The 2013 Reception was the largest in that event's 9 year history - 464 persons attended. The Embassy Suites staff and the very large ballroom made it seem easy. The twin serving stations, each with dual serving lines, halved the time it took for everyone to get something to eat. I got a plate - the food was pretty darn good. The stage, PA system and overall layout were vastly superior to anything we've had before. Not that those were bad, these were just better. We also awarded more free door prizes than ever before.

When we moved the Reception to the Centennial Station a few years ago, I received rave reviews about that location. But I'm willing to bet that as good as those earlier Receptions were, no one will ask me to move out of the Embassy Suites Ballroom any time soon. I thought it was a quantum leap forward and hope others did too.

Here's some photos to go along:

[www.rodbuilding.org]

[www.rodbuilding.org]

[www.rodbuilding.org]

[www.rodbuilding.org]

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Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 02/25/2013 10:44AM by Tom Kirkman.

Loved the sliders!! You are right. Much better reception location.

Better all the way around, hotel food, Hotel Staff Service and HOT Water....it was also nice I didn't even have to wear a coat to make it from my room to the convention center via. the Tunnel. Is the next 2014 show here yet???

Thad
Dutchman's Creek Tackle

Thanks Tom
I have the same comments as thad. Again thanks for the great show.

Corky
Corky's Custom Rods
Savannah, Georgia

Any praise Tom gets for putting on this show is more than well deserved. I've got nothing to compare it to but I thought it was great.

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia

great seeing everyone and seeing old friends and meeting new ones. you did great tom

Tom just continues to outdo himself year after year. Great to see alot of friends again. I have been to 9 out 10 shows and they geat better each year. I learn something new each year. My wife enjoyed this trip more than last year (Last year was her first time). Like wine and wiskey, Show continues to great better with age.

Ed Smith
Flat Rock, NC

I can't be the only one that got lost in that maze this weekend? Almost everything was a step up from prior years...which I thought were great. I do miss the hotel lobby in HP though, it was easier to bump into 98 builders and completely take over the lobby all night.

Hello Tom

Thanks for a weekend to remember as usual you scored again, great reception and EXPO.
I like Billy got lost once or twice but by the end of Friday I had the whole place down.

Thanks Again Tom hope to see you again soon (Maybe a Get together at your place this year?)

Bob,

New Bern, NC.