The response to the National Rod Builders Show in Charlotte has been tremendous. In fact, we're pretty much sold out of booth space at this point, save for a few of the "rod builder tables" that will line one side of one aisle.

Last year's show was huge, but pales next to what is coming up this year. I just updated the show website vendor list and see 28 different vendors and 43 booth spaces sold. That eclipses last year's event by a wide margin - we're running nearly half again as many vendors and booths as were sold at the 2005 event. The show continues to grow. If you can't see it or find it at the National Rod Builders Show, you aren't likely to find it anywhere.

There are a couple more commitments still to come in, but it looks like we've filled the available spots and will have a full 30 manufacturers/vendors filling a total of about 50 booths. Sadly, we will have to turn some companies away this year.

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Our first direct mailing of show notifications went out on Monday afternoon. 15,000 beautiful large format postcards hit the mail and will be delivered over the next few weeks. Next Monday another 15,000 will go out, and again the following Monday. A final round of direct mail advertisements will mail in January. We plan to pack the hall with rod builders and fishermen again this year, but the numbers should be even higher.

Save for extremely bad weather, I think the 2006 show is going to be simply out of this world.

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AWESOME!!!!!!!

It has really shaped up even beyond my own expectations. The overwhelming success of the past two events has really made this one much easier to pull off. Everybody wants to be involved.

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Everything from the magazine to this website is first class. To do all this and with no staff is truly an achievement. I have no doubt the show in Charlotte will be up to the same standards which you have set for the magazine and this site. Bravo. Count me in. I have already made my hotel reservation. I wouldn't think of missing it.

If you haven't already reserved a room, I would do it as soon as possible. The Westin is right across the street from the show and is where most will probably stay. They have special rates if you tell them it's for the show. They filled up early last year, so I wouldn't wait. If you have to cancel, there is no fee as long as it's 72 hours before the show

Mike

Mike hit it on the nail.
I've stayed at the Westin for the past two shows and enjoyed the convenience, parking and good restuarant. Made my restevations for thie '06 Show back in late July. They will sell out, but there are other places close by to book rooms. This is something most rod builders, new or old, will want to attend. Lots to see & learn.
Stan

Tom, I'm sure RM mgazine will have a booth, but will there be back issues for sale at the show? Or do I just need to order them direct?
Thanks,
HAGO!
Joe

RodMaker will have two booths, one for demos and one for the magazine. I'll have most all the back issues that are still available there at the show.

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