Vegas ramblings..

[Mikey P]

This is Larry Cooper...

The rumor mills are saying that the associations are no longer playing ball with him and only five are sticking with him and the show which will be changing names.

If the IICRC can ever get their act together we may see a show out of them as well.

Ask the suppliers/vendors what they feel about having to attend another "worthless" show....

Most vendors will tell you over a beer that they "have to attend" Connections so they appear strong and healthy.
Even if they are not...
These companies that buy 3 to 6 booths spend a small fortune doing so and if they have to do it twice now (along with an east coast option, many will have to chose one over the other.
Direct sales from events like these could never account but for maybe 5% of the true costs of attending.


This year had an extra row or two of inside vendors but out side is continuing the trend of getting fewer and few trucks set up and running. Trade show attendance on Thursday and Saturday was very light IMO with Friday feeling very busy.

Personally I would spend up to an hour at one booth learning about a item or service, being so involved that I never saw many people who I knew were there. Unless they were hanging out at the Hilton Hooker bar, we never touched base. Funny cause I can see some folks in the back grounds of my photos that I never actually saw in person..

We had sixteen folks show up for the MB dinner party. Good times, good chow and good laughs..
Too bad the thumbsuckers felt that going to another restaurant was going to teach me a lesson or some illogical bullshit
Warrington did not come to the show so I gave his TMF Free Dinner coupon to Forsythe. Shawn said thanks by putting one of his f'd up photoshop works of art on my chair while I was grazing.. what a pal.

On Friday five of us went to the Pawn Stars shop and some other pawn stores in search of some man jewelry for Olsen and Lockheart. Olsen lived in Vegas so he really knew his way around and gave us a good tour. Time was spent in the Caesars mall were we all pretended to be big spenders harassing the sales people with offers on 100k artsy luminescent photographs of exotic location we'll never see and twenty thousand dollar watches. We left there only with a coffe table book with 3d photos of baby animals for Lockheart's bathroom.

Oh, John and Mike, if you two are going to pretend to be wrist watch snobs you really should know what this watch is.
and it's significance in history was..

Reaction to the "new" board and upcoming changes were met with great enthusiasm from the vendors. As soon as we get a few more things worked out you'll be sure to see many more companies, both large and small participation here. Interactive articles, many free raffle items, special pricing and more..



thanks for the drinks everyone!!!!
my t-rex arms barely got a workout.

 

[Desk Jockey]

hey I spent some time behind one of those! Damn look at that hair, shit look at the T-Rex arms!

That was the largest oriential rug I had ever seen. It was at Alf Landon's home, he was the former govenor of Kansas.


Psst who is the chick with the nice legs?

 

[Giorgio]

Chavez,

is that you in those bell bottom jeans?

Groovy mannnnn

 

[randy]

Actually Cooper had Interlink come out with a new drag wand and that's what he was operating in the demo. Not real sure what Is so different about it. The concept of running it off a portable seems bizarre.

This idea of multiple conventions to remedy the problem (fix connections) is foolhardy at best and irresponsible on the part of the associations which are also shrinking (big time) every year. The associations should hire Judge JUDY to arbitrate a solution among the those involved. This industry isn't big enough for two connections every year (that was dumb in a good economy but sheer stupidly to continue it now). The whole purpose of connections was to get away from a bunch of poorly attended regional association trade shows. Now they are digressing at the worst possible time.

I would have Connections once a year at a different location like every other industry I'm involved with. Have industry specific speakers give the keynote or at least a business related speaker. The new age mambo jumbo was very disappointing.


Also why not merge Summerfest with Mikes fest? Call it Mikey's summer feast or whatever. Diluting the attendance over all these separate events is crazy. Manufacturers can't fund sending a crew to all these events and they are starting to cut back big time. Many sat this one out.

 

[Mikey P]

 

[billyeadon]

I just want to know what happened to everyone on Friday? I have never seen a 3rd day dropoff at Connections like this one.

 

[Mikey P]

You'd think Friday would have seen the most folks who would come in and spend the week end like Donald did.



quite the conundrum.

 

[randy]

I left early and went to the parking lot of Tony Roma's to look at the burn marks from the mafia car bombing in the early 80's, no sign of it anymore but walking around the parking lot in 105 degree heat was more interesting than 90% of Connections this year. The ribs were good too.

All kidding aside I heard many guys say what a waste it was coming to the event this year so I look for even lower turn out next year if the event is even held. If it is going to suck this bad, they should just shit can it. Even a couple of guys that live in Vegas commented about wasting their time. How do you think those of us that dropped $1600 for airfare, hotel, rental car and registration feel ? Hint some are really pissed and feel ripped off. Defiantly my last Connections.

 

[Dolly Llama]

Actually Cooper had Interlink come out with a new drag wand .

from what i see, they didn't do much to Steam Genie's drag wand to be calling it "new" ?

if dig one of mine out, can I sell it for half as much as the nEw waNd??


..L.T.A.

 

[Shawn Forsythe]

Mike,

Thank you very much for the dinner. I really appreciate it. I mean it.
It wasn't me who brought the picture, nor did I have any knowledge of it until I saw it on the chair. I don't even know who brought it.

Again, thank you. I would not have done anything to even try to cause embarrassment, after the kind act. It's too bad you don't know me better.

Shawn

 

[Giorgio]

I just want to know what happened to everyone on Friday? I have never seen a 3rd day dropoff at Connections like this one.

I think the economy is mostly to blame. that and high fuel prices.

 

[Mikey P]

Shawn I wasnt bummed about that pic, I thinks its funny.

I know you made it so I figured it was you who brought it.

No worries

 

[steve frasier]

Tried to buy Tony's dinner but wouldn't let me

 

[Shorty]

Dunno how true it is, but I heard a mention of a possible new name..................

MIKONNECTFEST

Could be interesting, can you ride one of those hupmobile things with two wheels, or does yer hed hit the ceiling?

(6 pot screamer)

 

[Mikey P]

Dispute the noggin, I'm quite adept on a Segway

 

[bob vawter]

is that KESSLAR giving the bunny ears to MIKEY?

 

[Hoody]

My guess is its probably ChuckEE

 

[The Great Oz]

Cooper has left the building along with the associations that joined his ICRA group.

The rest will carry on with new partners and will be free to create the event that Connections always should have been. Much is yet to be accomplished before dates can be announced, but the concept of being inclusive extends in a lot of directions.

At least the vendors can be assured they'll have a choice, and since the non-ICRAtes have been trying to kill the Florida event for years the vendors will also know we won't force them to attend any low-attendance number 2 event.

 

[Desk Jockey]

That sounds great Bryan!

 

[John Olson]

This is Larry Cooper...

The rumor mills are saying that the associations are no longer playing ball with him and only five are sticking with him and the show which will be changing names.

If the IICRC can ever get their act together we may see a show out of them as well.

Ask the suppliers/vendors what they feel about having to attend another "worthless" show....

Most vendors will tell you over a beer that they "have to attend" Connections so they appear strong and healthy.
Even if they are not...
These companies that buy 3 to 6 booths spend a small fortune doing so and if they have to do it twice now (along with an east coast option, many will have to chose one over the other.
Direct sales from events like these could never account but for maybe 5% of the true costs of attending.


This year had an extra row or two of inside vendors but out side is continuing the trend of getting fewer and few trucks set up and running. Trade show attendance on Thursday and Saturday was very light IMO with Friday feeling very busy.

Personally I would spend up to an hour at one booth learning about a item or service, being so involved that I never saw many people who I knew were there. Unless they were hanging out at the Hilton Hooker bar, we never touched base. Funny cause I can see some folks in the back grounds of my photos that I never actually saw in person..

We had sixteen folks show up for the MB dinner party. Good times, good chow and good laughs..
Too bad the thumbsuckers felt that going to another restaurant was going to teach me a lesson or some illogical bullshit
Warrington did not come to the show so I gave his TMF Free Dinner coupon to Forsythe. Shawn said thanks by putting one of his f'd up photoshop works of art on my chair while I was grazing.. what a pal.

On Friday five of us went to the Pawn Stars shop and some other pawn stores in search of some man jewelry for Olsen and Lockheart. Olsen lived in Vegas so he really knew his way around and gave us a good tour. Time was spent in the Caesars mall were we all pretended to be big spenders harassing the sales people with offers on 100k artsy luminescent photographs of exotic location we'll never see and twenty thousand dollar watches. We left there only with a coffe table book with 3d photos of baby animals for Lockheart's bathroom.

Oh, John and Mike, if you two are going to pretend to be wrist watch snobs you really should know what this watch is.
and it's significance in history was..

Reaction to the "new" board and upcoming changes were met with great enthusiasm from the vendors. As soon as we get a few more things worked out you'll be sure to see many more companies, both large and small participation here. Interactive articles, many free raffle items, special pricing and more..



thanks for the drinks everyone!!!!
my t-rex arms barely got a workout.

Yeah and you couldn't even tell us what time it said.....

 

[Becker]

You'd think Friday would have seen the most folks who would come in and spend the week end like Donald did.



quite the conundrum.

Friday was enough, unless you are taking class or meeting up with buddies what I did was perfect.

Hit the show friday ( yeah no crowds ) and enjoyed a vacation till Sunday night.

Enjoyed seeing the folks I did, seems by friday most Mikeyboardered had moved on. Did not see any.

As for outside displays. Masterblend were the only wise ones. It is freaking hot out there! Who wants and outside display? Masterblend had some real nice misters.

Had a real nice convo with Burt with Majestic ( thought Ben's used vortex looked like the same color )

I'd like to see connection start Thusday and end sat, and maybe push deeper in to Sept.

Glad I went, over all had a good time.

 

[Becker]

But really my gut tells me many many cleaners across the nation were hit a little bit by the economy and are reducing spending.
When they are taking time off it is with the family, and vegas is no destination for a family IMO.
I also think the fact that Oshea's closed down causes a few to rethink a visit, I know it will be a factor in my future plans. I'm still in shock.

 

[steve frasier]

damn Mike we should have ate here
http://itineraries.nbcnews.com/_new...s-big-on-new-17-million-las-vegas-buffet?lite

 

[Askal]

I had a nice ride there and back. Met a few folks at the show and chatted a bit. Saw some new stuff and got some good deals. Sorry to have missed the MB dinner but had planned on leaving early Fri. to beat the heat. Went through Death Valley on the way back. 112. When you put down your face shield to keep out the heat you know it is hot.
Al

 

[Desk Jockey]

I had a nice ride there and back. Met a few folks at the show and chatted a bit. Saw some new stuff and got some good deals. Sorry to have missed the MB dinner but had planned on leaving early Fri. to beat the heat. Went through Death Valley on the way back. 112. When you put down your face shield to keep out the heat you know it is hot.
Al

Wow that's hot Al!

 

[curt johnson]

Becker hit the nail on the head. With O'sheas closing this has put some of us Vegas regulars in a state of shock and mourning. I know it made me re-think my Vegas plans.....

RIP my Irish themed, cheap drink, cheap gambling, full of great looking drunk women favorite casino.

 

[Desk Jockey]

Curt I have an avatar for you.