Here we go gang!

If you've regretted not being part of the two previous Coast Graphic Supply Subli-Q's, you'll want to mark the date of July 31, 2004 on your calendar.

That's right. The 3rd Annual Subli-Q will be held at:

Coast Graphic Supply
4721 Market St.
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 642-5585

What's in store?

For starters, your affable Stunt Engraver (that would be me :-) will do an updated rendition of my popular "Sublimated Award Plaque" presentation. I'll share samples of my work, along with the strategies that have enabled me to leave the competiton parked at the starting line :-)

Jim Cagnina always manages to surprise us with something new and exciting. I expect this year to be no different.

What's really been amazing, is the collective brainstorming and networking that takes place.

Oh, I almost forgot about the good stuff.

A traditional Santa Maria BBQ, which consists of succulent slices of Tri-Tip steak, pinquito beans, salad and garlic bread is just the first layer of culinary delight.

Last year, the Carolinan BBG pork sandwiches were a BIG hit! I had to eat a couple, just to make sure they were fit for my fellow sublimators :-)

If you plan to be in the SoCal area, at the end of July, or if you live in SoCal, and simply want to beat the heat of the (hot) inland valleys, make tracks to the seaside town of Ventura. It's a resort destination which offers boating, swimming, fishing, diving, scenic drives and golf.

Speaking of golf, if any of the hackers in the crowd (I'm one:-) want to show up a day early, I'll line up a round of golf on Friday the 30th. I need the practice :-)

All aboard! As usual, I'll be first on the list :-)

Here's who you can look forward to meeting at the 3rd Annual CGS Subli-Q:

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri (DGL Engraving)
Jim Cagnina & Esther Goodman (CGS)

Next?

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA

With Ed Holley and his family showing up, that first Tri-Tip is already gone :-)

Here's who you can look forward to meeting at the 3rd Annual CGS Subli-Q:

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri (DGL Engraving)
Jim Cagnina & Esther Goodman (CGS)
Ed, Sharon and (maybe) William Holley (Victor Valley Trophy Co.)

Next?

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA

Although this thread has been inactive, don't, for a minute, think the Coast Graphic Supply event is off.

Quite contrary. Besides the few people listed, a fair amount of CGS customers have been invited and the turnout seems to get better every year.

As advertised, I'll be showing more examples of sublimated plaques, but the real point I want to drive home, is the importance of basic metal fabrication equipment.

Many people get into sublimation because of the low startup costs. That's a good incentive, but if you include approx. $600 for basic metal fabrication equipment, as part of those costs, you'll set yourself apart from the "average" sublimator.

Meet us at the 3rd Annual Subli-Q and I'll provide you with tangible examples of how to set yourself apart from the crowd, while making your scrap metal pile disappear like time-lapsed photography of ants eating a dead lizard :-)

I apologize for that word-picture in advance :-)

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA

We have a couple more people who will be joining us.

I don't know what the weather is like in your town, but the SoCal coast has been wonderful. The June gloom is gone and with temps in the inland valleys hitting the triple-digit mark, the coast is in the mid-70's.

Don't take my word for it. Come and see for yourself :-)

Here's who we have so far:

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri (DGL Engraving)
Jim Cagnina & Esther Goodman (CGS)
Ed, Sharon and (possibly) William Holley (Victor Valley Trophy Co.)
Dan & Gloria (Traveling Stiches)
Grandma Bonnie
Larry Cohn

Next?

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA
www.engravingetc.org

Oooof! Hold on a minute. I'll be right with you.

I have to loosen my belt a notch (or two:-)

OK, that's better.

Well, the sun has set on another fantastic CGS Subli-Q event. If anyone went hungry, it was their own fault.

We saw some new faces, along with some of our old friends. You know me - I can't get enough of meeting fellow sublimators and I wasn't disappointed. Great folks!

On the education side, Jim showed us a combination embossing machine/heat press. It's air-operated and uses a magnesium die to create the image. Remove the die, add a pad to the bottom platen and you have a pneumatic heat press. All for less than $3K!

The new-generation of Premiere glass tiles was on display and as much as I felt they weren't ready for primetime (original generation) it seems they've gotten their problems under control. Very nice tiles.

As promised, I showed samples of sublimated award plaques, demoed the Main Trophy Supply 3-in-1 Maxi Press and showed samples products created with the aid of metal fabrication equipment. Some items were epoxy domed, which created a lot of interest.

After the food fest, we went back inside and had, what amounted to, a "DSSI Live." By that, I mean, we went around the room and people introduced themselves, explained what kind of business they're in and what they're looking to get into. The more experienced, shared marketing advice and sage words of wisdom, based on their personal experiences.

Jim told me that's usually the way their "Learning Center" classes begin, so that the class can be geared toward who's in attendance. Makes sense.

I'm sure the other over-fed people will weigh in with their thoughts. (No pun intended:-)

A hearty thanks to Jim Cagnina, Esther Goodman and the entire Coast Graphic Supply crew.

Great food. Great people. Great information and a great time.

I'm looking forward to the 4th Annual Coast Graphic Supply Subli-Q. :-)

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA