Tom (or anyone else qualified to answer),
Could you explain (or direct me to a source) the rules in brief regarding the Charlotte show? Basically, what is and isn't allowed. Obviously, common sense comes into play here but I just wasn't sure if cameras (for example) were permitted. I certainly don't want to unknowlingly offend someone or break the rules. Thanks, Randy.

I have no idea of any rules Randy except maybe enjoy the companionship of other rod building addicts.

One for sure is no solication on the floor or surrounding areas.meaning you cannot promote you rod business or products without being a Booth or Table purchaser.This is in respect to the people that pay the price to be there(no free rides)just like the forum.This means no handing out of business cards also.I`m sure there are more but this is the most important.Cameras I dont see as a problem as when I went to the first show I had one.Missed last years due to the foul weather here in jersey(had to work).

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

Please take all the photos you want. You could even video tape the floor exhibits if you want, but please do not use them in the seminar rooms.

One thing we do ask, is that when you enter a seminar room that you please turn your cell phone off. It's very distracting for the presenter as well as the other attendees to have to listen to cell phones going off in the middle of a presentation. I suspect most are courteous enough to do this anyway, but it's easy to forget that your phone is on.

Fred is correct about solicitating business on the premises. The booth and table holders have paid for the right to advertise, sell, solitic, etc. It is not only against the rules for anyone that hasn't paid for booth or table space to do this, it's inconsiderate as well. Thankfully, this sort of thing is rare. We watch for it and will take action if we need to do so, but as I said, it's pretty rare. Most of the attendees are considerate in this regard,

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Tom,

What about still cameras in the seminar rooms. Exchanging business cards between builders??

Mike

I would think camera flash going on in seminar rooms would be equally distracting to the presenters. Maybe that's just me.

If you want to take photos in one of the seminar rooms, please ask the presenter if it will be okay. This isn't a problem with copyrights or anything, just a possible problem with flash units going off in the face of the presenter. If you want to bring a voice recorder and tape the talk, you are free to do so. Obviously, if you want to take notes, this is okay as well. Some of the presenters will even have printed hand-outs covering their topics so this will help you "retain" the presented information as well.

I fully expect builders to meet and greet and exchange a business card or two. That's not a problem.

What we watch for are builders lugging components or rods around for sale, or making contacts and trying to sell on the show floor or out of their car trunks. We have run into this the past couple years. One rod builder who had a booth was approached by another builder who informed him that he had a large assortment of guides available for sale "outside." Another time we found a guy lugging a duffle bag of components around on the show floor and trying to pedal them to anybody and everybody. The first year there was a builder carrying rods around inside the exhibit hall and trying to generate sales in the aisles. Those are the type things we're mainly concerned with. And again, thankfully they've been rare.

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Inconsiderate JERKS!!!! That's just ascenine, as afriend of mine calls everything done that is disrespectful and devious and just plain WRONG!!!!

Bill in WV

Hey, Zombie!! Bring yer cameras and take a ton of pics!! See ya in Charlotte!

Putter
Williston, ND



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/25/2005 10:28AM by Randy Parpart (Putter).

Like anyone else, many rod builders have not learned that there is a cost associated with doing business. To try and advertise on somebody else's dollar is wrong and inconsiderate but there will always be some that will try to get away with it.

I'm sure it takes place but there is so much to see and do at this show that most of us never notice such things going on. We're just too busy trying to take in all the sights and sounds that make this the best rod building event in the world!