First - I am not selling anything at Charlotte. I never make up rods in advance on "spec". I do make them as "test cases" which usually wind up in my garage or shed, or in the back of my truck ( "just in case" ) What I will have with me are three saltwater fly rods (on American Tackle blanks) that I've made up for people to test cast as well as some other freshwater fly rods that I've done for myself over time on different manufacturer's blanks - again take them over to the casting pond. I'll also have several surf rods with me (on Rainshadow blanks) - mostly to show the color changes that are possible on blanks - and that people can "toss" if they can find the room - but you're gonna need over 100 yards clear space with 2oz of lead for these as they are "rockets". Likely will also bring along a standup tuna rod with a mix of All American rollers and conventional guides and home computer label on it. I'm also bringing my (very used) rod wrapper with me for people to use to demonstrate / share techniques with each other on.
And I'm also going to bring some other "toys" that people can use (a digital gem scale from another past time) to weigh guides on should they wish to; a pieced, but not glued rod blank to demonstrate repair of a broken blank and some other 'stuff' - just going to depend on what "fits" the display area. If anyone is thinking about attending both days I'll probably switch out some things Saturday / Sunday.

Ken,
You had better bring something to sell to cover the cost of your booth and your other costs and all of your time or are you just a heck of a nice guy? Where did you get those rockets? Are you going to bring your dog?

Emory,
How to answer? Sure, I'm just a heck of a nice guy?? I saw the show in Charlotte last year and recognized the potential for a true National Gathering - at a very reasonable cost to the attendees. Since then, judging by the seminars, the demonstration booth Tom set up and the vendors who have signed on it has improved significantly. I just couldn't NOT be there. I committed to it before I left Charlotte last year because of the venue, attendees I spoke with and the PEOPLE that had booths there. One really unfortunate thing about the Rainshadow "rockets" is they're on the discontinued 1262 blanks that someone got for me ... the last ones... no more (sob). But I'll have a 1264 (color change blue/green) and likely a 1267
(Washington RedSkins rod) there as well . No, Kasey will be staying at home. She'd freak out with all that epoxy nearby ... LOL