Just read that Tom Kirkman should release his decision later this week about holding the 2011 Expo as well as dates & location. Anyone that wants to go should start planning soon. It is well worth the trip!
We attended the 2010 show in North Carolina and it was like old home week getting to see so many people who were such good friends with Gene, myself and Joe Deleon (general manager for Bullard International). We also got to put faces with names of so many customers. While we enjoyed seeing our friends and getting to catch up, we will not attend again.There were plenty of vendors, but we did not see the crowds rushing into the expo that we anticipated .
Because of that we will not be attending the 2011 show. From a lookers stand point I can see that it would be fun though, there was a great deal of things to see, and many items at great prices, sort of a walk-in eBay.
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Silvia Davis Bullard International www.DIAMOND-II.com
We attended the 2010 show in North Carolina and it was like old home week getting to see so many people who were such good friends with Gene, myself and Joe Deleon (general manager for Bullard International). We also got to put faces with names of so many customers. While we enjoyed seeing our friends and getting to catch up, we will not attend again.There were plenty of vendors, but we did not see the crowds rushing into the expo that we anticipated .
Because of that we will not be attending the 2011 show. From a lookers stand point I can see that it would be fun though, there was a great deal of things to see, and many items at great prices, sort of a walk-in eBay.
I wondered how many actual customers there would be there. Rodbuilding is pretty limited as far as a customer base for a supplier of rodbuilding products. There are a lot more builders than there used to be but we are still a pretty small market. I think the ones with the best products will survive and prosper and the ones with older outdated products will have to develop new products or be left behind. Silvia, You have no worries you have the best finish on the market. Pat
We attended the 2010 show in North Carolina and it was like old home week getting to see so many people who were such good friends with Gene, myself and Joe Deleon (general manager for Bullard International). We also got to put faces with names of so many customers. While we enjoyed seeing our friends and getting to catch up, we will not attend again.There were plenty of vendors, but we did not see the crowds rushing into the expo that we anticipated .
Because of that we will not be attending the 2011 show. From a lookers stand point I can see that it would be fun though, there was a great deal of things to see, and many items at great prices, sort of a walk-in eBay.
Sylvia, I can only speak as a hobby rodbuilder/buyer of supplies, and I'm not a staunch defender of the ICRBE. To me, the show offers a chance to see new products first hand, as well as the sales and seminars. I suspect that your products, as well as Bill Cason's wouldn't have been received as well as they are, if they hadn't been on display at the show. I did not buy any of your products there, only because I feared a problem trying to fly home w/ them. Lance has since stocked me up, but because I first saw it there. I can't think of a better venue than the ICRBE to introduce new products to rodbuilders. I'll be disappointed if you don't return w/ some even newer stuff.
Lance has since stocked me up, but because I first saw it there. I can't think of a better venue than the ICRBE to introduce new products to rodbuilders. I'll be disappointed if you don't return w/ some even newer stuff.
Jerry I appreciate your comments. We will still most certainly be well represented there--that is if the dealers return. I would think they most probably will, but really I can't speak for them. You are so right about what all we have coming out and we will be ever present so you can bet that we will most certainly have our products front and center where we can get the most exposure.
To help explain why this just does not seem feasible to go again--we really have to go where we get the most exposure for our product. Now if we had rod blanks to sell I think that we would have gotten more exposure. I am sure that this is an attractive option for those who do.
Don't get me wrong, if I had only just met "one" person, I would have been thrilled to meet them, but as far as cost versus benefit--I have to say that the shows that offer more target specific venues for our products are ideal for us and we will be sure and visit or set up a booth at these events.
You know what has gotten us the most exposure? Not advertising, not the largest facility--but the smaller venues. You would not believe the folks we met and what actually equated to sales while attending, what is considered by some as, the smaller shows. The one day that we spent at Fishing Tackle Unlimited was a perfect example of that, and I showed up late that day because of a migraine--still great exposure for us.
I feel confident that I will get to meet many more rod builders by making several shows on a smaller scale. And really that is what I love to do--actually meet and get to speak one on one with you guys (and gals J). I suppose I am much like Gene in that way. I start visiting and forget what I am there for!It is more fun that way though!
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Silvia Davis Bullard International www.DIAMOND-II.com
Thanks everyone for the thumbs up on DIAMOND II. I really appreciate it!
You may hear me speak about Joe Deleon and I forget that some may not know who he is. Joe was the general manager for Gene at Bullard International. One of the most honest and loyal guys I have ever known and a true friend and confidant to Gene. He is truly part of our family and knows everyone in this business, and I do mean everyone. I was amazed how he hadn't forgotten anyone's name and could tell you their business name as well as where the business was located. He took care of all incoming orders...everyone wanted to speak to Joe!
You see Joe here (on the right) with Boyd Pfeiffer at the Custom Rod Expo in North Carolina. Boyd Pfeiffer is an internationally known award-winning outdoor journalist. No one has written better or on more subjects about this business than Boyd Pfeiffer. Google him and you will see what I mean--the first two full pages are all about him. We were ALL honored to meet this great man. He was the nicest guy and the most humble of men you would ever want to meet, especially considering his background in and importance to this industry. I wish there had been more time to spend with him, but he was a busy guy.
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Silvia Davis Bullard International www.DIAMOND-II.com
We attended the 2010 show in North Carolina and it was like old home week getting to see so many people who were such good friends with Gene, myself and Joe Deleon (general manager for Bullard International). We also got to put faces with names of so many customers. While we enjoyed seeing our friends and getting to catch up, we will not attend again.There were plenty of vendors, but we did not see the crowds rushing into the expo that we anticipated .
Because of that we will not be attending the 2011 show. From a lookers stand point I can see that it would be fun though, there was a great deal of things to see, and many items at great prices, sort of a walk-in eBay.
Sylvia, I can only speak as a hobby rodbuilder/buyer of supplies, and I'm not a staunch defender of the ICRBE. To me, the show offers a chance to see new products first hand, as well as the sales and seminars. I suspect that your products, as well as Bill Cason's wouldn't have been received as well as they are, if they hadn't been on display at the show. I did not buy any of your products there, only because I feared a problem trying to fly home w/ them. Lance has since stocked me up, but because I first saw it there. I can't think of a better venue than the ICRBE to introduce new products to rodbuilders. I'll be disappointed if you don't return w/ some even newer stuff.
Jerry,
Due to many emails about the fact that my name remains on the support and promotion of the 2011 North Carolina show I have finally contacted Mr. Kirkman and asked if he would kindly take my name and company name off as a supporter past or present.
This quotes his response. "I will not remove your quote. Nor are you invited back to the Expo in 2011. Have your attorney call me tomorrow."
Because of this type of conduct, which is business as usual on the part of Mr. Kirkman I do not do business with him in any way. Speaking for myself, if someone asked me to remove a quote from my site, I would oblige and not use their well known name to support a business venture in which they did not intend.
Possibly this clarifies things as to my returning or not returning for any future event held by Mr. Kirkman.
Silvia
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Silvia Davis Bullard International www.DIAMOND-II.com
