atlanta?

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Bob Carter

Bob Carter

SPFG, Supreme Picture Framing God
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Jun 16, 2000
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One of the better shows is Atlanta real soon

For all those unable to go, may I suggest the reasons that most won't go are exactly the reasons that you should go

If you aren't going, why not?

If you are going, why?
 
Lost a full time designer this month and have not hired a replacement. Anyone looking for a career?

See you in Vegas Bob.
 
West Coast show

There's really no need for me to attend this show, though I've enjoyed it in the past. I always attend the show in Las Vegas, as that's the show that the majority of my customers attend. I like the timing of Las Vegas - a month after the holiday rush, and we and other vendors are previewing our new releases for spring there.
 
Let's see, just started a major remodel on the house. Purchased lots of new equipment 3 years ago in Atlanat, we try to attend once every five years, someone else already took that time for vacation and we plan to attend Las Vegas in January. See you in Atlanta in 2009!
 
Knee arthritis. Saving the next cortisone shot so I can go to WCAF and PMA/PPFA in January. Too far. Too expensive. One show is all we can manage.
Training a new staff member. One manager going away for a month. Stretched too thin right now.

You know, I have never been to an ArtExpo show. I guess that's because we really don't sell a lot of art and we don't have a large art buying budget.

One day though...
 
Teaching on the Upper Left. When the dance card is full, the dance card is full.... some wise gentleman told me that a few years ago. I'm still looking forward to sitting down and breaking bread with him and his lovely wife one day.

Guess I'll have to take a trip to the desert land like last time.
 
Money is just too tight. There's the cost of travel, hotel, meals and classes, and the lost dollars from having to close the store for several days. If I can make it to the end of the year, I should be able to go to either WCAF or PPFA.
 
Going on Baer's canoe trip!

:thumbsup:
 
It always interests me the number of framers that DON'T go. Women from four shops in our chapter are going together to share a room so that we can afford it. I know that two shops are going together (different people) and sharing driving. The instigator found a $100 for the weekend rental car. Where there is a will, there is a way. I think of some of the framers I have met over the years, and the ones that do better are the ones that go to education and see what is new and talk to vendors. The ones that sit and wait for reps to come to them miss a lot that way...
 
We plan to attend both Atlanta and the WCAF (all days) + PMA (one day) week. I think it's important to do this once in a while to recharge the batteries, so to speak.

The shows are very different. My take: (East coast) Atlanta is our industry's biggest show with supersized booths, and has Art Expo right next door. Bring some good walking shoes :)

Although the same vendors have smaller booths, (West Coast) WCAF is also a great show with the most excitement and activity I have ever seen at a show.

I have yet to see PMA, but hear it is huge.

All 3 shows have dinner gatherings, where you can meet other grumblers. All three shows have fantastic educational opportunities.

See you there!
 
I am not able to attend Atlanta because of the tightness of money right now. However, I am trying to attend Atlantic City for the seminars. I had huge hopes of going to Atlanta but maybe next year.
 
I haven't been to Atlanta in 6 years and that was as a buyer for another company. This will be my first time going since I opened my own place. I wouldn't miss it for the world. The rooms aren't terribly expensive, they could be much worse. IMO the timing of the show is just right, though if it was end of September I would probably not go, too close to the holiday season. This is perfect opportunity to freshen up your walls, make some deals and stock up on moulding for the season. Quite honestly, though I felt my trip to Vegas was very productive, met lots of great people, great classes, I may not go this next time. The second hand smoke just killed me. I felt like crap for weeks afterwards. Which is a shame since I would be missing two shows. But it may make more sense for me to go to the NY Gift Show which I keep missing. Last year I think it was the same weekend as Vegas.

I have to look at the full spectrum of m business. The gift boutique portion of my business is growing. I'm old hat at the framing business, but still quite new to the handcrafted gift part. A few weeks ago I went to the Buyers Market in Philly, and have added several new lines. I think that was one of the best business decisions I have made since I opened.

I don't think it's necessary to go to every tradeshow. You need to pick and choose which is best for you. Time of year and current situations for your business and all important factors to consider. But I do feel a frame shop that never or rarely attends a tradeshow is at a disadvantage. There is too much to gain to not ever go. Many may say I can't afford to go, I say can you afford not to go? One a year is a great goal!
 
I decided to skip this years show. This will be the first one that I have missed in 10 years. I normaly go to the shows for moulding specials but this year I have more moulding then I have space to put it. My equipment situation is fine so that reason is gone. My favorite part is hooking up with friends and that I will truely miss.

I am going to Vegas with a simular schedule to Mike's but I am going to drive up to Zion National Park for a couple of days during the week.
 
Need to slow down just a little.
Just bought some equipment so don't need to make any purchases.
Just finished a back room remodel.
Just took ten days off in August for a trip (wanna see pictures?) and don't want to be off again so soon.
Doing a 1600 mile road trip over the Labor Day weekend (did I mention I need to slow down)
Our vendors usually offer show specials even if you didn't go to the show.
Planning on Vegas in January.
 
Everything else aside - vendors, classes, etc - the biggest reason we attend is to meet and greet people we talk to or Grumble with, share ideas, and recharge. We always come home with new design ideas, shop changes and the like. I'll bet we learn as much from these informal gatherings as we do the classes. At the bar or at other gatherings we've picked up molding lines, learned about and debated visualization, POS, computers, and the relative merits of Sam Adams and Budweiser (well, it's not ALL work)

YES - it's expensive. YES - there's some lost revenue (we're closing this year to bring our PT person) YES it's worth it.

For those with tight money - add $3- $5 to every order you take in, starting today. Your customers won't see it AND you'll have the money for next year.
How do you think we're going out to Vegas next year??

Tony
 
We decided to skip Atlanta this year long ago. The classes had been reduced to something akin to a SNL skit and since we had been the last 3 years, we thought we would take in Vega and make a mini vacation out of it. I'm also not sure if Hard Rock will let me in already and what happens in Atlanta, doesn't stay in Atlanta (right Andy)?

NOW it seems that the classes are improving. Aren't you in the linup this year Bob? And wouldn't you know it, Lexi found out 2 weeks ago that her company sending her (not me) to Tuscany for 9 days the 3rd/4th week of January. I guess I won't make either show this year. What I'll miss the most is visiting with friends and recharging.
 
My answer is similar to PaulSF's. My store is not established to the point where I feel confident that a potential client confronted with a locked door would wait for my return rather than heading a half mile up the road to my nearest competitor. I did close for a handful of days over the summer and feel like it's enough.

I don't at all believe that the trade show in Atlanta has no value for me. It's just that this particular year the benefits do not outweigh the costs.
 
Still too new to the industry to know about all the different shows and what they have to offer. We missed WCAF last year and went to PPFA in Vegas, only to learn after the fact that most of the vendors are at WCAF. So this year we're planning on hitting WCAF/PPFA in January.

Now I'm reading that Atlanta should be on my list also. I'm going to start a new thread about the major shows that should be considered each year. Please post your opinions on the new thread, so as not to frankenthread this one.

Another reason for not going: just bought & renovated a building for the business, so still building the funds back up to be able to afford a trip.
 
Foiled again

Well, my oldest daughter is getting married the next week-end, and if I weren't here to help her with last minute things, I'm sure her head would explode.:icon9:

So now, this is the THIRD show I have wanted to attend but couldn't. The last show I attended was the Art/Decor show in NYC, what, 4 years ago?

I am now shooting for Vegas in January

Hope to finally meet you-all, eat at the Grumble dinner, and take lots of classes.

Smile Awaydownsouth

Nancy
 
1) Money is tight
2) I don't like the timing. This is prime time for me to take a pre-holiday intense study and attack on the shop. Each year I realize something needs attention. My reps tell me most of the specials available and I can get them without going to the show.

I really do like meeting with people and talking shop with people that don't yawn when I get going!

I have not fully "recouped" my two Vegas trips this year combined with the slow Spring sales, so even Vegas is looking iffy right now.
 
I want to go, but I simply cannot. I just opened, have new equipment to master, new processes to wrangle, and a business to build.

As I am currently a one-person shop, it will be one show a year for me. I am planning on Las Vegas next.
 
I am going to the OPRAH show!!! Seriously just got tickets a few weeks ago. Next year I hope to go to Atlanta. I love the Vegas show and would like to see the Atlanta show. Unfortunately it is tough with back to school time also. Next year might be better.
 
A 91 year old father in law who needs lots of attention.
A 6 year old daughter who doesn't see me enough as it is.
A decision to slow down for a few years to re-group.
A VERY stubborn husband.

Honestly, if I stay in the framing business, I will be in a much better frame of mind to go next year. And I have several grumblers who promised to nag me until I sign up!
 
want to go...

Just started my business this month and am also a one person shop.

I really want to go to meet fellow grumblers and take classes.

I'm hoping maybe I can go to Vegas with Amy McCray next year? But then I'll have to close my doors. :(

We'll hope, and see.

-Sarah
 
this is my first year going to a trade show. i was invited my a vendor a couple of years ago, but i had to work at the frame shop i was at the time.

now that i am starting my own business, i really want to get to meet people and learn as much as i can about the different aspects of the business. I guess just to see all that is out there.

(and hopefully get some good deals on things!)
 
  • Bad timing: September is when business really takes off.
  • January is when things cool down a bit after our busiest month.
  • One big show per year is better.
  • Las Vegas offers more in every way, and ground transportation is not absent as in Atlanta.
  • Hotels are cheaper and more convenient
  • And of course, my dear friend Val attends Vegas too.....:)
  • A certain Nora is in Vegas......:):):)
 
Paulie, I am sure Norah will be waiting for you with a Mojito in hand......

I will be attending just the Vegas show this year. Because for me travel and hotels almost make it impossible to do more than once a year. I misss the NY show. That was great. could drive down for the day and the cost was minimal. I have chosen vegas for many of the same reasons PaulN has. Plus Paul will be there . Heck if he's there, I'm going.

VIVA LAS VEGAS! See you all there....
 
I have more than enough good suppliers - most of whom have reps call on me. I have good up to date equipment. And most importantly, since I am basically a one man shop, I would have to close. Boy, do I miss what New York used to be!
 
What PaulN just said.
Except the part about Nora. (Who's Nora??)

I'm still recovering from last January's WCAF, my first trade show ever! Loved it!! But definately planning on being there again next January and possibly catching the PPFA/PMA (more classes!) as well, since I'll be there anyway. One away trip a year will do it for me, and Vegas is "in my neighborhood".

The best part about being in Vegas (next to the 10 classes I took - whew!) was meeting and hanging out with my Grumble family! What a hoot!!
.
.
Nora?
 
I'm guessing Nora Jones?

:shrug:
 
I can only afford one show per year. In 2007 it was PPFA/PMA

In 2008 it will be WCAF and PPFA/PMA .

PPFA starts right after WCAF and I can do it all in one trip.

Doug
 
Dave said:
I'm guessing Nora Jones?

:shrug:
Click to expand...

"Her name was Nora, she was a showgirl
With yellow feathers in her...", oops, wrong name and wrong place!

Nora is the lovely soul who served great Manhattan cocktails at the Hilton's WCAF.

Sorry for the Frankendrinks, we return now to our regularly scheduled grumbling.
 
Yes. Maybe not. No. Maybe. Yes!

My answers about Atlanta have changed a couple of times this year...

Last January: You bet!

Last March: Daughter's pregnant...maybe not.

Last April: No! The baby's due September 10? You gotta be kiddin' me. I'll have to miss Atlanta:cry:

Last week: The baby might come early? Hmmm...Just maybe I could go to Atlanta.

Last night: Mother and daughter are both fine, and planning to go home from the hospital today. My Atlanta airline tickets are in hand, and a booth job is all lined up. This will be my first trade show in several years without a full schedule of classes, but maybe I can still sign up to take a few if they aren't sold out yet. And I need a new pair of 12" saw blades. Grumble dinner, here I come!:thumbsup:
 
A wise man once said, "Use your rewards card to earn a ticket to attend a trade show" (can't remember if it was Bob, Rob or Marc Bluestone). A wise woman once said, "Add 2.00-3.00 per order and call it an 'education tax'" (Ellen?). On my way down to the World Market, I took a bump in order to get a travel voucher to attend the Atlanta show. I can't stress enough how important it is to network with other framers: I learn so much about my business, the industry and making contact with other professionals; you never know when that relationship will benefit you or the other person.
Plus, it's tax deductible!
See you at the Grumble Dinner!
Regards,
Julia
 
I sure don't mean that there are not legitimate reasons that you can't make it, but it tears my heart out to hear that people cannot afford it

That is exactly the reason to go to every show, every chapter meeting, every vendor sponsored presentation-to learn HOW to make more money

I must say that I hear all the time from framers "I took Jay's class and what a difference it made" or "In your class, I started tracking CoG and has it paid off". Just this week I got an email that stated "I took your class in Baltimore and bought two boxes from Omega at .30/ft and sold through both. Is that what you meant about Turning a Buying Advantage into a Selling Advantage?"

There isn't a show that I go to (and I go to most) that I don't sit down and share "wisdom" with eager framers-eager to learn and eager to share. Wasn't it Tony that said that networking was the most important part of the trip?

So, today start saving your miles (pay your vendor bills with a credit card-and then pay your credit card) and add $2.00 to every workorder like Julia suggests

Even though I teach and am a self-proclaimed know it all, I learn every time I talk to a Jim Miller or a Marc Bluestone or a Baer or a Cliff Wilson or so many others

If I can go to a show and learn, any one can

There are simply too many opportunities to ignore

BTW, even the worst class I ever took, I still brought something back to use
 
I am going, and I am really excited about it. I am taking a full load of classes, I have my lists of must go sees. I learned a lot last year and I only took 2 classes, this year should be even better. Especially because it will be my first grumble dinner.
 
Really wish I could go this year - my sister lives in a suburb of Atlanta, so it's always a chance to spend time with her as well. But my full-time employee is due to have her baby on 9/11, and I simply can't close the store down.
 
Janis said:
Really wish I could go this year... I simply can't close the store down.
Click to expand...

I struggled with that for a long time. My opinion was that the credibility of my business would suffer if we weren't open every hour as advertised. I used to have enough employees that it wasn't a problem.

Now that I've found the key to greater profitability with only one part time employee, I have two choices:

1) No travel, or

2) Put a sign in the window and go away to trade shows, distributor events, and PPFA meetings -- That's at least a couple of trips a month, usually involving travel on a Friday or Monday.

I go.

I think you should go, too.
 
I constantly talk about these shows with my customers. Why do I do that? So that they know I am staying on top of my industry and will be bringing back exciting new products and ideas. I warn them ahead of time, put a note on the door in advance of the trip and change the voice mail message.

I find they get excited to find out what I come away from these trips with. I have to scrape the funds together to do it, but have always found it it returns in a greater way.

I honestly don't feel I can afford not to go to at least one show.
 
Listen to Bob...

The first few years in business, I felt I couldn't afford to be away, which meant putting a sign on the door. Hotels were expensive, and it didn't seem cost effective.

I first went to Atlanta and stayed with a friend who had moved there, which helped with the cost (plus I got to see her), but I began staying downtown long before she moved, so that I could take advantage of the show hours and not be tempted to "blow off" part of the day.

I found attending the show was one of the best investments I could make for my business.

I can go to the Decor show, the gift market, and maybe get out and visit some stores in Midtown and Buckhead and recharge my creative batteries. Worth every penny. I'm sure I will get some inspiration that will result in a profitable idea.

Next year offers a unique situation with the WCAF and PPFA/PMA shows being back to back. I'm sure I will spend the day off in between at the gift mart. That's a good plan. However, I like the timing of this show--leading right into 4th quarter.
 
I hope to go out to Vegas with my wife, vacation and the show. Still early, so we will see what the cards hold.

I have found Atlanta to be a great show and really enjoy the area. Maybe next year I will get back there?
 
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