Full Version: Back From Vegas
From: old man (OLDMAN) [#1]
6 Mar 2005
To: ALL
I returned from Vegas late last night. This was my first time to the convention there so I am still unpacking all the GOODIES I received, catalogs and samples. Attended 3 seminars on laser engraving and the best of the lot by far was "laser engraving photographs. It was gived by the guy who made PHOTOGRAV. He put about 10 hours of info into 3 hours.I have spent the last 6 months learning on my own most of what was covered in the class and I am glad that I have learned the way I did as I was now able to glean the fine points to fill some missing areas of my studies. The show floor was a sight not to be missed. Made some GREAT contacts and I have some samples that will be sent as they they didn't have extras there to be handed out. One guy had a line of coated aluminum, not the kind with the thick coating of paint that doesn't take photos well but a new kind of coating. I was interested if it will do my high res. photos and so was the sales guy so samples are on the way if I will report back and let them know how it goes.
I was adopted at the happy hour (Quarks Bar) by the folks at Rowmark (the plastics guys). I asked them what was the proper way to clean the smoke mess off their plastics after laser engraving. LOL. They told be the answer was easy---SOAP AND WATER---I informed them that there was a easier way that I learned from this board----see eariler post on this subject---Lighter fluid. They told me that it will be one of the first things they do when they get home to try.
I never did to get to meet most of the folks at happy hour as the crew at Rowmark had several pretty ladies and THANKS to the guy (black coat ??) who bought all of the drinks for the group.
I can't wait until next year.
From: Patty (PDI) [#2]
6 Mar 2005
To: old man (OLDMAN) [#1] 6 Mar 2005
Nice to meet you at Quarks...you don't look like an old man to me at all.
Refer to 911.2 for the real drink answer.
Patty
PD Images
Tucson, Arizona
From: Cody (BOBTNAILER) [#3]
7 Mar 2005
To: old man (OLDMAN) [#1] 7 Mar 2005
Oldman,
I wish I had gone to the same "Laser Engraved Photographs" class that you did. Obviously, my class (by the same name) was taught by someone else.
My instructor spent more time talking about the history of the .JPG image than he did on the actual subject matter.
He spent about 2-1/2 hours talking about pictures (inputting, cleaning, etc.), then about 15 minutes on PhotoGrav. Please don't misunderstand me - I DID pick up some good info from the first 2-1/2 hours of lecture. However, my weakest point (thus the reason for my attendence in his class) was to learn more about the intricacies of PhotoGrav. Mission NOT accomplished. In fact, he SKIPPED several points in his PhotoGrav lesson because he had not allowed enough time to cover them.
Very disappointing class.
BUT ON THE BRIGHTER SIDE OF THINGS.....
This was our first show, too.
We could have spent two more days on the show floor. NEVER have we been in a warmer, more friendly atmosphere. The exhibitors were very friendly, but generally not overbearing (with one exception).
We'll definitely be going back next year.
Cody
From: Patty (PDI) [#4]
7 Mar 2005
To: Cody (BOBTNAILER) [#3] 9 Mar 2005
Actually both classes were taught by the same gentleman, Bryce Schrock, the developer of PhotoGraV. After the Thursday class, he indicated he would be paring back Part 1 of the presentation. But don't miss a vital part of the equation - the software can only work with the the image it is given. PhotoGraV software itself is actually pretty straight-forward. My experience has been that the "magic" happens when the image has been properly prepared.
Patty
PD Images
Tucson, Arizona
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#5]
7 Mar 2005
To: Cody (BOBTNAILER) [#3] 9 Mar 2005
Cody,
Did you fill out the speaker evaulation form?
Copies go to the speaker, which can help them hone their act.
No news, is bad news.
More input, means better presentations.
David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA
From: old man (OLDMAN) [#6]
7 Mar 2005
To: Cody (BOBTNAILER) [#3] 9 Mar 2005
He said in his program (fridays session) that he underestimated the time it would take to do all three parts. I have spent the last 6 months learning to do laser engraved photos without much input from others. In 3 hours he covered most of what I learned. I wish I could have a one on one with the man for several days. There is no subistute for trying different techniques yourself ! Was his class perfect? NO. Was it the best out there? You bet.
A J Palik
Photon Graphics
From: jbrewer (JEANETTEBREWER) [#7]
8 Mar 2005
To: Cody (BOBTNAILER) [#3] 9 Mar 2005
"The exhibitors were very friendly, but generally not overbearing (with one exception)."
Cody:
Here's hoping we weren't that exception! ;-) Seriously, it was great to see you (and I really enjoyed meeting Janna).
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#8]
8 Mar 2005
To: jbrewer (JEANETTEBREWER) [#7] 8 Mar 2005
Jeanette,
I'm not attempting to embarrass you, but I have to tell these folks how I was witness to a masterfully-executed disarming of a potential bomb.
I was at the Epilog booth, waiting to speak with you, when a couple walked up, clearly not happy with their Epilog machine.
The woman was barely able to contain herself, while her husband, although quiet, was prepared to jump in, if necessary.
With a smile on your face (does it ever leave?) doing more listening, than talking, you slowly, but surely, lowered their tension level, until they were convinced their issue would be dealt with.
You're not a very tall woman and these people were very imposing. That said, it was obvious (in your pleasant way) that you refused to be intimidated.
I wish I had the episode on tape. It would make an excellent training film on how to disarm a potentially explosive situation.
Very impressive :-)
David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA
From: jbrewer (JEANETTEBREWER) [#9]
8 Mar 2005
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#8] 8 Mar 2005
David,
You're too kind. Thank you!
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#10]
8 Mar 2005
To: jbrewer (JEANETTEBREWER) [#9] 8 Mar 2005
Jeanette,
Not too kind - Just very observant :-)
I never did get an opportunity to speak to Roy (Daddy). The guy's a moving target, and when he lands in one place, his attention is in such demand, there's no way to break in.
It's probably easier to get a 1-on-1 with the President of the U.S. :-)
David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA
From: gt350ed [#11]
8 Mar 2005
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#10] 9 Mar 2005
David: All you have to do to get Roy's undivided attention and have him positioned directly in front of you is to say "Roy, I'd like to purchase three 100w Epilog lasers and a couple of Xenetech rotarys".
Of course, you'll have to be fast with your dialogue because less than two minutes later, you will have been turned over to the real brains behind the outfit....in the form of Jeanette Brewer. And what she lacks (not!) in height, is more than made up for in inner and outer beauty. I (and Sharon) can say this with authority now that we have had the pleasure of meeting her at ARA.
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#12]
9 Mar 2005
To: gt350ed [#11] 9 Mar 2005
Ed,
What I like about you, is you always speak the truth :-)
David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA
From: gt350ed [#13]
9 Mar 2005
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#12] 9 Mar 2005
Hey, on another front, what a difference a year makes in this business. A year ago, not knowing much about anything or anyone, we virtually flew through the show floor area and spent a lot of time attending seminars.
This year, knowing lots of people and having gained a little knowledge and with a smidgen of experience, it was all we could do to cover the entire show in 2 1/2 days. We attended NO seminars, spending lots and lots of time talking with suppliers and those we have met in the trade and on the forums, including Jeanette Brewer. It trully was like being in a small community, passing "neighbors" you know as you were out for a "walk".
Of course, the highlight of our trip was the after hours get together with forum folks at Quark's on Thursday evening. Meetng Chuck, Cindy, Patty, Zona, Zona's husband (Steve?), Paul (Bison), Clayton, the Lodas, Mike & Trevor (our guys from Universal), Rich (from Rotech, er, Artainium), the Rowmark folks and others (meaning those I'm forgetting), and seeing David again......was really fun and very worthwhile.
But I still think we can do better than Quark's as a venue for this type of get together. Although it IS convenient to the show area, it is not very conducive to putting tables together and/or just hanging out. On top of it, the staff this year was not very accommodating.
From: UncleSteve [#14]
9 Mar 2005
To: gt350ed [#13] 9 Mar 2005
I am sorry I couldn't attend this year... hopefully next year.
The main question I have is: the home page actually shows FOUR moderators. How many actually went to Vegas?
From: jbrewer (JEANETTEBREWER) [#15]
9 Mar 2005
To: gt350ed [#11] 9 Mar 2005
You guys really turn a girl's head!
It was so nice to meet you, Ed. Looking forward to seeing you same place, same time next year.
EDITED: 9 Mar 2005 by JEANETTEBREWER
From: Dee (DEENA-ONLY) [#16]
9 Mar 2005
To: gt350ed [#13] 9 Mar 2005
Ed,
I agree the staff at Quark's was not as accommodating as 2 years ago and yet it appeared to be many of the same staff. Maybe we need to give them a heads up about a week before we arrive when everyone's plans are firmed up.
Dee
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#17]
9 Mar 2005
To: Dee (DEENA-ONLY) [#16] 9 Mar 2005
Dee,
You bring up a good point. A few years back, Mick Eminger (Cactus Coatings) made reservations for 50 at Quark's. The proviso was, for every person less than the 50-person mark, Mick would be charged $5.00. I don't think we had 50 people.
On top of that, Quark's mandated that Mick put his credit card down, for overall payment, and deal with rounding up payment from the attendees.
You can imagine where that went. Before the night was over, Mick came up hundreds of dollars shy of what he was charged.
Since then, we've just gone in as trade show attendees. Quark's has actually been very accomodating, considering the blindside.
My suggestion, for next year, is to take the party across the street from the Convention Center, to "The Beach" which is adequately set up to handle several private parties.
That would require meeting a minimum dollar amount, but for that one price per attendee, would include food and beverage.
To see the ardent support, from companies such as Rowmark, Epilog, ULS, Tropical Graphics, Newing-Hall, Xenetech, Bison, Premiere, Faro USA (I'm sure I'm missing some) actually brings a tear to my eye (doesn't take much).
There may be a perception that we're anti-supplier, which we're flatly not. The reputable companies who come to the forum realize we won't stand for shenanigans, thereby, they're qualified to be here.
These are the companies who deserve our business.
The "others" will succumb to Darwinism (survival of the fittest) and wither by the wayside.
As it should be.
David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA
EDITED: 9 Mar 2005 by DGL
From: Cody (BOBTNAILER) [#18]
9 Mar 2005
To: jbrewer (JEANETTEBREWER) [#7] 9 Mar 2005
Jeanette - There's a reason why we call you "The One and Only": You are a truly wonderful person. **Cody attempts not to get too mushy.** :)
No, you are never overbearing.
The person I was referring to is Geoff from the Rayzist booth. Another salesperson (Monica) had started giving us a demo of their product on Friday, and this guy (Geoff) just butted right in...telling us about all the equipment he had in Australia. Monica was very gracious about it, but I couldn't help but think she was a bit irritated about the interruption as well. We visited with her on Friday, and then again on Saturday. We'll likely buy some laser resist from her very soon.
Please don't allow these "negative" situations that I've brought up to make you think that our experience at the show was negative. Nothing could be further from the truth!! Simply put, these simple situations were the ONLY "negative" things about our entire trip (well, except for the fact that we left a piece of luggage on a courtesy van in Dallas....but that's another story for another time).
I did fill out a survey sheet after the class, and I pointed out my disappointment with the 3rd segment. That being said, I would expect to be back in that class again next year to glean more information from him...it's clear that he is TRULY an expert in his field.
Cody
From: oneputt (NOUNOES) [#19]
9 Mar 2005
To: ALL
Hi, my name is Phil Noakes and I am the National Sales Manager for Rowmark. I want to thank you for letting me and my associates join your group at Quarks last week. We had a wonderful evening, and Old Man had to put up with our wind down from a day in the booth.
Harvey and Dee made us feel so welcome and everyone was so friendly to us. Thank you.
We offer any and all help we can to your forum, and I will do my best to be here as often as possible.
You are all welcome to come visit us anytime, thanks again for your business and for your support.
Phil
From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#20]
9 Mar 2005
To: UncleSteve [#14] 9 Mar 2005
Steve,
Of the moderators, I was the only one left behind. I won't bore you with the details, but in some of my other Vegas posts I explained way.
I am making plans for 2006 now!
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