Just a quick note to tip my hat to the people from Pac-West and the NFDA. I just returned from the table top show in Long Beach. Due to some personal obligations I could not stay for the entire conference but I was very impressed with the parts I did attend. Local and regional shows are very valuable as you really do get an opportunity to have more in depth conversations than you are sometimes able to have at a national show. I am absolutely a fan of the Vegas Show and value it greatly. But the regional shows just lend themselves to more one-on-one time that I sometimes cannot get at Vegas.
I traveled in from Ohio and was not sure how many east coasters I would see out in CA. There were plenty. The table top was very well attended and there was a wide range of attendees including many local distributors from Southern California. But there were a lot of distributors from other parts of the country including Minnesota, Ohio, Colorado, Florida and others. Perhaps it was because the NFDA was involved and it is a national association and pulls in people from throughout the country. Whatever the reason, the show was well attended and very well run. Great job.
Good Sunday to you Sir,
First off, what a great photo you shared above, a well representation of the Midwest contingent. I too was happy to see so many friends from across the country. One can get exactly what they put into the conferences. I was able to speak to many vendors last week to source 4 items that were currently causing me anxiety. To those that provided me sourcing suggestions or will send me a quote on Monday, I thank you. We are learning from each other with each passing day and I appreciate the opportunity my employer provides me to attend these meetings.
To the vendors that I have known thru the name of the company or hearing on FTR but never had the opportunity to meet, such as Heidi Volltrauer from VIP, thanks for your kindness and the gift. Learning more about Spring Bolt and the heating treatment of bolts from my favorite Leprechaun Baron Yarborough (nice jig) great having dinner with you friend.
As always seeing Brian, Lynn and Eric from FTR, Mister GQ Robert Baer, Johnny Reno, Marty Nolan, Rich Long and Straight Cavoto, Bryon Diller, Brett and Danielle Peddie and the entire stainless crew and so many others. I felt Annie Marie Houghtailing was the most informative speaker any trade show could invite to speak. I have heard her twice and appreciate her contributions.For those employers that are questioning if they should send their personnel to the association meetings I suggest you allow it or just visit for yourself to see what can be learned.
I will get off my soapbox and stop taking so much of your blog, thanks TS.
Hopefully, will be able to attend future meetings. Thanks for the updates.