Important Expo Update
Posted by:
Tom Kirkman
(Moderator)
Date: January 11, 2022 04:56PM
I fully expect the 2022 International Custom Rod Building Exposition to be the largest and best in its 20 year history. The cast of world class custom rod builders in the exhibit hall may very well be the best and largest ever assembled under one roof. From the various artists in the NERBs booth, the Southern Rod Builders, guys like Rich Forhan, Nuno Paulino, Mark Crouse (AKA Munich Rod Man) and maybe even Italo Busi, I doubt this many highly talented custom rod builders have ever appeared together anywhere at one time. Writing this on the spur of the moment I'm sure I've left out a good many names that deserve equal recognition - surely so and I apologize in advance.
The number and variety of exhibitors is easily the most varied in the event's history. New technology that may soon change the way builders attack various needs with 3D printing is on the horizon and will be in full force at the Expo. In additional to Tony Bosch's Rapid Prototyping seminars, we gained a new exhibitor just today that is a major player in manufacturing and sales of 3D printers. They'll be there to demo their products for rod building.
Several new companies that have never exhibited at the Expo previously will be exhibiting. At least three blank manufacturers that have not previously appeared will be on hand.
Two new books on custom rod building will be unveiled at the Expo this year. I expect them to make a major impact on all serious custom builders. More on these later.
As far as the recent rise in Omicron Covid cases, the health department people I've spoken with regarding trade shows seem to believe that this is a temporary spike and should be in a steep downturn in another few weeks. We'll see. In the meantime, there is almost zero chance that the Expo will be put under any sort of mandates or limitations this year. I would hope that attendees will pay attention to whatever sensible measures are in place a the time of the event. I will provide masks and gloves for those that wish to use them. Hopefully, this thing will be on the run by the time the Expo rolls around.
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