Totally Turning 2022

[hockenbery]

Symposium was fun.
Smaller than usual.
And what has been said about the vendor space is true....just a few. That is a big loss for the show.

The big vendor shows may be a thing of the past.

Vendors that used to take 6-8 booth spaces at the AAW dropped out a couple years ago

The cost benefit for companies to ship inventory, set up, and staff a booth has too much overhead to compete with internet sales. The number of new customers doesn’t offset the extra expense.

 

[egsiegel]

The big vendor shows may be a thing of the past.

Vendors that used to take 6-8 booth spaces at the AAW dropped out a couple years ago

The cost benefit for companies to ship inventory, set up, and staff a booth has too much overhead to compete with internet sales. The number of new customers doesn’t offset the extra expense.

Al,
I agree and understand.
It is sad though....especially with the availability of information on YouTube, I have always found that the best part of attending the shows was the vendor area. Hands on introduction to new products and face-to-face conversations with the vendors is more interesting to me than many of the actual sessions.
This weekend at Totally Turning, I saw may excellent demos...but honestly....I've seen them (in some form) before). Of course, I learned a few things, and picked up some tips that I will use....but I would hard pressed to say a saw something REALLY new. (having said that, I will attend again)
Loved seeing some old friends...made a couple of new friends.
I honestly miss the big (for a small show) vendor area and having to explain to my wife why I absolutely NEED to have all then new things I bought...when I said I didn't need anything before I left.

 

[Mark Jundanian]

I agree. The vendor area is big part of my symposium experience. And a lot of the merchandise I have bought in the past I have purchased because I could see it and handle it.

 

[Rip Littig]

Agreed on the symposium being fun. I'm absolutely glad I went. Not to heap on the Stuart Batty love but he really is a great presenter. Excellent demos and keeps them interesting with stories, jokes, etc. Personally I'd rather see a higher symposium fee to bring in other professional turners and allow easier access to food and drink but this is a very debatable subject. The Wood Turners Wonders booth was outstanding and I enjoyed visiting several other vendors. Live and in person is certainly motivating.