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ABS Expo 2014 Report
- Thread starter kimsalls
- Start date
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Probably the wrong time and wrong thread to ask but..
What could be more "tactical" than a big ol' Bagwell Hell's Belle ?
Doug
Old school original tactical
Tactical or otherwise if the knife buyers are not there knives don't sell. Coop, I will take that bet. I do know makers that sold thier knives as soon as they got home. The buyers are out there but I don't have the answers to get them to travel. Maybe part of it is that flying is so painful.
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I'm not upset at all Joe. I quoted a previous post below from Coop's recent 'tactical thread' that pretty much states my thoughts on the subject of traditional customs vs tacticals. Probably not too far off from your.
Actually, I agree and commend you for helping smiths to see the need to diversify and offer a wider range of knife styles. However some seem to think and purvey the message that traditional custom knives are on the way to extinction. This is no more going to happen than collectors totally loosing interest in classic cars, firearms, furniture etc.. There will always be up and down markets in any collectable medium.
There's a real issue with traditional custom knife show attendance and it needs to be addressed in a positive manner, but the preaching of doom & gloom isn't going to help.
I'm not so sure that the current show attendance issue is all to do with a decline in interest in traditional customs and/or increased interest in tacticals. I feel it's more marketing, logistics, scheduling related.
And though the INTERNET has done wonders to promote custom knives in general, it's hurt knife show attendance.
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I do too.
I agree, it's more a show issue as opposed to a traditional knife popularity issue. The Arkansas Show seems to get more popular every year.
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- Dec 23, 2006
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Let's discuss what might work
The TKI had a line to get in and I believe almost everything in the room sold
People had to fly to get there
A lot of people where in town already for the SHOT show
Some promoter was pretty smart to piggy back off the largest trade show for guns in the world way to go Steve
By the way do you all know what is predominately the number one firearms at the shot show ....... Yes the dreaded black Rifle not flintlocks. This is to the tune of like 70 % black rifles. Again I am a collector of fine double rifles and shotguns not AR's but i would be blind to not see at I am the minority not the majority
The bottom line is the ABS is having trouble standing alone
They should not try and be a show that tries to stand alone they need other venues and markets to draw people in
Another thing every time an ABS maker makes a synthetic handle material or a brut deforged blade there is someone that thinks they are denigrating the stamp by making a knife that is affordable and might be desired by a younger buying market
Please except that people have different tastes and that tastes can change
Lets look at production knife companies. What artists are they working with ? Not many ABS smiths are they
They are catering to an up and coming market which regretfully is not ABS style blades
This is not personal. Its business
Again I am not saying that a maker that has a long wait and has a large following change a thing but if If I were a young ABS style maker looking to feed my family I would be dabbling in many different genres to see what is growing and what is not
It seems like today promotion is a dirty word
Go tell Snody and Jerry Busse that they are doing it all wrong
The ABS needs to find ways to promote themselves better
Go find someone like Steve D and ask him his advise
If I where a young maker I would be getting booths at the TKI and shows that were growing not shrinking
If I were an ABS style maker I would be asking the people that run the blade show to introduce the Best Forged Tactical category
Again I hate the word tactical but it does not matter what I hate ...... What matters is what a young and up and coming market likes
Kevin my dear friend, it still bothers me that you think I find any enjoyment in the lack of interest in the ABS shows. If anything I would like to see every genre from the art knife to the traditional folder market grow
Someone asked what can be done to bring in more collectors
The answer is do not expect people to travel just for your show. Piggy back it off other events so that folks are there already
Secondly ..... Make stuff that a young and up coming buying public wants
This is simple stuff
The TKI had a line to get in and I believe almost everything in the room sold
People had to fly to get there
A lot of people where in town already for the SHOT show
Some promoter was pretty smart to piggy back off the largest trade show for guns in the world
way to go Steve By the way do you all know what is predominately the number one firearms at the shot show ....... Yes the dreaded black Rifle not flintlocks. This is to the tune of like 70 % black rifles. Again I am a collector of fine double rifles and shotguns not AR's but i would be blind to not see at I am the minority not the majority
The bottom line is the ABS is having trouble standing alone
They should not try and be a show that tries to stand alone they need other venues and markets to draw people in
Another thing every time an ABS maker makes a synthetic handle material or a brut deforged blade there is someone that thinks they are denigrating the stamp by making a knife that is affordable and might be desired by a younger buying market
Please except that people have different tastes and that tastes can change
Lets look at production knife companies. What artists are they working with ? Not many ABS smiths are they
They are catering to an up and coming market which regretfully is not ABS style blades
This is not personal. Its business
Again I am not saying that a maker that has a long wait and has a large following change a thing but if If I were a young ABS style maker looking to feed my family I would be dabbling in many different genres to see what is growing and what is not
It seems like today promotion is a dirty word
Go tell Snody and Jerry Busse that they are doing it all wrong
The ABS needs to find ways to promote themselves better
Go find someone like Steve D and ask him his advise
If I where a young maker I would be getting booths at the TKI and shows that were growing not shrinking
If I were an ABS style maker I would be asking the people that run the blade show to introduce the Best Forged Tactical category
Again I hate the word tactical but it does not matter what I hate ...... What matters is what a young and up and coming market likes
Kevin my dear friend, it still bothers me that you think I find any enjoyment in the lack of interest in the ABS shows. If anything I would like to see every genre from the art knife to the traditional folder market grow
Someone asked what can be done to bring in more collectors
The answer is do not expect people to travel just for your show. Piggy back it off other events so that folks are there already
Secondly ..... Make stuff that a young and up coming buying public wants
This is simple stuff
Last edited:
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- 15,019
Kevin
I was typing while you where posting
I like the car show analogy
Back in the day you had the muscle car shows that didn't wanna mix with the exotics ..... Neither wanted to mix with the fast and the furious crowd
The best show I stopped at this year had all three plus motorcycles
I actually took the time to talk to some young kid about his hopped up fast and furious car and even drove one and I was blown away
Something I never ever thought I would say
I believe the ABS must align with a genre that is attracting a younger audience in effect customer farming
I was typing while you where posting
I like the car show analogy
Back in the day you had the muscle car shows that didn't wanna mix with the exotics ..... Neither wanted to mix with the fast and the furious crowd
The best show I stopped at this year had all three plus motorcycles
I actually took the time to talk to some young kid about his hopped up fast and furious car and even drove one and I was blown away
Something I never ever thought I would say
I believe the ABS must align with a genre that is attracting a younger audience in effect customer farming
Kohai999
Second Degree Cutter
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2003
- Messages
- 12,554
This is a good discussion, one that needs to be had....again.
The momentum that the Knifemaker's Guild had in the mid '90's and the American Bladesmith Society had in the early 2000's is GONE!
Why? Because those in leadership were more interested/hamstrung by "tradition" and "the way we have been doing things" and "our mission....." than seeing which way the wind was blowing, taking advantage of that momentum and making strategic decisions and planning for the sustainable EXPANSION of the organizations.
It is simply time for new leadership(yes, Gene you CAN do this, you are a smart and capable man) in BOTH organizations to scrap many of the "traditional" ways of doing things and redefine the goals of those organizations.
Specifically pointing to the ABS and state that the goal of "preserving the forged blade through education" is tired and OVER. It is time for the organization to recognize the rock stars of the forged blade, learn from them, promote them, and focus on the PROFITABILITY and inherent sexiness of the forged blade. The collection of knives in this issue of the ABS Journal focusing on knives done in the style of the 19th century only illustrates the problem all too well. MAYBE 5% of the collectors that I know even have a passing interest in this style of knife, but many makers do. It is self-indulgent.
I can point to the work of Adam and Haley DesRosiers, Matt Diskin, Burt Foster, Don Hanson, Jason Knight, David Mirabile, Mike Quesenberry and Nick Wheeler...just to name a few. Young, dynamic, always improving, always taking chances. Their knives command very respectable money, sell readily and they benefit the ABS by association, vastly more than they benefit from the ABS. It is jealousy, lack of comprehension and poor marketing/understanding of business that does not allow many of their peers to benefit from their examples. Their skills are light years ahead. I have seen very few makers produce a large fighter in the style of the makers mentioned above because it is pretty darned difficult....but it isn't impossible....the other makers just need to try, and try hard. Better to make one or two superlative piece(s) in a month for good money, than make 6 average pieces for average money.
Matt Diskin and I went to the Las Vegas Antique Arms and Armor Show at the Riviera on Saturday. I made a joke that many of the vendors must have purchased these items new. There were very few younger people in the room at all. Prices in many cases were fair..but the "action" wasn't there..the custom knifemakers section was small, not much exciting to see....simply old and tired. Contrast this with the TKI which ROCKED, great attendance, money being spent, great food, excellent vibe in the room for the collectors, dealers AND makers. Risks were taken, I mean Allen Elishewitz made a subhilt SWORD....and it sold for $3,800.00 Readily...and it will probably be re-sold for a profit.
As a maker, as a show promoter and as an organization head, if you are not focused on profitability for yourself, those that attend your shows and those that belong to your organization, you are an anachronism, and it is time to get out of the way, and let those who ARE working for EVERYONE's best interest to step up and lead.
As with Joe and Kevin, this is written as a fan of the forged blade....there are probably more forged blades in my collection than stock removal. Some nice swords, fixed blades and a few folders....many of these were in the mid-4 figures....I have love and skin in this game and only want everyone to share the joy that we all have for the forged blade.
Best Regards,
STeven Garsson
The momentum that the Knifemaker's Guild had in the mid '90's and the American Bladesmith Society had in the early 2000's is GONE!
Why? Because those in leadership were more interested/hamstrung by "tradition" and "the way we have been doing things" and "our mission....." than seeing which way the wind was blowing, taking advantage of that momentum and making strategic decisions and planning for the sustainable EXPANSION of the organizations.
It is simply time for new leadership(yes, Gene you CAN do this, you are a smart and capable man) in BOTH organizations to scrap many of the "traditional" ways of doing things and redefine the goals of those organizations.
Specifically pointing to the ABS and state that the goal of "preserving the forged blade through education" is tired and OVER. It is time for the organization to recognize the rock stars of the forged blade, learn from them, promote them, and focus on the PROFITABILITY and inherent sexiness of the forged blade. The collection of knives in this issue of the ABS Journal focusing on knives done in the style of the 19th century only illustrates the problem all too well. MAYBE 5% of the collectors that I know even have a passing interest in this style of knife, but many makers do. It is self-indulgent.
I can point to the work of Adam and Haley DesRosiers, Matt Diskin, Burt Foster, Don Hanson, Jason Knight, David Mirabile, Mike Quesenberry and Nick Wheeler...just to name a few. Young, dynamic, always improving, always taking chances. Their knives command very respectable money, sell readily and they benefit the ABS by association, vastly more than they benefit from the ABS. It is jealousy, lack of comprehension and poor marketing/understanding of business that does not allow many of their peers to benefit from their examples. Their skills are light years ahead. I have seen very few makers produce a large fighter in the style of the makers mentioned above because it is pretty darned difficult....but it isn't impossible....the other makers just need to try, and try hard. Better to make one or two superlative piece(s) in a month for good money, than make 6 average pieces for average money.
Matt Diskin and I went to the Las Vegas Antique Arms and Armor Show at the Riviera on Saturday. I made a joke that many of the vendors must have purchased these items new. There were very few younger people in the room at all. Prices in many cases were fair..but the "action" wasn't there..the custom knifemakers section was small, not much exciting to see....simply old and tired. Contrast this with the TKI which ROCKED, great attendance, money being spent, great food, excellent vibe in the room for the collectors, dealers AND makers. Risks were taken, I mean Allen Elishewitz made a subhilt SWORD....and it sold for $3,800.00 Readily...and it will probably be re-sold for a profit.
As a maker, as a show promoter and as an organization head, if you are not focused on profitability for yourself, those that attend your shows and those that belong to your organization, you are an anachronism, and it is time to get out of the way, and let those who ARE working for EVERYONE's best interest to step up and lead.
As with Joe and Kevin, this is written as a fan of the forged blade....there are probably more forged blades in my collection than stock removal. Some nice swords, fixed blades and a few folders....many of these were in the mid-4 figures....I have love and skin in this game and only want everyone to share the joy that we all have for the forged blade.
Best Regards,
STeven Garsson
Last edited:
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The Expo was a BIG improvement over the previous venue. I did find it different that the suppliers were off in a different room. You know how it is when you see a knife at the show that gives you an idea, you just run over to the supply guys and develop your idea, well you couldn't really do that. Not very many suppliers were there but you could get just about everything anyway. I drooled my way past each knifemakers table It really looked like each maker put their best on the table I did see a few I would have liked to purchase but I missed out on a couple and I did buy some Mammoth from Charley and some more copper from jephco which put a dent in my wallet. Weintz machine has got me wanting to ask the boss for a raise in my allowance!
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Great stuff written here guys! Joe, Kevin & Steven well said!
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This is a good discussion, and I really want to thank all of you for taking the time to add your thoughts here. It truly demonstrates your passion for our community.
Haley and I had a wonderful time at the expo as we always have. We delighted in the brotherhood with other makers, collectors and fellow enthusiasts. We enjoyed the relaxed and social atmosphere of the show, and of course the outstanding food and socializing after hours.
Some personal highlights for me were; the honor of being asked to judge the Journeyman applicants, being able to participate in the "elite knives for elite soldiers" project, and most of all the new friendships that were forged at the show. After many years of casual association, and a shared cab ride from the airport, I finally was able to spend some quality time getting to know Daniel O'malley from Bladegallery. We enjoyed a fantastic evening out with Daniel and the Bill Burke entourage. It is hard not to be swept up in the excitement over the new Seattle show that Bladegallery is planning to host this coming spring.
It was great to see all of our fellow knife makers, and the excellent work that they brought. We were also blessed to meet and do business with some new (for us) collectors. All of this was topped off by an exciting four days in the Studio 4 shop with the mad Damascus genius Dave Lisch. More on that in an upcoming thread....
Despite the fact that we had a lovely time it was apparent that the attendance and collecting was down this year, and I'm thankfull that we are speaking openly about what can be done to enhance the critically important, maker-collector interface that the shows represent for us.
Kevin, Joe, and Steven, I want to thank you for the dedication and love you have shown by your willingness to put your thoughts on the line for all of us.
Larry Fagan made the statement to me at this show that every Bladesmith in the country, and most in the world have benefitted in some way from the existence of the ABS, and I agree with that. I will continue to be thankfull, and to support the ABS for all that they have done for me personally, and for bladesmiths around the planet.
I also however have to agree with Steven and Joe that the preservation of tradition alone will not take us boldly into the future. I speak for many bladesmiths when I say that what drives me as a maker is the desire to make and possess the best knives ever made. When I began making knives, I did so because I could not beg borrow or steal a knife that would perform to my satisfaction in my daily use. Thankfully this is no longer the case. I am grateful for the innovations by both the "custom" and the "tactical" industries.
We live in exciting times as knife makers, collectors, and users. I look forward to to what the next years have in store for us, no matter what organization we were cultivated by.
Adam
Haley and I had a wonderful time at the expo as we always have. We delighted in the brotherhood with other makers, collectors and fellow enthusiasts. We enjoyed the relaxed and social atmosphere of the show, and of course the outstanding food and socializing after hours.
Some personal highlights for me were; the honor of being asked to judge the Journeyman applicants, being able to participate in the "elite knives for elite soldiers" project, and most of all the new friendships that were forged at the show. After many years of casual association, and a shared cab ride from the airport, I finally was able to spend some quality time getting to know Daniel O'malley from Bladegallery. We enjoyed a fantastic evening out with Daniel and the Bill Burke entourage. It is hard not to be swept up in the excitement over the new Seattle show that Bladegallery is planning to host this coming spring.
It was great to see all of our fellow knife makers, and the excellent work that they brought. We were also blessed to meet and do business with some new (for us) collectors. All of this was topped off by an exciting four days in the Studio 4 shop with the mad Damascus genius Dave Lisch. More on that in an upcoming thread....
Despite the fact that we had a lovely time it was apparent that the attendance and collecting was down this year, and I'm thankfull that we are speaking openly about what can be done to enhance the critically important, maker-collector interface that the shows represent for us.
Kevin, Joe, and Steven, I want to thank you for the dedication and love you have shown by your willingness to put your thoughts on the line for all of us.
Larry Fagan made the statement to me at this show that every Bladesmith in the country, and most in the world have benefitted in some way from the existence of the ABS, and I agree with that. I will continue to be thankfull, and to support the ABS for all that they have done for me personally, and for bladesmiths around the planet.
I also however have to agree with Steven and Joe that the preservation of tradition alone will not take us boldly into the future. I speak for many bladesmiths when I say that what drives me as a maker is the desire to make and possess the best knives ever made. When I began making knives, I did so because I could not beg borrow or steal a knife that would perform to my satisfaction in my daily use. Thankfully this is no longer the case. I am grateful for the innovations by both the "custom" and the "tactical" industries.
We live in exciting times as knife makers, collectors, and users. I look forward to to what the next years have in store for us, no matter what organization we were cultivated by.
Adam
Last edited:
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Let's discuss what might work
The TKI had a line to get in and I believe almost everything in the room sold
People had to fly to get there
A lot of people where in town already for the SHOT show
Some promoter was pretty smart to piggy back off the largest trade show for guns in the world
I agree Joe, the traditional customs shows (ABS, Guild) need to piggy back either off one another or other events like SHOT or Safari Club etc.
Not surprised at all Joe, considering popularity brought about by 911, increased firearm ownership in general, Hollywoods promotion of tactical weapons in popular action/hero movies, video games etc.
But this trend certainly doesn't mean that it's all over for collecting of antique and fine traditional Hunting firearms. Tactical firearms just like tactical knives are riding the wave right now.
I totally agree Joe, if I were an ABS maker, especially one just starting out, I would be offering both varying knife styles and materials to please both traditional and tactical collectors.
I'm primarily a forger blade collector, however there's not many style knives that I don't either like or at least find interesting.
I do believe a substantial amount of the younger collectors initially interested in tactical knives will eventually migrate into traditional and Art knives.
I don't think that Joe and I know you wish the very best for the custom knife community in general thus my
posted at the end of my post. I just don't agree with your negative view expressed multiple times towards the future of traditional custom knives. I feel it's counter productive. But on the other hand I know you are just trying to drive home a point as to how important it is for ABS makers to not ignore the emerging tactical market.
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After reading through this I have some thoughts and hope I can clear up a couple things.
After being on the show committee for the past 4 years I stepped down following this show. It was time for some new blood. This was planned and was only for personal reasons.
As a committee member I can offer a couple insights into what you are all talking about.
#1 Reno
I went to all of the shows in Reno. It started well but after a few years it was starting to decline. There was talk about moving it to the center of the country to make it a show that would be accessible from either coast. The final year we were there was a nightmare. Many makers and collectors had to take buses from Salt Lake due to dense fog. Flight delays were abundant. Huge snows on Donner pass made it nearly impossible for collectors to drive from California one year. Some people don't seem to be informed about the SCI show and thought we should stay there and chase those attendees. In fact I personlly looked into moving the show right next to the convention center where SCI was held. That was until we found out SCI was moving to Las Vegas. It was only going to be in Reno one more year. SCI was planning on bouncing between Reno and Vegas every couple of years. We decided as a committee that it would be better to host a stand alone show catering to our own knife collectors rather than try to chase another convention from city to city every couple years. SCI has available booths is knife makers want to attend. So many of our makers think we should have stayed when the show they were chasing was already leaving.
#2
Arkansas and Forged Blades
How great would the Arkansas show be if there had never been an ABS? Seems like some makers bite the hand that helped them. I admire people like Dave Lisch who do Arkansas but also attend the ABS show. And Dave had some killer knives in Texas and I'm sure he will in Arkansas.
#3
Travel to San Antonio
Some people make it sound like we are hosting this show in Two Dot, Montana. Look it up, it actually exists. I flew from Missoula, Montana to San Antonio with one stop. Hardly difficult to get to.
#4
Participation?
For any show to be great you need maker participation. Sadly so many makers love to tout their Master Smith stamp and stamp every knife they make. But they can't find a way to attend the only all forged blade show in the world. And so many makers bitch about not selling knives at a show. But rarely stop to ask what they did to make the show better. How many collectors did they bring? How many collectors names did they supply to the committee for mailings?
#5
The Guild
I'm one of the makers that pushed behind the scenes to combine the Guild and ABS Show. However the Guild does not want to team up with the ABS. They just want the ABS Mastersmiths at their show. They don't want Journeyman or Apprentices. So guys like Owen Wood and Rick Eaton would not be allowed to attend. They only offer for Masters to attend their show.
I wanted a very simple format. Pick a neutral city, split the advertising budget, split the room in half. Allow as many makers in as want to attend. And each organization can rent the banquet rooms they need for whatever banquets and meetings they may have. Split any income or debt that may result. Unfortunately egos on BOTH boards get in the way. It could be a huge custom and handmade knife show. It would be a knife collectors paridise.
#5
The ABS
I've gone to bat for the ABS a lot in public. And have again here a bit. But let me be clear. I have big concerns for the ABS and its future. I will not voice them here as I would rather do it directly to the board. But many of their board members are rigid and show no interest in listening to some of the younger makers. In fact I personally went to the board a few years ago and had a not so pleasant exchange. This is not the board as a whole. But certain key members of the ABS board are unwilling to listen to differing opinons.
Sales at this years show were down a bit. But I don't think it was bad. In fact I thought the venue, room, and set up was quite nice. Sadly it seems as though the ABS is a bit fractured and unsure of its direction. Hopefully the ABS board will begin to reach out and realize they have some huge opportunities to expand and be a force in the knife world.
After being on the show committee for the past 4 years I stepped down following this show. It was time for some new blood. This was planned and was only for personal reasons.
As a committee member I can offer a couple insights into what you are all talking about.
#1 Reno
I went to all of the shows in Reno. It started well but after a few years it was starting to decline. There was talk about moving it to the center of the country to make it a show that would be accessible from either coast. The final year we were there was a nightmare. Many makers and collectors had to take buses from Salt Lake due to dense fog. Flight delays were abundant. Huge snows on Donner pass made it nearly impossible for collectors to drive from California one year. Some people don't seem to be informed about the SCI show and thought we should stay there and chase those attendees. In fact I personlly looked into moving the show right next to the convention center where SCI was held. That was until we found out SCI was moving to Las Vegas. It was only going to be in Reno one more year. SCI was planning on bouncing between Reno and Vegas every couple of years. We decided as a committee that it would be better to host a stand alone show catering to our own knife collectors rather than try to chase another convention from city to city every couple years. SCI has available booths is knife makers want to attend. So many of our makers think we should have stayed when the show they were chasing was already leaving.
#2
Arkansas and Forged Blades
How great would the Arkansas show be if there had never been an ABS? Seems like some makers bite the hand that helped them. I admire people like Dave Lisch who do Arkansas but also attend the ABS show. And Dave had some killer knives in Texas and I'm sure he will in Arkansas.
#3
Travel to San Antonio
Some people make it sound like we are hosting this show in Two Dot, Montana. Look it up, it actually exists. I flew from Missoula, Montana to San Antonio with one stop. Hardly difficult to get to.
#4
Participation?
For any show to be great you need maker participation. Sadly so many makers love to tout their Master Smith stamp and stamp every knife they make. But they can't find a way to attend the only all forged blade show in the world. And so many makers bitch about not selling knives at a show. But rarely stop to ask what they did to make the show better. How many collectors did they bring? How many collectors names did they supply to the committee for mailings?
#5
The Guild
I'm one of the makers that pushed behind the scenes to combine the Guild and ABS Show. However the Guild does not want to team up with the ABS. They just want the ABS Mastersmiths at their show. They don't want Journeyman or Apprentices. So guys like Owen Wood and Rick Eaton would not be allowed to attend. They only offer for Masters to attend their show.
I wanted a very simple format. Pick a neutral city, split the advertising budget, split the room in half. Allow as many makers in as want to attend. And each organization can rent the banquet rooms they need for whatever banquets and meetings they may have. Split any income or debt that may result. Unfortunately egos on BOTH boards get in the way. It could be a huge custom and handmade knife show. It would be a knife collectors paridise.
#5
The ABS
I've gone to bat for the ABS a lot in public. And have again here a bit. But let me be clear. I have big concerns for the ABS and its future. I will not voice them here as I would rather do it directly to the board. But many of their board members are rigid and show no interest in listening to some of the younger makers. In fact I personally went to the board a few years ago and had a not so pleasant exchange. This is not the board as a whole. But certain key members of the ABS board are unwilling to listen to differing opinons.
Sales at this years show were down a bit. But I don't think it was bad. In fact I thought the venue, room, and set up was quite nice. Sadly it seems as though the ABS is a bit fractured and unsure of its direction. Hopefully the ABS board will begin to reach out and realize they have some huge opportunities to expand and be a force in the knife world.
Kohai999
Second Degree Cutter
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- 12,554
Adam called me months before the Expo to personally invite me to attend. I have a lot of friends at the Expo and would like to see San Antonio....but I am in this industry professionally now as an Account Manager for Moteng North America and have The SHOT Show/Antique Arms and Armor/TKI Show to attend to see the biggest picture possible on the company dime...and the Expo is the weekend after....it's really not possible for me and many others involved in the industry to do this.
THIS IS THE PROBLEM.....if you as a Board Member are so sure of your position that you don't consider other valuable and educated opinions, you harm yourself which is bad enough....but the egomania and damage you do to that organization is a killer....and you should get smart and consider those other opinions or step down....simple as that.
Josh, it isn't a money thing....if you saw the money being spent at SHOT and The TKI, you would know this....it is a perception issue, possibly one of timing and it is a matter of makers marketing themselves to their best potential....but I do think the ABS needs to do more than the have done already and this requires a complete paradigm shift. I have no interest in traveling to Arkansas at this time, but do hear it is a bang up show.
I do the afformentioned SHOT thing, Blade, The USN Gathering and Dan Delavan's Plaza Cutlery Show. Time and inclination permitting, I go to Pasadena for the show there, and if I can find time(and money) this year, will go to either Seattle for Daniel's show or your show.
I miss your face, and hope you are doing well....drop me an e-mail or call sometime.
Best Regards,
STeven Garsson