Suppose that the 2007 International Rod Building Exposition could be held at a facility far nicer than the Charlotte Convention Center. Suppose that the facility offered free parking, better seminar and reception facilities, and was located next door to a 4-star hotel. Now suppose that this hotel offered the same $90 room rate as the Westin did this past February, but also offered free parking and a $10 breakfast buffet special. And, suppose that this hotel had their own upscale restaurant for lunch and dinner. Suppose too, that those who still felt that $90 a night was too expensive for their tastes, could get a nice room about 3 blocks away for $50 a night. And suppose that they could also get free parking and even a free shuttle ride, if they’re not up to a 3 block walk, to the show facility. Would this be something that would interest those who plan to attend next year?

Let’s also suppose that an International Airport was located 8 miles north of the show facility, with major interstate highways running a few miles north and south of town. And let’s suppose that the main railway line between New York and New Orleans ran directly behind the show facility and that the 19th century restored train station featuring 6 Amtrak passenger trains per day was just 2 blocks away.

And, let’s suppose that even if you only drove in for one day, you could park just about anywhere you wanted right at the facility or even 3 or 4 blocks away if necessary, and still not have to pay a dime to park at any of the thousands of parking spaces along the streets or in one of the two large parking decks 1 block north and west of the show facility.

Then let’s suppose that the vendors could buy booth spaces for less than they did at this most recent event and that the attendees could get in for less as well. And... let’s suppose that tickets could be purchased in advance.

Suppose that all this could really happen next February 16 & 17. Actually, we don’t have to suppose - it’s going to happen. Full details will be announced middle of next week. As nice as the show has been these last 3 years, none will compare to what we are going to do for 2007.

...........



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/14/2006 04:50PM by Tom Kirkman.

Tom...I really hate it that I missed this year's show but I will defintely make plans early to attend next year's show. What you have mentioned is outstanding. Only thing now is, you've got a whole bunch of anxious folks. LOL

Steve



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/14/2006 05:27PM by Steve Parks.

Damn you Kirkman, the suspense is killing me. :lol

I love the date you have picked because we have a sports show here on the same weekend you had the show this year. Ron Walter and i are trying to cordinate a rod building seminar at this sports show for the coming year, so we really like the date you have picked. And as far as that goes all the other aspects you have mentioned.

So you're telling me that missing the 28th and 29th anniversaries with my way better half will now cease and I'll be with her on our 30th? Man, that ought to holster the ol' cast iron skillet, now!

Putter
Williston, ND

Let's suppose that it'll be great!!!! The amenities at the new place far out weigh the old place (and they were great!!). The new location can only help!!!!!

Mike

....sounds bigger and better already. People who haven't been, but wish they had, should start saving up and budgeting for it right now.

Are we talking about 16(Friday) and 17(saturday)?

Ill put you all out of your misery and suspense



ITS AT TOMS HOUSE
LOL

Excuse my French - but dam the train probably goes close to me. A nice train ride. I could dig that. Heck it don't sound like it could get any better ???!!!
Your out doing yourself Tom --- again !!!!
Hay could some one pick me up at my house and bring me back ?? Just kidding.
Could not ask for any thing better and easyer.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/14/2006 05:47PM by bill boettcher.

The problem with that date is that it is not on Valentine's Day. Now I need an other excuse to get out of flowers, chocolates & dinner.

We've all discussed 2007 already, and the consensus is we'll have 2 booth spaces next time. Making us pay less is defiantely a good thing.

Let's suppose you tell us where, so we can book our flight or train ride, and rooms at the hotel now before more folks hear about it and the rush begins!

I was wrong on the dates, it's the 17th and 18th. Vendor set up day will be the 16th.

.............

Tom,
Are you and Mark ganging up on me to get me out there next year?


Tight wraps and lines,
Wylie

I've never had to twist anyone's arm to attend, nor will I for 2007. When you do your homework and organize something truly worthwhile, people will just naturally see the value and talk themselves into coming out.

The bottom line is that you can't get greedy nor complacent - you can't raise fees unless you make a corresponding increase in value. Beyond that, any time you can do something better than before and yet at the same time charge less than before, you are going to do well.


....................

Sounds great to me! Can hardly wait to get additional details so I can make reservations.

Stan

Well,

I suppose it is time to start planning my trip from the left coast.

Given that I grew up in the town next door to the one that I think you are alluding to, I think it would be a great idea! It's a little longer drive for me than to Charlotte but the amenities definitely make it worth the extra driving time.

But the major question will be whether or not they have good barbeque.

And, no, I'm not going to ruin Tom's surprise.

John

Thats a lot of supposition, I Suppose its not going to be in the midwest? I suppose it possibly never has, save for maybe Chi-town/Det-riot, so I suppose it is due. Just wishfull supposition as I can't afford the trip so far south. Exemplary work wish I could afford to see it up close and personal like.

Chris,

Our problem is, we can't afford to pack it all up and bring it to you. I know everybody wants the show in their backyard but that's not possible. As Jim Upton said recently, "If you want to go to DisneyWorld, you have to go to Florida." The same holds true here - if you want to attend the world's largest and best rod building event, you'll have to come to North Carolina.

I know not everyone can afford to attend. That's a shame, but you can't do something like this all over the country. The rod builders are widely dispersed - no single regional area can support something like this. You have to rely on hundreds and hundreds of builders coming into one location from all over the country (and the world) in order to make it work. North Carolina is a 2 hour flight or a day's drive of 65% to 70% of the total U.S. population. It's worked extremely well for the last 3 years and has seen sizeable growth each and every year. I'm going to keep it here as long as it continues to prosper.

...........