I spoke with the folks at the Radisson Hotel this morning. Only a handful of rooms are left at the hotel for the show dates. If you want to stay directly across the street from the hotel, don't wait - another couple weeks (or less) and you'll be out of luck.

There are additional hotels within walking distance of the Showplace facility. Two are within 3 or 4 blocks. You can find more information on hotels and lodging on the official show website, www.rodexpo.com.

For those of you who have attended this event in the past, I don't have to say much. You know what it entails. All I can add is that this year will be the largest and best event by far.

For those who have perhaps attended any of the various rod building events, gatherings, conclaves and seminars around the country in the last few years, all I can add is that the International Custom Rod Building Exposition is something on an entirely different scale. We're not talking about something a little bigger, or with a little more "stuff." We're talking about an all encompassing event that is easily 5 to 10 times larger than any other rod building event held anywhere in the world. You will see more rod building blanks and components, meet more rod builders, and learn more at the Expo than at all the other shows and events put together.

For those who have never attended any sort of rod building event or gathering, you should. If not this one, then another one. But if you can make it, the Expo is something you will remember for the rest of your life. In one weekend you can see, in person, every item that you've come across in the manufacturers' catalogs. You can advance your rod building skills by an amount that would otherwise take many years, all in just two days. It's an event unlike any other for custom rod builders.

Oh, and we're talking about just $8 per day admission. Which also makes this one the biggest value of any rod building event you're likely to ever stumble upon.

Just 9 weeks to go. You can find all sorts of additional information about the event, the host facility, the host city, transportation, airports, trains, driving directions, etc., on the website. www.rodexpo.com

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List of Exhibitors for the 2007 Expo

Batson Enterprises (Rainshadow/Forecast)

Renzetti, Inc.

Steve's Custom Rods

Fish Sticks 4U

RodMaker Magazine

Pacific Bay International

Sticks & Bones

MIckel's Custom Rods

Donart

Lamar Fishing

Angler's Resources (Fuji)

St. Croix Rods

Composite Tube Systems

Lamiglas

Decal Connection

Swifty/Diamondite

Mud Hole Custom Tackle

WoodCraft

Swampland Rods

The Rod Shop

Trondak U-40

Ken's Custom Rods

Black Dog Tackle

Sevier Manufacturing

G. Loomis, Inc.

Custom Tackle Supply

RBI (Rod Builders International)

NERBS (Northeast Rod Builders)

Matagi Components

REC Components

Flex Coat Company

American Tackle

Calico Creek Rods

TightLine Rods

Legacy Paddlesports

Get Outdoors

Chesapeake Cork

Dave Male Bamboo Rods

George Harris Wildlife Designs


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List of Seminars for the 2007 Expo

(I have two late additions to the list, one with Dr. Hanneman on the Common Cents System and a possible seminar with Roger Seiders of Flex Coat on various rod building tools you can make.)

Saturday February 17th

9AM BASIC ROD BUILDING - For anyone who desires to build their own custom rods, this is a presentation not to be missed! Renowned rod builder Jim Upton will present a complete lesson on every step involved in crafting your own handmade custom fishing rods. There is no better way to learn rod building, than through this practical and up close presentation.

11 AM NYLON FLOCKING - It has been said that flocked grips are the Cadillac of custom rod grips. Did you know that you can flock your own grips right at home? Well, it is easy once you see it done by a master like Bill Stevens. Trust Bill to enlighten you on this fantastic technique along with providing some unique insights into history and further uses of the process.

12 PM MODIFYING COMPONENTS FOR BETTER PERFORMANCE - Few rod builders have had the impact that Rich Forhan has in terms of influencing major fishing rod manufacturers. Rich has spent years tweaking and modifying standard components in order to make good fishing rods, great fishing rods! Learn how to better the performance of your custom rod by incorporating some of the many tricks and techniques developed by Rich.

12 PM BUILDING TOUGHER SALTWATER RODS - Professional rod builder Ken Preston builds rod for demanding charter boat applications. He knows what it takes to craft rods that can stand up to the worst charter boats and their anglers can dish out. If you build for charter boats, or simply want to improve the durability of your own saltwater boat and trolling rods, you will not want to miss Kens presentation.

1 PM INNOVATIVE ROD BUILDING TOOLS - Most know Roger Seiders as the man behind Flex Coat. But Roger is so much more than just a supplier of epoxy finish. He is also one of the most innovative rod builders around! Sit in on this eye opening seminar for a first hand look and use of the many unique and time saving rod building tools developed by Roger. Many can be made yourself, right in your home shop!

2 PM SNAKESKIN INLAYS - Go beyond threadwork on your next custom rod! This beautiful technique must be seen in person to be truly appreciated. Join master rod builder Pat Vinzant as he provides step by step instructions for inlaying snakeskin onto your next custom fishing rod.

3 PM POWDER COATING - Yes you can color your own rod components! Innovative rod builder Joe Emig will detail the steps involved in powder coating your own rod parts through the use of inexpensive systems and materials. Joe will also include some ideas on unique ways of using this colorful technique to enhance your next custom rod.

4 PM BUILDING AND FISHING TECHNIQUE SPECIFIC RODS - Serious bass fishermen use and prefer technique specific rods. Join Rich Forhan as he presents an in-depth presentation on how to design, build and fish specific rod types such as those used for swimbaits and drop-shotting. If you are a serious bass rod builder, or simply a serious bass fisherman, you will not want to miss this one.

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Sunday February 18th

9AM BASIC ROD BUILDING - For anyone who desires to build their own custom rods, this is a presentation not to be missed! Renowned rod builder Jim Upton will present a complete lesson on every step involved in crafting your own handmade custom fishing rods. There is no better way to learn rod building, than through this practical and up close presentation.

10 AM MOSAIC PIN INLAYS - Another method to distance yourself from the run of the mill custom rod. Joe Emig uses mosaic pins inlaid into handles and grips as one more unique method for creating one of kind custom rods. This presentation is sure to be a favorite.

11 AM FEATHER INLAYS - The art of inlaying feathers onto a fishing rod results in a subtle yet beautiful cosmetic touch for custom builders. Learn to create your own masterpiece under the tutuledge of Pat Vinzant, whose own feather inlays and artwork are well known among the custom rod building craft.

12 PM CREATIVE HANDLE IDEAS - Mike Barkley expands on his journey in creating beautiful and unique fishing rod handles from not so ordinary materials. Rod builders wanting to add new combinations of wood, cork and various exotic materials and shapes to their handles and seats will not want to miss this presentation.

1 PM ADVANCED ROD REPAIR - Master rod repairman Ralph OQuinn is back for another look at rod repair. If it is broke, you can fix it! Ralph will cover basic repairs such as guide and tip replacement along with more advanced repairs such as repairing rod breaks and splicing tips.

2 PM THE REVOLVER ROD - This unique rod style offers a host of unique features that make any fishing rod a better fishing rod. Join inventor Rich Forhan for an inside look at how to build it, and why.

3 PM GUIDE PLACEMENT SYSTEMS - Few aspects of custom rod building seem more troublesome than guide sizing and placement. Tom Kirkman will present an overview of all the various guide placement systems in use today along with some ideas on those that may be most beneficial for the type of rods you build. A demonstration on Spiral Wrap systems will be included.

4 PM USING EPOXY - Few builders are as uniquely qualified as Ralph OQuinn when it comes to the proper use of epoxy adhesives and finishes. Learn how to get the most from your epoxies in this eye opening presentation. Discussions on surface preparation and color preservers will also be included.

*Additional seminars are expected to include, Building Two Handed Rods, Sensi-Touch Custom Rods, Common Cents System, Extending Rod Blanks, Molded Handle Construction, and more.
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Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 12/12/2006 09:40AM by Tom Kirkman.

Wish I could go this year, but my wife's pregnant, and the due date is January 27. Maybe 2008.

Billy V / Tom K...any chance the NERBS booth can get a cable/satellite feed for the Daytona 500 and the saturday Busch Series event? I'll bring the screen. Maybe do a VisualWrap demo during commercial breaks?

Mike

NERB that types with a bar of Ivory soap in his mouth.

Sadly that is the weekend before my annual audit. As the head bean counter I will be working all weekend! Much rather be wandering through the candy store!