After having talked with Ed I think that Magic's idea is the way to go. My take-away from my conversation with Ed is that for vendors like Exotics, Classic Nib, Arizona Silhouette, etc. the $100 fee is not the issue. Exotics will be paying $300.00 this July to set up at Turn on Chicago and won't think twice about it. For Ed, it is a matter of what customers can be gained and what relationships can be built. To close down Exotics for a weekend, select product to bring and estimate how much of that product you will need, travel, set-up, tear down, travel and then play catch up is a hardship. They are willing to make that sacrifice for a crowds of several thousand people, most of whom may have never heard of Exotic Blanks. It's a chance to interest bowl turners in penturning and grow Exotic's customer base. At the MPG we are talking about 100 people, most of whom are already customers of Exotics. Then there is the minimal profit to be realized (I won't get into that). Bottom line, Is there an advantage to Exotics for being there? No. Ed says they haven't ruled it out but there is a stronger chance that they will attend as Ed and Dawn, not Exotic Blanks.
Couple what Ed told me with what Rich told me and it seems more ligical to go after smaller vendors. To make it more attractive to the smaller vendor we would have to eliminate the vendor registration fee. If a larger vendor comes and sets up, fine. That may be an incentive for more people to attend.
I think we should waive the registration fee, require a door prize and do some raffles (Magic's suggestion) I will still contact larger vendors but I will especially seek out the smaller vendors, blank makers, etc.