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Posts: 1916
Location: Greenfield, WI | Next year the Milwaukee Expo on February 12, 13, & 14th will be moving to a bigger venue at the Washington County Fair Grounds.
It is very near (just North of) to the Cabelas Store.
This year show was excellent with a lot of buying and "BS'ing" going on.
There seemed to be more ladies in attendance who are now muskie fishing than in past years, as well as people who admit to being new or just getting into muskie fishing. It is good to see
What "have to have it" secret baits did you pick up? |
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Posts: 20229
Location: oswego, il | I have never seen as many women at a sport show. Some were off shopping themselves. Was good to see. Hope the new venue works well, this is a great show. 31 miles farther north is what I was told. Is there a mama mia's up there? Hope there is a good Saturday night spot in that area, the motel bar has been a sausage fest the past few years.
Edited by ToddM 2/16/2015 8:29 AM
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Posts: 1220
| I know that site pretty well, have attended several Harley events there, and it's a really nice place to hold events. It's North of Jackson and South of West Bend. From the highway, it appears to be in the middle of nowhere, but I believe most of the folks will likely choose West Bend for hotels, restaurants and bars. There's plenty there, not too far to the North. Pretty much a sure thing there won't be a charge for parking. I think this will prove a winning choice. |
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Posts: 880
Location: New Berlin,Wisconsin,53151 | I guess for the ones traveling and staying over night it's going to work. Didn't stop in at the bar but from what ToddM is talking about has been true with past events, to many sausages and not enough buns. Time will tell on the success of the move I don't know that area but there's some hotels just out of the Milwaukee on HWY45 that offer some entertainment.
Netman |
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Posts: 1037
| I hit my "usuals" when at the Expo.
Monster Lures had another great booth. Got the last of the baby squirkos that I was hoping for. And they tied me up a rabid squirrel that should produce a few fish. But the best thing about them? Knowledge. While hanging around their booth, I asked a few questions about off the beaten path musky waters and was amazed by the information that I got back in return. Very great guys!
Then I stopped by the Llungen Booth to get a few of my old standbys retied. I know it wasn't easy, but they were able to honor my request and get me five custom tied bucktails to match the ones that needed to be retired. Truly above and beyond as far as service as I know he had to cut up a bait or two in order to fulfill my order. Can't thank those guys (and gal) enough!
Then there was Team Rhino. I could feel my credit card wanting to max out at their booth. I controlled the urge, though, but did pick up some great custom colors on proven baits.
Musky Hunter booth was nice, had a great conversation with Steve about where to go for eye/muskies in Canada for a husband/wife trip. Again, got some great information back. Jim S. was there, but he didn't talk to us. Steve H was very engaging.
Just a great show. Really enjoyed my time there. |
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Posts: 32890
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | http://muskie.outdoorsfirst.com/articles/02.15.2015/8070/Muskie.Exp... |
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Posts: 182
| Very nice move. I have been a vendor for a show that uses this facility every year. Nice location. Hopefully I can get over there next year. |
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Posts: 1220
| I know both those guys pretty good, and both are great guys to be with. With Steve it only takes a few minutes to feel like he's been your bud for a long time. With Jim, you get to the same place, but it takes a bit longer. A lot of guys take a while to know, and the quieter ones are mostly worth it. Spend a day or two with Jim in the boat, and you'll feel like you made a life-long friend. Naturally, people who are known and recognized on sight have to get used to all sorts of people with as many agendas and I have no doubt gettting a bit gun-shy is a result. Try him again at the next show, and keep asking questions till he gets friendly. It's worth it! |
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Posts: 20229
Location: oswego, il | I hope the move does not alienate the fib crowd and cause less attendance. I was told the show will encompass two buildings and be alot bigger since there is a waiting list to get in now. The sound of west bend puts an hour extra drive into the minds of us fibs. The reality is 1/2 hour. Having said that, I will support it. It is a great show, run by good people. I don't see any change in it but improvement. |
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Posts: 1901
Location: MN | Waiting list to get in as a vendor? |
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Posts: 197
Location: N Illinois | Coming from Illinois don't know if it will be worth the extra drive. Time will tell. Tried Mama Mia's. Wont be missing that. Had way better in Chicagoland. |
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Posts: 1438
| But Todd, were they single?
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Posts: 150
Location: Appleton, WI | Todd that girl in the lobby that wanted the piggy back rides looked good with the beer goggles on |
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Posts: 351
Location: Vilas County, WI | I'm happy the expo is moving to a larger facility, but not thrilled about going 31 more mile north. For me a little more inconvenient, but it won't stop me from attending. I'm usually there from noon to 4:00 on Saturday which seems to be about the busiest stretch. Some things I was looking for were already sold out.
With the new location I like the addition of 4 seminar rooms and the fact the more boats will be on display. |
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Posts: 1916
Location: Greenfield, WI | When it comes to "sold out items", I've never understood the "I have to make a (supposed) full tour of the show before I buy" claim that many show attendees say is perplexing, besides it seldom is true.
If they see a product at the first booth or second or third booth why wait? In a building with a million distractions that can side track you or worse yet coming back much later to see an empty peg where it was, is a waste.
Edited by Steve Van Lieshout 2/16/2015 9:30 PM
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Posts: 1283
| Its simple for me 15 min from Chicago Expo and hours from Milwaukee. Ill stick with the Chicago show. Unless you can convince me Milwaukee is that much better. |
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Posts: 20229
Location: oswego, il | That girl who wanted the piggy back ride was toasted! Thanks for the drinks, I could not keep track of the rounds, who's turn, were we all ready, at one point there was a round sitting at the bar we didn't even know was up there! |
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Posts: 1726
Location: Mt. Zion, IL | How about a better place for Chicago? It was a very poor setup on the outside of a hockey rink. If that is the best that can be done, I'll just stay home and buy from Rollie and Helens show... |
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Posts: 574
Location: Elk Grove Village, IL & Phillips, WI | X2 on the new location for Chicago! I didn't like being in the hallways. |
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Posts: 241
| Cabelas, a major sponsor, is just down the road. My guess is there was some influence there. 1/2 hour CLOSER for those coming in from the north don't forget.
Plenty of places to stay and play in West Bend - I think you'll be pleased. Just sayin'
Backdraft |
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Posts: 3149
| Does this mean that the show hotel will probably change in milwaukee ??? Of all the shows in different citys/towns I've been to that was the best hotel,,big,nice open recreation area,rooms were good,swapmeet was there, restaurant had a Saturday prime rib special and the bar was over priced but fun. I Wil miss that place.
Edited by happy hooker 2/18/2015 9:00 AM
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Posts: 1283
| I like the new Chicago venue more then Harper. Just seemed more exciting to me. |
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Posts: 351
Location: Vilas County, WI | Steve Van Lieshout - 2/16/2015 9:28 PM
When it comes to "sold out items", I've never understood the "I have to make a (supposed) full tour of the show before I buy" claim that many show attendees say is perplexing, besides it seldom is true.
If they see a product at the first booth or second or third booth why wait? In a building with a million distractions that can side track you or worse yet coming back much later to see an empty peg where it was, is a waste.
The items I wanted were booth/brand specific. Couldn't get them anywhere else. I saw some empty displays and knew I was too late. One booth sold out Friday; another item I was told was gone by 10 AM Saturday. I'd hate to see what some booths look like Sunday...
I'm glad your booth was well stocked! Picked up 3 baits from you. |
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Posts: 1916
Location: Greenfield, WI | "The Show" thanks for your support.
My point is that some have a lost opportunity unnecessarily whether it is ours or someone else' products.
Every year Slammer Crankbaits generates that year's custom colors for the Milwaukee Show. Those colors will likely not be available from any retail outlet.
It is nice throwing colors that nobody else likely has. |
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