I’ve made a few updates to the vendor and featured rod builder booth demonstrations and will continue to update as changes need to be made, but we're getting close to finalizing things. Things are firming up and the show brochures are being printed next week.

I expect the vendor list to grow as we move through the next few weeks, but for now here is a list of those who will have booth space at the show:

All Star Composites
American Tackle
Batson Enterprises
Bingham Enterprises
Classic Custom Wood
Decal Connection
Dr. William Hanneman
Fish Sticks 4U
Flex Coat Company
Kens Custom Rods
Lamar Manufacturing
Mickel's Custom Rods
Mud Hole Custom Tackle
Renzetti, Inc.
RodMaker Magazine
Schnieders Rod Shop
Shakespeare
Trondak U40
Visual Wrap

Following are vendors who have told me that they may have booth space at the show, but who have not yet made an actual committment at this time.

Custom Tackle Supply
G. Loomis, Inc
St. Croix

I will continue to update the list periodically as more vendors come on board.

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SEMINARS AND DEMONSTRATIONS (Upstairs in Seminar Rooms)

Saturday

10:00 AM • Basic Rod Building by Jim Upton - This in-depth overview of the rod building process is sure to delight and educate anyone interested in building their first custom rod. Jim will spotlight the process, highlighting each step required to take a blank and handful of components and turn them into a better performing rod that anything you can buy off the shelf. Handy hints on required materials and tools as well!


10:00 AM • Rod Repair by Ralph O'Quinn - With the proper expertise, almost any damage can be rectified and your favorite rod put back into action with no loss in performance. Master repairman Ralph O'Quinn will demonstrate the proper procedures for fixing nearly any type of rod breakage or damage. A must see.


11:00 AM • The Custom Saltwater Rod by Ken Preston - The saltwater environment and the fish that live there require rods that are built to withstand the most demanding conditions. Long time builder Ken Preston will explain the particulars along with how to build the type rods than can handle the largest fish, year after year. Expect special techniques for surf and stand-up rods.


11:00 AM • The Hanneman Common Cents System by Dr. William Hanneman - The Common Cents System is the first objective and relative system for measuring fly rod action and power. The inventor himself, Dr. Hanneman, will fully explain his system and show you how to use it to make your fly fishing and rod building experience that much better.


1:00 PM • Wood Turning for the Rod Builder by Andy Dear - Being able to turn and shape your own cork and EVA grips or wood or exotic reel seats and handles will only expand your custom rod building experience. Andy Dear will explain how to select the best lathe and tools as well as how to use them once you get them. This is one seminar you don't want to miss.


1:00 PM • Thread Weaving by Jim Upton - A complete introductory course on decorative thread weaving by the inventor of the "Wonder Weaver" himself. Learn how to create your own "left lists" and even perform "color change" weaves.


2:00 PM • Introduction to Decorative Cross Wraps by Mark Crouse - This seminar provides any anyone, novice to pro, with a sound grasp of the basics involved in making decorative thread cross wraps. Covered will be set up, open wraps, closed wraps, multiple axis wraps and taper offset spacing.


3:00 PM • Manufacturers Spotlight - A panel made up of the industry’s leading blank and component manufacturers and suppliers answers your every question concerning blank manufacturing, guide plating, ceramic polishing, warranties, etc. A question and answer session will follow.

Sunday

10:00 AM • Basic Rod Building by Jim Upton - This in-depth overview of the rod building process is sure to delight and educate anyone interested in building their first custom rod. Jim will spotlight the process, highlighting each step required to take a blank and handful of components and turn them into a better performing rod that anything you can buy off the shelf. Handy hints on required materials and tools as well!


10:00 AM • Everything You Wanted To Know About Rod Building - A panel of some of the best rod builders in the world answers your rod building questions in this open forum on the craft of custom rod building. No question is too difficult nor too simple. Ask and you shall receive.


11:00 AM • Thread Weaving by Mark Crouse - A tutorial by one of the most innovative thread artists working today. All aspects of thread weaving will be covered, including design and set up.


1:00 PM • Making Multi-Piece Rods by Ralph O’Quinn - Can’t find your favorite rod or blank in as many sections as you desire? Learn to fabricate your own ferrules and create multi-piece rods that feel and act like the one-piece counterparts.


2:00 PM • The Hanneman Common Cents System by Dr. William Hanneman - The Common Cents System is the first objective and relative system for measuring fly rod action and power. The inventor himself, Dr. Hanneman, will fully explain his system and show you how to use it to make your fly fishing and rod building experience that much better.


2:00 PM • Using Computer Software in Decorative Thread Art by David Boyle and Jim Upton - Learn the ins and outs of specialty software for the design and lay-out of cross wraps and weaving patterns.


3:00 PM • Creative Design for Custom Fishing Rods by Tom Kirkman - We’ve grown accustomed to fishing rods having to look a certain way. Step outside the box and discover how to design highly functional rods that defy age old configurations.


*Dr. William Hanneman will be available both days for rating your blanks or rods in the Common Cents System booth on the main show floor.


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Featured Rod Builder Booth

**Additional Seminars will be ongoing on the show floor in the “Featured Rod Builder Booth” during both days of the show. Here is a list of the presenters for the Featured Rod Building Booth Demostrations:

Saturday
10AM • Bill Stevens - Unique Tools for Making Narrow Trim Bands
11AM • Mark Crouse - Thread Art and Decorative Wrapping
1PM • Ken Preseton - Color Changing Rod Finish
2PM • Mike Barley & Randy Parpart - Marbled Epoxy Finishing
3PM • Ralph O'Quinn - Tricks with Rod Bond

Sunday
10AM • Bill Stevens - Unique Tools for Making Narrow Trim Bands
1PM • Tom Kirkman - New Concept Guide Set-Up
2PM • Mark Crouse - Thread Art and Decorative Wrapping
3PM • Andy Dear - Understanding the Lathe and Associated Tools
*More to be announced soon

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Rod Builders' Social Gathering

Event will be held on Saturday evening in one of the upstairs seminar rooms. Refreshments served at no charge. 6:30PM to 8:30PM. Event is open to all Rod Builder Show ticket holders.


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The Rod Builders’ Show • Charlotte, NC February 26 & 27, 2005
Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, NC

The World's Largest Rod Building Event

St. Croix should have their butt kicked if they don't show up with a blank display this year. They had a nice booth last year but it was all finished rods. You had to ask their guy about blanks and then he would pull out a dozen or so that he had tucked back behind his booth. I bet most guys didn't even know they had any blanks there.

Many of the blank manufacturers simply did not understand the size and scope of this show and the impact it would have among rod builders. You'll see more of them on hand with blanks this year.

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