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Posts: 485
Location: On my favorite lake! | The Chicago show was great again. I went both Friday and Saturday. I bought a good number of new lures including two of the skull wrapped craves, the operation muskie topwater hoghead, shadillacs , a couple legend baits, bulldogs, red october tubes and a couple custom color Llugen DC's. I got to talk to many new people including a guy in line on friday that was from the Netherlands and had a cab waiting for him to take him to the airport. Saturday was the busiest I have ever seen the show. You could barely walk around. I think the show finally has got to the point they need a bigger space or need to move the seminar space to another room. Regardless the show is still a great time. |
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Posts: 814
| The show was good as usual but I did notice along with some other people that alot of people that normally do this show weren't there this year for some reason....  |
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Posts: 476
Location: St. John, Indiana | mskyhntr - 1/10/2010 9:11 PM
The show was good as usual but I did notice along with some other people that alot of people that normally do this show weren't there this year for some reason.... :(
who was missing?
Edited by weedsnager 1/10/2010 9:24 PM
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Posts: 222
| Did not see Drifter Tackle (Mania,ERC). They at least where not in there same spot. |
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Posts: 485
Location: On my favorite lake! | I didn't see them either so they must have been in someones booth or not there. Never thought about it until you brought it up. Was Suick there? |
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Posts: 814
| This show has gotten to the point where they should move to a bigger building and lower there space price and get some of the people back that they lost.....this is really hurting some people, especially the smaller bait guys. The small slots were 600 bucks plus 75 bucks for electricity, I was told, Thats alot of lures or guide dates for guys to have to sell or book just to break even, thats not even counting gas,food, lodging,etc. |
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Posts: 32925
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | And that is under the average for a booth in a Sports Show. Bigger building means more rental money and higher costs, not less. |
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Posts: 20248
Location: oswego, il | Phantom lures did not have a booth this year, just off the top of my head. Not as many gliders at the show this year. As for moving to a bigger venue, that would be good and a place that sells beer. There is a waiting list to get in the show. There are other venues, nost sure what the cost difference would be however.
The show is still great and still good to see people from here and friends from around the country.
Edited by ToddM 1/10/2010 11:09 PM
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Posts: 1243
Location: Musky Tackle Online, MN | ToddM - 1/10/2010 10:56 PM Phantom lures did not have a booth this year Are you sure? I wasn't there. But I was told (by one of the Phantom guys) that they would be there. This was just 10 days ago. Aaron |
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Posts: 86
| Nope...No Phantom booth |
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Posts: 1243
Location: Musky Tackle Online, MN | Bummer, wonder what happened there. Maybe I'm imagining things that he said they were going....
Aaron |
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Posts: 231
| I heard someone say Todd C. was sick. Don't know if that's true or not, but he definately wasn't at the show. To bad.... first time that I remember. I was glad to see Just In Case had a booth. I'm kicking myself for not jumping on one. Has to be one of the most functionable boxes I'ver ever seen. (Great product)!
Chas |
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Posts: 941
Location: Freedom, WI | According to the fellows from Minnesota Phantom was going to be in somebody's booth but the weather kept him from getting there. They had more snow and wind then we did. I know the weather kept some guys from Indiana from getting there also. |
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Posts: 692
Location: Pelican Rapids, MN | Hey Everyone, like myself, I travelled down on thursday to set up my booth and a normal 9 hr trip took 14+ hours due to snow and glare ice in MN and most of WI. Many exhibitors including Todd, felt that travel was unsafe due to the dozens of over turned cars on I94.
It was a good show but, there were a lot of people that just didn't feel like driving through the insanely crappy conditions. |
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Posts: 2515
Location: Waukesha & Land O Lakes, WI | I didn't see Suick or Dennis Radloff. Overall I thought it was ok. Got a LeLure creeper and that was it.
What's this I hear about a couple of Tuffy's getting destroyed?
Edited by Gander Mt Guide 1/11/2010 8:07 AM
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Posts: 32925
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Steve Suick had an issue arise and couldn't attend. He really wanted to be there, just couldn't be. He'll have some really cool custom Weagle and Wabull products at Milwaukee for sure.
Two boats were cannoned by a semi on the way in. Totaled, and by some near miracle, no one was hurt. |
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| Great show, 1st time for me. One thing that stood out for me was the size of all the pro-guides that were there. On TV, they seem bigger than life ... in person, they are all so small! Well, not all ... but most are just little fellas. Now I know why their fish seem extraordinarily huge! C'mon ... I know they catch huge fish (so don't correct me on this point). I'm not slamming anyone here, just making an observation as a first timer. Anyone else notice this? |
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Posts: 32925
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Yeah, especially Luke Ronnestrand, Tony Grant, and Jerry Sondag. |
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Posts: 476
Location: St. John, Indiana | yeah bucher definetly looks bigger on tv |
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| I noticed this too, but at 6'7" everyone seems a bit small. I never really considered this, but next year I will let my fishing partner hold all fish for photos. (since he is 5' 8" and 150 soaking wet) Just kidding!
Todd Williamson
Lures In Action LLC |
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Posts: 378
Location: Michigan | This was something like my 8th show, and it was good but I really do think a larger venue should be considered. Saturdays have been super crowded historically, and this year was no different. Until a larger facility is utilized, i am going to avoid the show on Saturday from now moving forward. It is just plain too croweded to see, think, and take it all in. I will be targeting early Sunday or late Friday for the show itself in the future.
One thing that has been happening over the last 3-4 years specifically is that there seem to be more gimmicks. This is in the form of marketing/selling strategy, and in the form of products. For me this is a major turnoff... I personally appreciate less fluff, glitz, and glamor. For the booths that try to employ gimmicky marketing or hard sells... I just keep on walking... |
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Posts: 956
Location: Home of the 2016 World Series Champion Cubs | I'm not a vedor, dealer, guide etc but am curious as the gimmicks your refering to? Not being argumentative either, just want to understand your point of view.
I would say Saturday may have been exceptionally crowded due to the fact that bad weather may have kept a noticable number of people away on Friday. Add to that the fact that the packers were playing Sunday afternoon many people probably came down early. Two things that are beyond control of show organizers......as far as I know.
Oh and KUDOS to Muskytales for having the girls from the Blackhawks Ice Crew there, good call. Okay now I see it,that may have been a gimmick. But being the Hawk fan that I am it was all good in my book. Lots of Indianheads on apparel walking the show
aisles this year, also good to see.
Karl
Edited by KARLOUTDOORS 1/11/2010 10:36 AM
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Posts: 667
Location: Roscoe IL | The girls from the Ice crew were a nice touch, I had my old Eddie Belfour Blackhawks jersey on so the girls sure were nice to me.
I brought my wife & 2 boy's to the show this year, it was so crowded we could hardly walk the isles without losing each other. I can understand how it would cost more to have this show in a larger venue, but it sure would be nice. I didn't buy near as much as I wanted due to the traffic at Thorne Bros. I found some of what I wanted at the Rollie & Helens section, but again the traffic prevented me from getting to some areas, so I decided call it and check out without some of the items I wanted. I can promise you that shoppers will spend more if they have a few beers in them, there is no place to sit and relax, have a brew and update your list. As it was, we left after a few hours to get lunch and a few refreshments. If the venue could provide that, I'm certain I would have spent a hell of alot more. As it is, I'll pick up the rest at the Milwaukeee show. Still a fun event & I will return, I just won't bring the wife and kid,s if it's at Harper again.
I know this is a silly question, but the Chicago boat show is coming up at the McCormick place. Is there any way to tie this event in with that? That would be over the top & talk about having room! |
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Posts: 378
Location: Michigan | Well, I am not going to name specific gimmicks because I don't want to offend anyone. Perhaps some people respond to gimmicks, I do not. I think the "hard sell" is the biggest turnoff. I prefer to shop unpressured. If somebody wants to make me aware of something, that is one thing, but I really don't like to be to "what I need". "You need this” and "you need that" translates to get out of my booth...
There are several people who take the hard sell approach at the show that just send me running… To each, their own…
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Posts: 968
Location: N.FIB | the first year I went to the chi show I thought then they needed more room,it hasn`t happened yet so I doubt it will.The one good thing for the show is the pool,alot better than the big tank like at the milw show.I went this year on fri,wasn`t bad at all since we left about 3pm,spent more money than I wanted to,but I knew I would if I went. |
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Posts: 1916
Location: Greenfield, WI | The Chicago Expo was, as always, a great way to start off the Muskie Expo season. It was great seeing so many old friends and making a bunch of new friends as well.
Friday night seemed less crowded than normal, as was most of Sunday. For those looking to miss the crowds may consider those times in the future.
Weather issues, when they occur, can provide opportunities. A temporary weather caused crowd reduction can provide better opportunities to meet and talk to exhibitors and other people in the fishing industry, who may be too busy with the masses within the aisles under normal conditions.
Another pointer to consider to improve your show experience is not waiting until Sunday to get the special something that you saw on Friday or early Saturday. It likely may result in you coming back to see an empty peg or rack where the item used to be! With so many people attending the show, something that catches your eye is likely to catch many other people's eyes as well.
We'll see you in West Allis, WI in February at the Muskie Expo at State Fair.
Everyday we are one day closer to open water fishing again! I'm counting the seconds!
Edited by Steve Van Lieshout 1/11/2010 1:25 PM
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Location: Suburban Chicago | Went with a couple friends and my seven year old son on Saturday.
At 10:00AM, probably prime time, it was FAR TOO CROWDED to enjoy. I am pretty sure all my son saw was a sea of legs. We couldn't get into the auditorium for seats for seminars and it was tough to move around.
Nice stuff there if you could see it and find it. I did manage to spend a fair amount of scratch but it was disappointingly over crowded. Definitely not kid friendly when there's that many people.
-Cheech
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Posts: 3156
| Phantom lures was set to have a booth at the show,,,however the storm didnt allow them to leave friday mourning so they let somebody else have the space,,,Talked to Todd several times over the weekend to update him on show,,hes nor sick just bad weather,,,he will be at the Milw show next month and have the new 12 and 9 inch softtails for sale they wernt ready for Chi he would have taken orders
I heard it was a new one day attendence record on saturday by hundreds of people past the old mark,,,
great show has usual.
it would be nice to have a place with more space but I know show promotors mosttimes sign multi year contracts to get the best price
Edited by happy hooker 1/11/2010 1:41 PM
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Posts: 2515
Location: Waukesha & Land O Lakes, WI | sworrall - 1/11/2010 8:17 AM
Steve Suick had an issue arise and couldn't attend. He really wanted to be there, just couldn't be. He'll have some really cool custom Weagle and Wabull products at Milwaukee for sure.
Two boats were cannoned by a semi on the way in. Totaled, and by some near miracle, no one was hurt.
Sad to hear Steve, what a waste. Good to hear nobody got hurt. |
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Posts: 250
Location: Pittsburgh, PA | Oh dang wish that it was this weekend i could of went. |
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| Great show as usual. Great seminars!
Curious if you vendors had expected sales, or has the economy shown a significant decrease? |
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Posts: 529
Location: Not Where I Want To Be | I thought it was Great. I'm glad i got there friday at Noon and surveyed everything. Started doing my purchasing about 5 PM And let it rip. Saturday i thought it was a Zoo. Hence the reason i made sure i did all my purchasing on friday.
Overall we had a great time between the show, seminars and swap saturday evening. It's always cool to be at the first show of the year and see the new products that are out for the year. Also meeting and talking to the Vendors promoting there products. |
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Posts: 115
| Good show as usual. Went all three days. Friday is for purchasing the new baits as well as catching up with everyone. Saturday and Sunday is for seminars, hanging out, and picking up a few more baits. I totally enjoyed the show and can't wait until Milwaukee. See you all there. |
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Posts: 115
| One last thing. Gotta see the pool demo in Chicago and the tank demos in Milwaukee. Dying bait fish. Gotta love em... |
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Posts: 238
| Great show! Did anyone see these stunning copper gliders at the show. They are absolutely sweet - the pics don't do justice. http://muskie.outdoorsfirst.com/board/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=55...
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| Great show, great people but not very family friendly. I went saturday. It was impossible to keep my family to gether in the crowds -- intimidating for my kids. They couldn't wait to get there, once there, they couldn't wait to leave. Need to find a better venu. |
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Posts: 3156
| I think the reason it was SO crowded on saturday more then usual is that alot of people that would have come on Friday waited a day so that the roads were better cleared of the snowstorm and overall digout,,I heard saturday was a new one day record 'hundreds past the old record mark' |
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| We went to the Chicago Show on Saturday here's what we thought.
1. It would be nice if it was held in a bigger room because it was very crowded and made it difficult to look at things and walk around.
2. It was really warm in the building and had very poor air movement not to say the least about the Chlorine or pool treatment chemicals smells that filled the stuffy air on top of it.
3. We will not attend if it's held there again.
4. We also heard a lot of people not making any purchases because they refused to pay a 10% Sales Tax and we all agreed to that.
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Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160 | Sat was cazy !!!!! move the boats outside in a heated tent that would open up about 20-30 more booths for vendors and open up the show more, it is not a boat show, it is a musky show. |
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Posts: 7083
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | Not to play the curmudgeon (sp?) but here's a few thoughts:
a. the venue isn't changing. there were LESS vendors there this year (for a number) of reasons, so the idea of them finding a larger space for next year is probably a good idea, but not one that is likely to happen.
b. if you go Saturday mid-day, it's going to be crowded. i was a bit surprised when I too couldn't move through the aisles at a normal clip, but there was never a problem getting INTO any booth.
c. if you want to go and NOT deal with the crowds, then I suggest you go Friday after 6:30PM, Saturday after 4PM, or Sunday after 1PM. During much of that time you could play tackle football in the aisles and not have many people getting in your way.
It's the first show of the year, attendance was up, the show isn't going to change now so it might be a good idea to find times outside of "peak" if you want to not deal with the crowds.
Stinks at times, but it is what it is. |
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Posts: 476
Location: St. John, Indiana | the first few hours on a friday, when i'm always there, are alot less crowded then saturday also |
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Posts: 1916
Location: Greenfield, WI | Slamr, don't try to play the curmudgeon without proper supervision, you might hurt something......
Slamr's recommendations are exactly right especially Sunday afternoon, but Friday night for the last two hours of the day may work the best from the standpoint of availability of all "the goodies" that we go to these show to see, touch, sniff, and buy! |
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