Empty tables

T

TomW

Joined
Oct 7, 1998
Messages
1,128
One thing that always bugs me is going to a knife show and finding an empty table where a knifemaker is supposed to be.
It's typical of a couple knifemakers to pull this stunt on a regular basis. They sell all their knives before the show or they are picked up by customers and there is an empty table.
People expect to see the knifemaker and he isn't there. Knifemakers from around the world try to get in and can't get a table at these shows when there are tables sitting there empty. It would be a simple matter for no presence knifemakers to just sell their knives in the lobby and give up the space to somebody that will USE it.
 
I agree with you Tom, but there is another side. I know a maker super guy, good person with a great sence of humor and more than enough talent to boot. He just can not stand being cooped up with a big crowd. He leaves the Blade Show around Saturday noon every year. Table long empty and a buch of orders -"time to go fishin'". Every time I think of him, I shake my head and smile. One of these days I will only be able to be there on a Sunday - then I might really be bent because I missed him.
 
we need to look beyond the obvious....many times these guys dont show up because something happened that is beyond their controll...and sometimes it because something tragic happened....knifemakers get sick....their families end up in the hospital, they get in car accidents....dont assume because someone isnt there its cause he sold all his knives....most knifemakers love to go to the shows.....theres a lot to learn and there are a lot of old friends to see....i have been to the anaheim show several times without getting a table...just to go....
 
I see your point Tom but that isn't the case
It's the same knifemakers all the time puling the same stunt. That's just the way they operate. The promotors shouldn't allow it.People come to a show to meet the knifemakers as well as look at knives. Les will know who I'm talking about.
 
What I dislike is being set up nest to empty tables. Usualy though if that happens, I move some of my stuff on to the empty table. Eliminates the blank spot.

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Lynn Griffith-Tactical Knifemaker
Winner of "Best Tactical Knife" at 1999 PKA show
My website
See my award winning "Spec Ops Tanto" in Gallery 3 of my website
GriffithKN@aol.com
Discounts to Police and Active Duty Military


 
It annoys me too. Even if all the makers knives are sold they should still have some samples of their art to show to prospective customers for special orders. Especially newer models.

Almost as much as when makers leave at 12 noon on Sunday when the show ends at 4!

Now that is poor marketing!
 
I agree with Anthony. Even a picture book of previous work and business cards are better than nothing.

At bigger shows it is sometimes impossible to locate someone if they are not their table.

Larry

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KnifeArt.com
BladeForums.com Sponsor
 
Anthony, you make a good point. Recently a friend and I drove 2 hours to a Japanese sword show after getting lost we found our way there at 11. And like you said they were all packing up. We had just paid $10 each to get in. We went right out and demanded a refund and they actually refused until it started getting loud.
The point I was making in the original post refers to shows like the New York custom shows that many knifemakers try hard to get into and can't but there are the same empty tables there every year. So since I'm on the subject let me take this a bit further and gripe more about shows.
1- Bad light- Why the hell can't they provide decent lighting?
2- crowded aisles- greedy promoters don't rent a big enough hall for the amount of tables. Can't stop to look because you're getting pushed along like you were on the NY subway. That's bad for the knifemakers especially because a lot of people never make it back to the table for a second look.
3- with a thousand people in a room it gets pretty stuffy. is it unreasonable to adjust the temp so people can be comfortable
4- Why not make refreshments availible and at a reasonable price? Many shows don't have them at all.
5- I've been to shows where you have to walk half way to Bolivia to find the mens room:-)
that's petty but annoying
6- Geez wouldn't it be nice to have a place to check your coat instead of having to carry it?
If any of you go to shows that you feel are well managed please let the rest of us know.
I for one will consider a longer journey for a more enjoyable experience.
 
Tom W, convention halls and hotel ballrooms are just miserable places in general. It is even worse when you are working, say, a medical convention, running lights, sound and/or projection for a study in Colin Polyps.

“This is a Colin Polyp.”

This is another.”

This, is a third”

It all comes down to one thing; money. Fast, Cheap or Right. Pick Two.


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~James


 
Tom,

I agree with you for the most part.

My significant other is a project manager for a very large computer company. She is in charge of booking and overseeing 16 software shows a year in major venues. She has a budget that runs into many millions.

It is extremely challenging, even with huge budgets, to find a nice, clean, easily accesible room that will handle 1,000+ people for RETAIL QUALITY event. Actually its almost impossible.

Hotels make 90% of their banquet revenues off the catering. Does 3$ for a bottle of Water sound familiar?
Food is purchased according to head count, even if it isn't sold it is paid for by the promoters.

I never understood why there weer shows in NY as well as Meadowlands. I had always hoped the promoters would do a Westchester or CT show somewhere accessible and close to NYC without the hassle.

I think that the Blade show is the best overall show experience(that I have attended) Nice venue with lots of room to spread out, great city with a lot of inexpensive hotel space, the best makers, lots of new stuff.

I am a veteran of the NY and Meadowlands shows, NECCA shows, and RI shows.
I wish RI would come back. Really.
Although I now live 1000 miles away, that was a good show. I only made it there once but it was special.
 
you guys are right about your point...some people travel from europe and japan to go to some of these shows...its not fair at all.. but then...like isnt fair....and the buttheads will remain buttheads...at least you know who they are and can stay away from them...i find this is the best posture... keep them on the other side of the room.
 
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