I agree with most of what Roger said. To that, I'll add that it would help to move these shows around periodically. ABS expo, for example: why not hold it in a different city every OTHER year? It would attract more people who don't want to travel long distances not knowing what to expect, and likely would increase the "on year" attendance in the "home" location with many being so blown away that they wouldn't want to miss a year.
I'll be going to Chicago next month, since it's too close "not" to go, but being a hand forged Bowie fan, there's not as much for me there. Admittedly, it's been several years since I last went, but I wasn't exactly blown away by the exhibitor list (and this in NO way is meant as a slight to the very fine makers attending -- just not what I personally am wanting to see). Folders, folders, folders ... stock removal, stock removal ...
Personally, why would I spend all that money traveling to a show out west when I can buy a great MS Bowie with that money? If it came to my city, you couldn't keep me out of there. The people that fly to shows will continue flying to them, no matter WHERE they're held.
Sorry for the venting, just a long held pet peeve of mine, and hardly confined to the area of knife shows, either.
