I've worked with many show promoters over the years, dating back to about 1985 or so. This year, was the 3rd year that I've organized the National Rod Builders Show. The first year, I said it would be the biggest and best rod building event ever held anywhere by anyone. It was. And then I said it would get bigger and better each year. It has.

Now it's time to take this sort of thing to a whole new level. Some things are falling into place and for 2007, we have the opportunity to do this thing not just bigger and better, but on a whole different scale and quality. Same area, same time of year, etc., but with major improvements to the entire affair.

1. Admission fees will be reduced. I realize that $14 and $24 aren't huge amounts for rod builders coming in from all over the world to something that offers so much knowledge, displays, camraderie, etc. Still, I think these prices are out of line and we can do something about them. In fact, we will. In 2007, you will pay less to attend the show.

2. Although the vendors were happy with their sales and most did exceptionally well, I want to make it possible for more companies to display and for those who already display to be able to purchase more booth space in an economical fashion. I have the means to do this and will pursue it.

3. We are still missing out on the regional market (most of our attendees are coming in from well over 100 miles away). Plans are underway to capitalize on this major local metropolitan market in some ways that I'll discuss later.

4. Having access to exhibit hall refreshments is great, and we'll continue to do this, but in 2007 we wlil also have access to a full service restaurant on the same premises. This way, people can get a real meal during the day without having to leave the hall.

5. Audio/Visual equipment for the seminars is a done deal. In 2007 we'll have what we need to make every seat in the house, the best seat in the house.

6. The RodMaker Reception will feaure more of a full meal instead of just refreshments. And... it will still be free of charge to all who attend the show and feature tons of free door prizes. Of course, it will still be very casual and open - no speeches or that type of thing, just great food and lots of free stuff.

Suffice to say, that when you attend next year, you'll see everything you saw this past year... and more. Your cost will be less but the show will be larger and offer more features. In short, it will be done the way I've always believed in doing things for the "customer" - it will be an even better value for our craft in 2007, than it was these past 3 years.

I will have more details, dates, etc., sometime around the last of April or first of May.

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/05/2006 05:25PM by Tom Kirkman.

Great!!!!! Just keeps getting better! 3-day show, Pretty Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Tom,rumor has it that the NASCAR hall of fame will be rewarded a site at the Convention Center this Monday.Not sure what this means but it will be more people in the area during the show.It can even be a side trip for the family of rod builders.

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

It won't be a factor, but more on that later. Things have opened up which are going to allow us to do things with the event that could not be done previously.

The only trouble with a 3-day show is that is increases the hall rental by 33%. Now when you take a show already running about $9.000 per day as it is and then add a third day.... Well, you see the problem from a financial standpoint. However, we will be staying open later by an hour or so anyway. Closing a show where business is being transacted at 4:30 never did make any sense.

But I won't rule anything out. We have some meetings later this coming week and over the next 30 days we'll have all the details ironed out.

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SOunds good. It will end up costing the same amount, but the Vendors will get more booth space. I like that idea. The NERBs already planned to come back to Charlotte and purchase 2 booth spaces in 2007...maybe we'll actually be able to afford 2 booth spaces now, lol!

I hope your being serious about the name change thing. It should stop the idiotic comments from some about how Charlotte is just a "show" and not an event for serious rod builders. Because this is truly the premier event for all rod builders whether amatuer or professional, it needs a title more befitting what it really is. I like it.

The ability to prepurchase tickets for the whole show might be a real Plus!!

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

I plan to look into doing that, although these things are often easier to have the venue take care of. If I also do the ticket sales, I have to keep up with sales and mailing of tickets from here plus hire people to sell tickets at the door. It's much, much easier to just give the venue a percentage of the gate and let them handle the whole thing on their end.

However, I will see what I can work out and I feel pretty sure that I can hold ticket prices to about $10 for one day and $18 for two. How's that for value? A bigger and better show but a lower admission price. And... on site parking.

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