I can only speak for me personally. I have been to every SOS Show.
This was by far the nicest facility (room) to date. The hotel was great (except that you had to pay $13 a day for Internet access). The wait staff at the hotel's restaurant bent over backwards to help you. Excellent food. As well there were several excellent restaurants within just a few minutes of the show.
Bruce had a get together Thursday night at the National Knife Collector Museum, inside the Smokey Mountain Knife Works. My wife made the comment that it was a good thing I didn't know about this place before I started buying custom knives. What an incredible facility for every type of factory knife you could think of!
We stayed in a hotel Thursday night about 4 miles from the Smokey Mountain Knife Works. The hotel literally was right next to a Bass Pro Shop. Where I spent well over an hour Friday morning before we left for the show. Awesome place!
Like all shows the attendance overall had its peaks an valleys. The "sneak peek" on Friday seemed to bring in people. Several table holders commented to me that they were surprised how busy the show was....considering this was supposed to be a "Set Up" day.
Saturday it was pretty busy...all most the whole day. I sold my most expensive knife of the weekend at about 4:30PM Saturday.
Sunday, for this show...much like every other show attendance wise was slow.
For me, sales wise this was the second best SOS Show I have had (out of 10).
Made some great trades.
That being said I know there were makers who sold out, makers who sold a couple and makers who sold nothing. Just like every other show.
I have no idea how the dealers selling the factory knives did.
Bruce did a lot of advertising, print, bill boards and TV. As the promoter he did his part.
I paid for my table for the 2011 show before I left.
