We knew why we were there...to conduct business. If I want to get drunk, I will. If I want to go on vacation, I will. If I want to see old friends, I will. But, I don't have to line AVNs pockets to do it.

JimStock?

|couch|

I've only done the Vegas show once but I've done all the Hollywood shows and the one that was at the Fountain Blue Hilton before the Diplomat was built.

Just my humble opinion but I found that the Vega's show unlike the Florida shows is terrible for doing business or even finding anyone.

shhhhhhhhhhhhhh

DR B things are good. Trying to take care of the wife she has her ups and downs mostly up though |buddy|

Wish we could be in Vegas but not this year. So have a drink on me. |cheers|

hhhhmmmm Sounds more like spending money and losing a weeks worth of work.

See. the Vegas show, to me anyway, is worth it - I love Vegas. And, seeing as The Bitch & I have a gambling problem, we just book thru the hotel & then end up getting most, if not all the room charges & meals comp'd. (I spent a week at the Tropicana & my bill when I checks out was $47 - LOL)

Then you throw in that there are a lot of people that I know & do business with & are friends of mine that are also in Vegas at the same time - and it's nice to hang with everyone.

Sure, the convention pass is $170 but if you go to enough parties, drink & eat for free at the ones that let you, that almost pays for itself.

And I don't really have anything against Rose Travel, as they do (or did) have cheaper rates than what was posted on the hotel's website - but rooms don't get comp'd if you book thru a travel agent & I learned that the hard way.

I usually do get some business done at these things & I try to at least hook up with those that help me or advertise ont he board & whatnot - if at the very least, just to say HI!

I'll be there on the 3rd with bells on :D

We will be there the 3rd as well, quite early in the morning (10am).

I enjoyed last years show, I met more people last year for the first time (everyone from the board) and it was a great show and got a ton of information. I think the hardest thing to do is realize how much you benefit throughout the year from the one show. I think the price is steep as well since I only spent a couple hours on the show floor last year, but it was definitely worth the money for the knowledge and friendships that started at the last show.

I look forward to seeing everyone again this year. Not sure its gonna be the same though, not sitting around the round bar talking about smuggling bacon.

For a lowly fucker like myself, I can't see tossing out all that dough for Vegas. I don't have any business to do, that I know of anyway :D. The only reason I would go would be to relax and meet the folks I see on the boards. So, when GG&J organize the GreenGuy&Jimapalooza in upstate NY, I'll be more than happy to attend, but for now I shall abstain. (unless some sponsor insists on paying my way, of course:D)

I thought the same thing the first year, but each year I have met tons of people and it has proved to be worth it to go. Like I said cost of the show floor tickets is high, but the rest of the money is definitely worth it.

Greenguy has got a good point. Overall with all the free stuff you eat and drink you get your money back. For me now meeting up friends is the best. I make a few deals here and there to make the trip worth it usually.

The problem is there is no need to be charging this much money for the show and for rooms. Seriously, do the rooms come with hookers for $300? |jester|

Useless Warrior & others, it is worth going.

Here's my experience:
Last year while enjoying a few drinks late one night I met a guy via a friend that runs a large TGP. We chatted and he asked if I do TGP. I said yes and that I have accounts at a lot of other top sites. He gave me his email and when I got home he set me up and to this day still lists my galleries. That's just one example.

Going to a show is a fantastic way to meet people and get your name out there for better listings, traffic or trades depending on what it is you do in this biz.

Well said Greenguy and Ramster :)

The networking is about the only reason that I go to the shows. That and it is fun seeing people face to face again each show.

If I wasn't in the middle of a major home remodeling project I would probably go.

I also really dislike Vegas so I'm not all that motivated to go. Vegas is great if you have never seen it or if you enjoy what it has to offer. My problem is I don't drink, gamble, or smoke and I already live in a tourist town with 24/7 bars and gambling so for me getting away for some fun is going to the country and hiking or something.

Everyone should try to go to at least one show a year. It will make a difference in how much traffic you have and how much you make.

On that note I'll be seeing all of you in Hollywood Florida next year. :D