RogerGarrett
Member
Ok - so.....
I drove down to Louisville on Wedensday - and stayed with my friend from college. I then went and registered for the symposium/conference, and attempted to attend the events.
Folks - it was a mess. There were over 1800 people at this event, and they only expected 1000. The result? Unless you arrived 20 minutes prior to each event/demonstration - you couldn't get a seat, and 10 people blocked the doorway to the room. In other words - you couldn't see the demo, you couldn't get in a position to see the screen (projected from the cameras), and you couldn't hear the demonstrator.
I had to leave today - a day early - and ask for a refund of Friday/Saturday - due to inability to actually be physically admitted to any events I paid for. The events were great - I just couldn't attend them!
On the postive side -
The board member who spoke with me promised to refund the money and explained that they had over 800 people beyond what they anticipated. This was due primarily to the central location and the fact that people could drive to the event - on a whim. Also, it is the 20th anniversary of the AAW, so they had more people show.
The demos I saw were well run and helpful - if not poorly displayed by the camera work - by people who had no clue what they were doing. The exhibits were stunning, and the vendors and demos were great! I had a wonderful time. I am now a bonefied member of AAW - and have no idea what that means.
There was some maginificent wood at this show - some of it for fairly cheap compared to what you are used to. I also purchased an off-set lathe too rest - quite nice, and some buffing compounds. Got a few pen blanks from CSUSA - 10% off - and everything else was 10-20% off with free shipping if not in stock.
Saw Rich (Low_48) - who was introducing IAP members and others - as well as showing off pens. Didn't stick around for my turn!
Best,
Roger Garrett
I drove down to Louisville on Wedensday - and stayed with my friend from college. I then went and registered for the symposium/conference, and attempted to attend the events.
Folks - it was a mess. There were over 1800 people at this event, and they only expected 1000. The result? Unless you arrived 20 minutes prior to each event/demonstration - you couldn't get a seat, and 10 people blocked the doorway to the room. In other words - you couldn't see the demo, you couldn't get in a position to see the screen (projected from the cameras), and you couldn't hear the demonstrator.
I had to leave today - a day early - and ask for a refund of Friday/Saturday - due to inability to actually be physically admitted to any events I paid for. The events were great - I just couldn't attend them!
On the postive side -
The board member who spoke with me promised to refund the money and explained that they had over 800 people beyond what they anticipated. This was due primarily to the central location and the fact that people could drive to the event - on a whim. Also, it is the 20th anniversary of the AAW, so they had more people show.
The demos I saw were well run and helpful - if not poorly displayed by the camera work - by people who had no clue what they were doing. The exhibits were stunning, and the vendors and demos were great! I had a wonderful time. I am now a bonefied member of AAW - and have no idea what that means.
There was some maginificent wood at this show - some of it for fairly cheap compared to what you are used to. I also purchased an off-set lathe too rest - quite nice, and some buffing compounds. Got a few pen blanks from CSUSA - 10% off - and everything else was 10-20% off with free shipping if not in stock.
Saw Rich (Low_48) - who was introducing IAP members and others - as well as showing off pens. Didn't stick around for my turn!
Best,
Roger Garrett