This is likely a bit premature, but one thing that was suggested me at this year's Expo was that the RodMaker Reception be moved back to Saturday night. We held the Reception on Saturday evening for the first 3 or 4 years. I moved it to Friday evening precisely because I wanted to trim the attendance. We were getting so many people that i was in perpetual fear that we'd end up with 600 people trying to get into a room that could only hold 400. Considering that the Embassy Grand Ballroom can hold well over 1000, there is no reason not to move the Reception back to Saturday evening. This would allow folks to come in later in the evening on Friday, or even on Saturday morning, and still attend the Saturday evening festivities. If we do this again, the Reception will be moved back to Saturday evening.

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Great idea. I wasn't able to make it due to the 5 hour drive from Altanta. Thanks.

Nice. Good move. Its a 2 day event and having attendees come for both days is a plus. Theres a lot that goes on Sunday that many are simply missing out on.

Kevin Knox
ANGLER'S ENVY CUSTOM RODS
QUEEN ANNE, MD 21657
#_#_#_#_#
www.anglersenvy.com

I think that's a good idea. I came in from Houston on Thursday because I couldn't get decent connections into Greensboro on Friday and I didn't want to miss the reception. I could afford the time to come in early and wanted to see the area since I'd never been there before. Besides, my niece went to Wake Forest and I wanted to see the campus. As it happened I was was supposed to arrive GSO at 2:30 PM on Thursday, but thanks to Delta, I didn't arrive until 1:30 AM Friday. If the reception was on Saturday travel arrangements could have been on Friday and everything would have worked out fine for me. Since the venue can handle a big group, Saturday might be a good choice. Just my two cents worth.

Steve Hartzell
Lake Conroe - Willis, Texas

A two night weekend stay is easier on the pocket too.
More money to spend on goodies.
I like the idea.

For those traveling any distance, it does not make a difference. We have to pay for a room Friday night anyway. I like the Friday night gathering as it is an opportunity to socialize with old and new friends prior to the main event. I am not sure how I will feel or how the vendors will feel Saturday night after spending a full day on the floor.

Chris Richer
Iroquois ON

Either way, but like Chris,having it Friday leaves Sat evening for socializing and hanging out in the lounge and imbibing in "liquid Apple Pie", etc

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!!

When I first read this I didn't like the idea. Sat Nite is the hilight of the weekend and we all go out and find out that 28 people cannot be seated in any restaurant in NC. THen I thought well maybe Friday night there will be less people out on the town and we can all go out to eat then, so it works. But.... after working the entire day at the show, then going to rest in my room and change for 15 minutes - I'm going out to eat food ASAP. The food at the reception was 1000 times an improvement, but I'm not going to eat sliders and eggrolls after the show. I'll probably come in, hang for a few then head out.

Friday night seems better to me, it gives builders time. To socialize. Saturday late afternoon and evening can be spent with our wives if they come. For me, the extra night stay would not matter. Traveling from Ohio I would come on Friday anyhow.

Ohio Rod Builders

Canton, Ohio

I would much rather have it Friday night as well. It give a great time to mingle and catch up before getting wore out at the show. I see it as a kickoff pre party.

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Super Tight Lines......Don

I appreciate the comments. All things I will take into consideration if we do this again. Thanks.

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Knock off the "if" stuff...lol

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Super Tight Lines......Don

I think his key board is going bad, He actually typed, ``Next year, when we do this again``.

I hope.

bill

Ohio Rod Builders

Canton, Ohio

Actually, I said "if" we do this again.

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